ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Zebra Swallowtail

 Zebra Swallowtail


This butterfly was named because of its zebra-striped wing pattern.
 

Zebra Swallowtail
Eurytides marcellus

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May, June, and August

• Wings: 2.2 - 4.0 inches
Description
This species has a zebra-striped wing pattern and it has the longest tails of any Ohio butterfly. Several seasonal forms have been named. The spring form, "marcellus" is smaller, with shorter tails, and is whiter than late spring or summer forms which have more black and longer tails.

Habitat and Habits
The zebra swallowtail is a woodland species. It is usually found in river bottoms where the food plant, pawpaw abounds. It is most likely found in all counties, but is much more common in the southern part of the state.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Males patrol favored flightways during the warmest part of the day looking for females, and will often fly uphill to locate a mate. This hill-topping behavior is favored by many species of swallowtails. They are also fond of mud puddles. Two or three broods (generations) of zebra swallowtails are produced annually.