Giant swallotail

Family: Knights' butterflies (Papilionidae)

Wingspan: 10- 16 cm

Host plant: Citrus (Rutaceae)

Papilio cresphontes, also known as the Giant Swallowtail, is one of North America's largest and most conspicuous butterflies. This butterfly has large, broad wings that are black-brown with yellow bands. The hind wings have a blue patch near the body and a small orange patch further out, as well as the typical 'tails' that many swallowtails have. The underside is lighter, with yellow, blue and orange markings. The adults are active fliers and visit flowers to drink nectar, preferably from plants such as lantana, zinnia and buddleia. The caterpillars have a peculiar defensive behavior - they resemble bird droppings in color and shape, giving them some protection from predators.

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