Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Pterourus multicaudatus--sometimes this and related species are split out from Papilio.
Explanation of Names
Latin for "many-tailed"
There is discrepancy with spellings, ending in "a" or "us". The later is probably correct, but it depends largely on how the name was spelled by the original author.
Size
Wing span: 3 1/2 - 5 inches (9 - 12.7 cm).(1)
Identification
Upper surface of male forewing with narrow black stripes. Each hindwing has 2 tails.(1) If abdomen is visible, male claspers are obvious as a yellow segment at the tip, beyond the black stripe (see below).
Females often have broader black stripes, and more blue on the upperside (see below).
Caterpillars resemble those of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.
Range
Western North America south from British Columbia, east to central Nebraska and central Texas, south through Mexico.(1)
Habitat
Foothill slopes and canyons, moist valleys, streamsides, woodlands, parks, roadsides, suburbs, and cities.(1)
Season
One flight May to mid-August in North, most of year in South.(1)
Food
Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of ash (Fraxinus), hop tree (Ptelea), and chokecherry (Prunus).
Adult food: Nectar from thistles, milkweeds, California buckeye, lilac, and many others.(1)
Life Cycle
Males patrol stream courses or city streets for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on leaves of host plant. Caterpillars eat leaves and rest on silken mats in shelters of curled leaves. Chrysalids hibernate.(1)
