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Life Cycle of Butterflies

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Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)

This remarkable butterfly resembles a long tailed kite. Its flying is dramatic and a wonderful sight to see. The velvety red stripes on the hind wings surrounded by yellow and black give away its identity. They enjoy swampy areas to breed and lay eggs, while they enjoy the open fields and brushy areas to feed on nectar. There are two to three broods per year, the spring brood being the smallest and one of the first butterflies appearing in the spring. Compared to other swallowtail butterflies, their proboscis is much shorter, so they are attracted to blooms that are shorter and flatter instead of the long tubed shaped flowers. This butterfly is an amazing treat to have in a butterfly garden.

Family: Swallowtail (Papilionidae)

Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)

Average Wingspan: 2 1/2" - 4"

Habitat: Swampy areas, fields, brushy areas

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Butterfly Bush, Butterfly Milkweed, Cosmos, Common Milkweed, Tall Verbena, Zinnia
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Pawpaw

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Opened wing - Fred Miller
Closed wing - Fred Miller
Egg - Fred Miller
Caterpillar - Fred Miller