Butterflies

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

Eurytides marcellus (Zebra Swallowtail)

Zebra Swallowtail individuals look slightly different from one another, depending on whether they emerged in early spring, late spring, or summer. The wingspan of this species ranges from 3 to 4 inches. The summer generation has the largest adults; spring specimens are usually smaller and lighter. As the name zebra implies, these butterflies have black and white stripes. Another prominent characteristic is their very long tails. There is a pair of red spots on the upper side of the hindwings, and on the undersides is a red stripe between two black stripes.

This species lives in wooded areas where pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) grow, which is generally in southern Illinois. Adults can also be found feeding on flower nectar in open areas. The females lay their eggs on the underside of pawpaw leaves, which the larvae eat. They overwinter as pupae.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashett
Accession #:

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

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