Pawpaw-dependent
Guides
Eurytides marcellus
Zebra Swallowtail
Eurytides marcellus, commonly known as the zebra swallowtail, is a striking swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. It is immediately recognizable by its distinctive black-and-white longitudinal stripes, triangular wings, and long swordlike tails. The species exhibits strong ecological dependence on pawpaw trees (Asimina spp.), which serve as the exclusive larval host plants. Two seasonal forms occur: spring forms are smaller with shorter tails and more white coloration, while summer forms are larger with broader black stripes and longer tails. The zebra swallowtail is the official state butterfly of Tennessee and has been documented as far north as southern Canada, with recent range expansions facilitated by pawpaw plantings.