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Picture
Photo © Jim Steamer
Picture
Photo © Jim Steamer

giant swallowtail

Papilio cresphontes

Identification:  Wingspan 4 - 6 1/4 inches.  Forewing with diagonal band of yellow spots. Tails are edged with black and filled with yellow.

Habitat:  Many locales including rocky and sandy hillsides near streams or gullies in the north; pine flats, towns, and citrus groves in the south.

Garden Habit:  Males patrol for receptive females. Females lay single eggs on host leaves and twigs. Caterpillars resemble bird droppings and eat leaves and young shoots. Chrysalids hibernate.

Host Plants:  Trees and herbs of the citrus family (Rutaceae).  Small trees:  Wafer Ash (Hoptree) , prickly-ash, Hercules’ club; perennials: garden rue, gas plant

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