Giant Swallowtail
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Papilionidae Genus: Papilio Species: P. cresphontes
Binomial name
Papilio cresphontes

The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) is a swallowtail butterfly common in various parts of North America, particularly the south and east. With a wingspan of about 10-16 cm^[1] , it is the largest butterfly in the United States.

Larva

Giant Swallowtail caterpillars feed primarily on citrus plants, prickly ash, and hoptrees. They are known as Orange Dogs to citrus farmers because of their destructive capabilities.

The caterpillar has two effective adaptations for defense against birds. The first is a reddish osmeterium that is extended when the insect is provoked, releasing foul-smelling pheromones thought to deter birds. The larva are also camouflaged to resemble bird droppings.

Adult

The adults' wings are black, with two striking yellow stripes across the forewings and hindwings.

Giant Swallowtails feed on the nectar of a variety of flowers, but are known to enjoy azalea, bougainvilla, goldenrod, Japanese honeysuckle, and milkweed ^[2].

Images

Giant swallowtail larva on lemon leaf.

Larva showing defensive behavior.

References

1. ^ Giant Swallowtail. (2006). In Butterflies and Moths of North America. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1366
2. ^ Giant Swallowtail. (2006-2007). In Featured Creatures. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/citrus/GiantSwallowtail.htm

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