The Zebra Swallowtail is a striking butterfly named for its zebra-like appearance, with bold black and white stripes across all four wings. Its wings are triangular, with long, sword-like tails extending from the hindwings. When open, the wings reveal a white to greenish-white base marked by vertical black bands. The hindwings feature two small blue spots near the inner corners and a single red spot near the tip of the abdomen. With wings closed, the underside of the hindwings displays a thin red stripe running through the center. Fittingly, the Zebra Swallowtail is the official state butterfly of Tennessee.
“Zebra Swallowtail” by Sara Bright
Zebra Swallowtail Facts
Butterfly Family: Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilionidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Papilioninae
Butterfly Wingspan: 2 1/2 – 4 inches
Butterfly Habitat: Breeds in moist low woodlands near swamps and rivers. Adults fly to nectar plants in open fields and brushy areas.
🪴 Host Plants
These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:
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Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
🌸 Nectar Plants
Adult Zebra Swallowtail butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of native flowers:
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Blackberry (Rubus spp.)
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Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
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Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
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Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
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Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
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Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
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Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
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Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
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Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)
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Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
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Vervain (Verbena spp.)
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Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)