Swallowtail (Papilionidae)

 

The Swallowtail butterfly, (family Papilionidae) are large butterflies that include more than 600 species worldwide. Most of these large, brightly colored butterflies feature tails on their hind wings. These tail-like appendages resemble the tails of the swallow family of birds, hence their name. Several species of Swallowtails are predominantly black, and share similar yellow, blue and orange markings.

There are seven species of Swallowtail butterflies found in Tennessee. Click on the links below for pictures, facts, and a list of host and nectar plants for each species of Swallowtail butterflies.