Zebra Swallowtail
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
26
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
Ability
Chemical Defense Shield
Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars have a super defense shield because eating pawpaw leaves makes them taste bad to predators.
Ability
Specialized Eater
Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars are picky, munching only on pawpaw leaves, giving them a unique, specialized food source.
Ability
Darting Flight
Zebra Swallowtail can zip through the air with quick, darting movements that help them swiftly escape from predators.
Ability
Misleading Tails
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
Watch
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
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Eastern Zebra SwallowtailWestern Zebra Swallowtail
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are safe to watch, but remember not to touch them as they are delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zebra Swallowtail's wingspan?
60-100 mm
How big is Zebra Swallowtail?
45-65 mm
How long does Zebra Swallowtail live?
10-14 days
How fast can Zebra Swallowtail fly?
15-30 km/h
What does Zebra Swallowtail eat?
Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while their caterpillars are picky eaters, only munching on pawpaw leaves!
Where is Zebra Swallowtail usually found?
Forests
How does Zebra Swallowtail hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Zebra Swallowtail have?
6
Snap Map
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