Swallowtail
Guides
Battus polydamas lucayus
Florida Polydamas Swallowtail, Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim, Tailless Swallowtail
A tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by gold-rimmed black wings with red spots. Larvae feed exclusively on pipevine plants (Aristolochia) and sequester toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense, rendering both caterpillars and adults unpalatable to vertebrate predators. Adults exhibit slow, weak flight and are active pollinators.
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.
Eurytides philolaus
Dark Kite-Swallowtail, Dark Zebra Swallowtail
Eurytides philolaus is a swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae, ranging from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. It is characterized by dark wings with reduced pale green markings compared to related species. Adults frequent low-lying areas near rivers, often gathering in groups on sandy banks. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism and female polymorphism, with one form resembling the male and a darker melanistic form.
Heraclides
New World Giant Swallowtails and Allies
Heraclides is a genus of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) native to the Americas, commonly referred to as the New World Giant Swallowtails and Allies. These are large, conspicuous butterflies often with bold black and yellow or black and green coloration. The genus includes species formerly classified under Papilio subgenus Heraclides, now generally treated as a distinct genus based on morphological and molecular evidence. Members are known for their strong flight and association with citrus and related host plants.
Heraclides pallas
Broad-banded Swallowtail
Heraclides pallas, commonly known as the Broad-banded Swallowtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It belongs to the genus Heraclides, which includes several swallowtail species found in the Americas. The species is recognized by GBIF and iNaturalist, with 201 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Leptocircini
Kite Swallowtails, Swordtails, and Jays
Leptocircini is a tribe of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) comprising approximately 162 species across nine genera. The group includes the kite swallowtails (Eurytides), swordtails (Graphium), and dragontails (Lamproptera). This tribe represents roughly 25% of global swallowtail diversity and is distributed throughout the tropics of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Recent phylogenomic studies have clarified previously unresolved relationships within the tribe, leading to significant taxonomic revisions including the synonymization of several genera and subgenera.
Papilio
Common Swallowtails
Papilio is a large genus of swallowtail butterflies containing approximately 200 species, representing the sole genus in the tribe Papilionini. The genus includes some of the most recognizable butterflies worldwide, such as the Old World swallowtail (P. machaon), western tiger swallowtail (P. rutulus), and eastern tiger swallowtail (P. glaucus). Modern taxonomic revisions have consolidated numerous former genera—including Pterourus (tiger swallowtails), Heraclides (giant swallowtails), and Achillides—into Papilio, making it one of the most diverse butterfly genera. The name derives from the Latin word for butterfly.
Papilio anchisiades
ruby-spotted swallowtail, red-spotted swallowtail
Papilio anchisiades is a medium to large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of 70–100 mm, distributed from southern Texas through Central America to Argentina. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation across its range, with multiple recognized subspecies. Larvae feed on Rutaceae, particularly Citrus species, and adults are commonly observed drinking at moist ground near rivers rather than in forested habitats.
Papilio canadensis
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
A medium-sized swallowtail butterfly with yellow and black striped wings, found across northern North America. Adults fly during spring and summer with a single annual brood. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of Papilio glaucus but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and genetic differences. It exhibits regional adaptation to climate, with northern populations showing faster development rates in cooler temperatures.
Papilio eurymedon
Pale Swallowtail, Pallid Swallowtail
Papilio eurymedon, commonly known as the pale swallowtail or pallid swallowtail, is a swallowtail butterfly native to western North America. It is distinguished from the western tiger swallowtail by its white-cream to very pale yellow coloration. The species exhibits single-brooded development across most of its range, with multiple broods along the Pacific Coast. Adults are active from April through October, with peak abundance in May and July.
Papilio indra
Indra Swallowtail, Short-tailed Black Swallowtail, Cliff Swallowtail
Papilio indra is a western North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its predominantly black coloration with minimal blue and whitish markings. The species exhibits a notably short tail and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing. It occupies diverse elevations from sea level to montane habitats and has been documented in ecosystems ranging from urban areas to remote high deserts and pristine forests. The Indra swallowtail completes one brood annually, with flight timing varying by latitude and elevation.
Papilio machaon
Old World swallowtail, common yellow swallowtail, swallowtail
Papilio machaon is a widespread swallowtail butterfly found across the Palearctic and North America. It is the type species of the genus Papilio and was among the first butterflies described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation with 41 recognized subspecies, including endemic forms in Britain and Malta. While globally abundant, certain populations are of conservation concern, particularly the British subspecies P. m. britannicus which is restricted to specific fenland habitats.
Papilio machaon aliaska
Alaskan Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon aliaska is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail butterfly found in Alaska. It represents a distinct population that has colonized novel host plants in the Asteraceae family in addition to its ancestral Apiaceae hosts. Studies indicate that larval fitness is highest on the ancestral host plant Cnidium cnidiifolium when reared in controlled environments without predation, though field observations suggest survival advantages on novel hosts when natural enemies are present. The subspecies demonstrates the complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host plant relationships in swallowtail butterflies.
Papilio machaon hudsonianus
Hudsonian Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon hudsonianus is a subspecies of the Old World swallowtail, a large and distinctive butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It belongs to one of the most widespread and recognizable butterfly species in the Palearctic region. The subspecific designation indicates geographic differentiation within the broader P. machaon complex. Like other members of this species, it exhibits the characteristic tailed hindwings and bold yellow-and-black coloration typical of swallowtail butterflies. The subspecies was described by A. Clark in 1932 based on morphological distinctions from nominate populations.
Papilio machaon oregonius
Oregon Swallowtail
Papilio machaon oregonius is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) endemic to western North America. It represents one of several North American subspecies of this widespread Holarctic species, which has a broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Oregon Swallowtail is distinguished from other P. machaon subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other swallowtails in the genus Papilio, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae).
Papilio machaon pikei
Pike's Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon pikei is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail, first described by Sperling in 1987. It belongs to the widespread Papilio machaon species complex, which is one of the most recognizable butterflies across the Palearctic region. The subspecific status indicates geographic variation within the broader species range, though specific distinguishing features of pikei relative to other P. machaon subspecies require detailed examination. Like other members of this species, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the Apiaceae family.
Papilio multicaudata
Two-tailed Swallowtail
Papilio multicaudata, the two-tailed swallowtail, is a large butterfly species in the family Papilionidae found across western North America. It is distinguished from related tiger swallowtails by having two tails on each hindwing rather than one, and by the presence of a black 'slit pupil' in the orange eyespot on each hindwing. It is the largest swallowtail in western North America and serves as the state butterfly of Arizona. Adults fly during spring and summer with one brood per year.
Papilio ornythion
ornythion swallowtail
Papilio ornythion is a swallowtail butterfly in the subfamily Papilioninae, native to Mexico and Guatemala with occasional vagrancy into the southern United States. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with two female forms—one matching the male and a distinctive dark form. Adults fly from April to September with two generations per year. Larvae feed on Citrus leaves while adults nectar on flowers.
Papilio pilumnus
Three-tailed Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio pilumnus, the three-tailed tiger swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is found in Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. The larvae feed on leaves of Litsea species. As a member of the tiger swallowtail group, it shares the characteristic tail-like extensions on the hindwings with related species.
Papilio polyxenes
Black Swallowtail, Eastern Black Swallowtail, American Swallowtail, Parsnip Swallowtail, Parsleyworm (caterpillar)
Papilio polyxenes, the black swallowtail, is a medium-sized butterfly native to North America. Adults are recognized by black wings with yellow spots and blue scaling, with females exhibiting more extensive blue areas and effective Batesian mimicry of the toxic pipevine swallowtail. The species employs a lek mating system where males defend hilltop territories and engage in aggressive aerial combat. Caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and possess a distinctive orange forked gland (osmeterium) that everts to release foul-smelling compounds when threatened.
Papilio polyxenes coloro
Desert Black Swallowtail, Coloro Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes coloro is a subspecies of the black swallowtail butterfly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by paler yellow markings and reduced black banding on the hindwings. Adults exhibit strong territorial hilltopping behavior, with males engaging in aggressive aerial combat at summit perches to intercept females. The subspecies shares the characteristic osmeterium defense with other Papilio larvae, emitting foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.
Papilio rumiko
western giant swallowtail
Papilio rumiko, the western giant swallowtail, is a large swallowtail butterfly species recognized in 2014 based on DNA evidence, having been previously confused with Papilio cresphontes. It ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to Panama. The species exhibits classic giant swallowtail morphology with distinctive yellow banding patterns and maroon eyespots on the hindwings.
Papilio thoas
Thoas swallowtail, King swallowtail
Papilio thoas is a large swallowtail butterfly distributed across the Neotropics from Mexico through Central America to South America. The species exhibits typical papilionid characteristics including prominent tail-like extensions on the hindwings. Larvae have been reared on Piper aduncum in laboratory conditions, though natural host plant associations in the wild require further confirmation. The species is subject to parasitism by sarcophagid flies during the pupal stage.
Papilio troilus
Spicebush Swallowtail, Green-clouded Butterfly
Papilio troilus, the spicebush swallowtail, is a black swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults are primarily black with distinctive green-blue (male) or bright blue (female) half-moon markings on the hindwings, along with cream-yellow spots and orange basal patches. The species exhibits two subspecies: the widespread P. t. troilus and the Florida-endemic P. t. ilioneus. Larvae are notable for their dramatic ontogenetic color change, shifting from bird-dropping mimicry in early instars to snake-mimicry with large eyespots in later stages.
Papilio zelicaon nitra
Papilio zelicaon nitra is a subspecies of the anise swallowtail, a western North American butterfly in the family Papilionidae. The parent species Papilio zelicaon is well-documented as having larvae that resemble bird droppings, providing camouflage from predators. When disturbed, the caterpillar extends its osmeterium, a forked scent gland that releases a strong odor as a defensive mechanism. This subspecies is part of a group showing complex life cycle adaptations including non-diapause overwintering strategies in some populations.
Papilio zelicaon zelicaon
Anise Swallowtail
The nominate subspecies of the Anise Swallowtail, found in western North America. Larvae possess distinctive defensive osmeteria—scent glands that evert when disturbed, releasing foul-smelling compounds. The species has been extensively studied for diapause dynamics and host plant relationships, with research demonstrating Type III diapause-induction curves. Laboratory life table studies have been conducted to test survivorship hypotheses across its elevational range.
Papilioninae
Swallowtails
Papilioninae is a subfamily of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) comprising approximately 480 species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features including hindwing tail extensions, specialized wing venation patterns, and structural adaptations of antennae and palpi. Papilioninae was formally classified by Rothschild and Jordan in 1895 and contains four tribes: Papilionini, Troidini, Leptocircini, and Teinopalpini.
Parides
cattlehearts
Parides, commonly called cattlehearts, is a genus of medium-sized swallowtail butterflies in the family Papilionidae. The genus comprises approximately 40 species distributed throughout the Neotropical realm. Members are characterized by predominantly black or dark brown wings with contrasting bright spots in green, red, yellow, or pink. The genus exhibits Müllerian mimicry, with species sharing similar aposematic coloration that advertises their toxicity to predators.