Zebra Swallowtail
Scientific Name: Protographium marcellus
Category: insect
Brief Description
A distinctive swallowtail butterfly with long tails and black-and-white striped wings reminiscent of a zebra.
Characteristics
Features triangular wings with dramatic black and greenish-white longitudinal stripes. The hindwings possess exceptionally long, thin tails and a small red spot near the body.
Habitat
Found in moist lowlands, river valleys, and woodlands, specifically near its host plant, the Pawpaw tree.
When to Find It
Observed throughout the spring and summer; spring broods are often smaller and lighter in color than summer broods.
Conservation Status
Common in most of its range, though dependent on the availability of Pawpaw thickets.
Ecological Role
Acts as a pollinator for various flowering plants and is uniquely dependent on the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) as its sole caterpillar host plant.
Easily Confused With
Often confused with the Pale Swallowtail, but the Zebra Swallowtail is distinguished by its much longer tails and distinct wing shape.
Observation Tips
Look for them near Pawpaw trees in wooded areas. They are fast flyers and often hover close to the ground.
Interesting Facts
The Zebra Swallowtail's caterpillars eat the leaves of the Pawpaw tree, which contain acetogenins that make the larvae and resulting butterflies unpalatable to birds and other predators.