Photo © Jim Steamer
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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
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