Zebra Swallowtail

Eurytides marcellus

The Zebra Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with black and white stripes. It flutters gracefully around gardens and forests, making it a delightful sight for everyone!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Zebra Swallowtail has striking creamy-white to pale greenish wings adorned with bold black stripes, resembling a zebra. Its hindwings feature distinctive long, slender tails and small patches of blue and red, making it easily recognizable among butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusProtographium

Zebra Swallowtail

Interesting facts

Baby zebra swallowtails (caterpillars) can be green or striped, completely changing their look!

Its stripes aren't just for show; they help it blend into dappled sunlight!

Summer Zebra Swallowtails often have shorter tails than those born in the spring!

They are fantastic 'pollen taxis,' helping many wildflowers grow by carrying pollen!

Special abilities

Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars have a super defense shield because eating pawpaw leaves makes them taste bad to predators.

Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars are picky, munching only on pawpaw leaves, giving them a unique, specialized food source.

Zebra Swallowtail can zip through the air with quick, darting movements that help them swiftly escape from predators.

Zebra Swallowtail has long, elegant tails that might trick predators into attacking the wrong part, helping them escape.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 60-100 mm
Size: 45-65 mm
Lifespan: 10-14 days
Flight Speed: 15-30 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their caterpillars are picky eaters, only munching on pawpaw leaves!

Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat pawpaw leaves, but adult butterflies only drink nectar.

Primary Foods

pawpaw leaves
nectar
red clover
milkweed
lilac

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Its caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of this tree.

pollinates

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Adult butterflies visit its flowers for nectar, helping pollination.

pollinates

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Nectar from this flower provides essential energy for adults.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Butterflies and caterpillars are a food source for this bird.

Traits

Striped

Look for animals and plants with cool lines and bands, creating eye-catching patterns!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.