Giant Swallowtail
Papilio cresphontes
Photo by Priti Solanki from Pixabay
Summary
One of the largest butterflies in Pennsylvania, the giant swallowtail is a strong and swift flier, feeding on the nectar of plants such as goldenrod and milkweed. Caterpillars feed on prickly ash and hop trees. These larvae have a unique coloration of white blotches on a black background that resemble bird droppings. Like other swallowtails, they also have a chemical defense: a Y-shaped gland called the osmeterium tucked into the back of the head, which repels predators with its strong odor.
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FAMILY
Papilionidae (Swallowtails)
IDENTIFICATION
Average Wingspan: Males range from 5.8-7.4 in, and females from 5.5-6.9 in. Easy to identify by very large wingspan and the distinctive black and yellow patterns on its wings when opened.
HABITAT
Prefers open areas such as fields, clearings in woodlands, gardens, etc.
LIFE CYCLE
Its larval stages, feature a black and brown body adorned with a saddle pattern. This unique coloring mimics bird droppings, a clever disguise against predators. Two broods, overwinters as a chrysalis.
HOST PLANTS
In Pennsylvania, the main hostplants are the hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) and common prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), as well as members of the citrus or rue family (Rutaceae).
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on leaves, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbances in the environment, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.
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