Swallowtail Butterflies
Swallowtail butterflies are in the Papilionidae family.
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The Parnassians are a wide ranging species found over much of the northern hemisphere. They also share some physical characteristics. The majority are a white color with black and/or red markings. Their wings are semi-translucent and the are often tailless. The picture on the left depicts a clodius parnassian.
Swallowtail butterflies are generally the largest species present in any given location. The are known for the long tails at the bottom of their wings. The tails are long and thin like the antennae, providing them a defensive mechanism against predators such as birds and lizards.
Most swallowtail butterflies can be categorized as patrollers. The males patrol a specific territory in search of mates. When you are out walking you will often see them fly past you. That habit often makes them a difficult photography subject. If you are patient, they do occasionally land on flowers. Most species are also puddlers. They will congregate in shallow water along the road or in wetlands in order to drink water. They are actually seeking the salt and minerals in the water, more than the liquid.
Many different swallowtail butterfly species are found in the United States. Most have a limited geographical range.
The Zebra Swallowtail in the picture on the left is predominantly an East Coast resident with limited populations west of the Mississippi River.
One look at the picture provides a good explanation for their name. They have black and white stripes on the wings, with a red spot on the bottom of the wings.
Zebra Swallowtails are water related butterflies, living in and around wetlands, streams and rivers. Depending on their geographical location, you can find one almost year round in their range.
The Anise Swallowtail in the picture on the left is an example of a West Coast swallowtail.
It is not often found east of the Rocky Mountain region and the desert Southwest.
Since the caterpillar feeds on parsley plants, you can find them at most higher elevations that host the plants.
© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels