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:

• Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Zebra Swallowtail butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of native flowers:

• Blackberry (Rubus spp.)

• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

• Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)

• Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)