The Zebra Swallowtail is instantly recognizable by its black-and-white zebra stripes and dramatically long, narrow tails, making it one of the most elegant eastern butterflies. It is closely tied to pawpaw trees, the sole larval host plant, and is therefore restricted to areas where pawpaw grows. Spring and summer forms differ noticeably in wing pattern and size.
Best time to see a Zebra Swallowtail
The best time to see a Zebra Swallowtail is March–June, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 24,175 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Zebra Swallowtail? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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