(Papilio zelicaon)
Swallowtails
Appearance: Mainly black above with broad yellow central band tapering in width from wing bases to wing tips. The trailing edges on both wings show a single row of flattened yellow spots and yellow-orange eyespot near tail with round black center that is not connected to hindwing margin. The underside of the forewing and hindwing is mostly yellow with a blue band near outer edge.
Wingspan: Large; 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches.
Habitat: Mountains, hilltops, forests, meadows, and gardens; very adaptable to wide variations in altitude from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet; plains, foothills, montane.
Flight Times: March to August; one to two broods.
Larval Foodplant: Many species in the parsley family (e.g. cow parsnip, giant angelica, dill, fennel, and mountain parsley) and some in the citrus family.
Did You Know…
”This common butterfly possesses one of the broadest ecological amplitudes of any of our butterflies, meaning it is capable of prospering in a remarkable array of places and conditions” (Pyle, 2002). They are active hill toppers and overwinter as chrysalis.
