![]() Invertebrates like spiders, ants and different types of wasps feed on this butterfly species. These male butterflies are known to participate in “puddling” which means individual butterflies gathering together on moist soil, gravel and sand to obtain amino acids and salts.During mating seasons, the male butterflies of this species fly swiftly near host plants searching for females.The female Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies fly slowly when looking for appropriate host plants.These butterflies visit various flowers from different families including brassicaceae, lythraceae, apocynaceae, fabaceae, polemoniaceae and rosaceae.This species flies between 2 feet and 6 feet (0.5 and 1.8 meters) above the ground.They have some interesting behavior patterns: Picture 2 – Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar Behavior Some caterpillars even feed on other caterpillars living in the same plants. They also eat the long leaves of their host pawpaw plants. The caterpillars feed on eggshells after hatching. Male Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies obtain various nutrients through the practice of puddling that help them in reproduction. They feed on different flowers including lilac, blackberry, verbena and redbud. Digesting these pollens helps them to absorb protein which gives them extra nutrition and energy for reproduction. Sometimes they use their proboscis to collect pollen from various flowers. Like other butterfly species these adult butterflies do not have jaw. DietĪdult butterflies of this species sip flower nectar using their proboscis (a straw-like organ). These swallowtail butterflies prefer intact woodland habitats much more than developed areas. They inhabit southern pine woodlands, deciduous woodlands, savannas and prairies where these trees grow. They do not usually wander far from their host plants. Various species of pawpaw shrubs are the host plants for the Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies. Their distribution range extends from the southern parts of Ontario and Michigan along the coast of Atlantic to the Gulf States and Florida. These butterflies are native to the eastern regions of US and southeastern Canada. ![]() During summer, the tails appear much longer and graceful with wide white borders. The black tails are short and tipped with white during spring. Tail: These butterflies have a pair of sword like tails extending from their hind wings. Wingspan: The wingspan of these butterflies ranges from 2.5 inches to 4.1 inches (6.4 to 10.4 cm). The caterpillars of this species are green or black. Their spring form is smaller and whiter while they appear much larger with broad black stripes on their wings during summer. These butterflies have two different forms for the seasons of summer and spring. ![]() There is a long red stripe running along the middle of their ventral hind wings. These wings also have a red spot near the body of this butterfly. ![]() There are two blue spots in the corner of the inner margin of their hind wings. Their distinctive appearance makes them easy to identify.Ĭolor: Their white or greenish white wings are striped with black longitudinal bands. The butterflies of this species have a unique wing-shape along with long tails.
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