Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Renamed
Pterourus palamedes (1) as of 2005, but
Pterourus is not recognized as a valid genus by Opler & Warren and other sources - see comments on
genus page.
Identification
Adult: very large swallowtail. Dark, resembling Black Swallowtail but yellow stripe on underside of wings is distinctive. Flutters wings constantly, as does Black Swallowtail.
Early instar larvae resemble bird-droppings, and are distinguished from Spicebush Swallowtail early instars by the white patch at the tail end. Later instar larvae are green on top, pinkish-brown beneath. Again, they resemble the Spicebush Swallowtail - the distinction is that on the first abdominal segment is an orange spot with a small blue spot near the leading edge. On the Spicebush Swallowtail larva, the blue spot is inside the orange spot.
Range
Southeastern United States, extending into Central Mexico.
Habitat
Wet forests and "bays" with hostplant.
Season
March through December in northern part of range (2 flights). Third flight in southern part of range in US.
Food
Larvae feed largely on
Redbay (
Persea borbonia).
Adults take nectar from a variety of sources. Favorites include thistles, native Azaleas such as
Rhododendron atlanticum, and
Coastal Sweetpepperbush (
Clethra alnifolia).
Remarks
A lovely and characteristic butterfly of southeastern swamps.
