Papilio cresphontes (Butterflies of Alabama)

Papilio cresphontes

Heraclides cresphontes

Summary ⁶

The Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is a swallowtail butterfly common in various parts of North America and marginally into South America (Colombia and Venezuela only). In the United States and Canada it is mainly found in the south and east. With a wingspan of about 10–16 cm (3.9–6.3 in), it is the largest butterfly in Canada and the United States.

North american ecology (us and canada) ⁷

Year-round resident in eastern North America and southern California and Arizona, with migratatory presense in the regions between (Scott 1986). Habitats are WOODLAND TO CITRUS GROVES. Host plants include many species, but mostly in one family, with most known hosts from RUTACEAE. Hosts are usually trees or herbs. Eggs are laid on the host plant singly. Individuals overwinter as pupae. There are a variable number of flights based on latitude with the approximate flight time MAY15-SEP15 in the northern part of the range and JAN1-DEC31 in the southern part of their range (Scott 1986).