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Giant Swallowtail
Giant Swallowtail
Scientific Name
Scientific Name
(Papilio cresphontes)
(Papilio cresphontes)
The Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes is a large butterfly in the Papilionidae family. They are easily identified by their bold yellow markings that contrast the black upperside; the underside is majority. This species ranges from southern Canada and New England, west across the northern Great Lake states, southward to Mexico, and Central and South America (1). In Maryland, they are found in many counties, but most often occur in Montgomery and Frederick. They are state rare with a rank of S2 (2).
Identification
Identification
The average male wingspan is 5 ½ inches and the average female wingspan is 5 ¾ inches (1). Both males and females have a black upperside with yellow diagonal bands across their forewings. Near the apex of the forewing, an “x” is formed from the crossing of the two yellow bands. They have a distinctive spoon shaped tail that is bordered in black and filled yellow (2). Their underside is mostly pale yellow with black veins and borders (1, 2).
The larvae are mottled brown with a cream to white colored saddle in the middle and top of the rear end. They often resemble bird feces (3).
Life Cycle
Life Cycle
Females lay their eggs singly on twigs and larval host plants (4) including, the Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) and the Common Pricklyash (Zanthoxylum americanum) (2). Once the eggs hatch, a dark brown caterpillar with cream spots emerges and feeds on the leaves and young shoots. The chrysalis is light brown with spots of green and resembles a twig. They overwinter in their chrysalis form (4). In Maryland, the Giant Swallowtail has two flight periods from May to June and late July to August.
Habitat
Habitat
The Giant Swallowtail is found in woods, gardens, and fields with their preferred nectaring plants, milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) (5). Adults will also sip mud, and juices from manure (3).
Milkweed fieldPhoto by Bill Hubick. Maryland Biodiversity Project
Distribution in Maryland
Distribution in Maryland
Data from Maryland Biodiversity Project. Includes historical records and may overrepresent the current range of the species.
Larval Host Plants:
Larval Host Plants:
References
References
- University of Florida. 2020. Department of Entomology, Featured creatures, Carolina satyr. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/citrus/giantswallowtail.htm Last accessed 10 July 2020.
- Maryland Biodiversity Project. Giant Swallowtail Heraclides cresphontes Cramer, 1777. https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=490. Last accessed 10 July 2020.
- Scott, J. A. 1986. Butterflies of North America, A natural history and field guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. Pp. 583.
- Butterflies and Moths of North America. 2020. Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes Cramer, 1777. https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-cresphontes. Last accessed 10 July 2020.
- Davis, L. and R. Smith. 2014. Butterflies of Maryland: A Biological Checklist. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Division. https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/butterfliesofmaryland_biological-summary_checklist.pdf
© 2020 Price Lab for Entomology, Courtney Rogall
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