Papilio cresphontes
"Orangedog, Giant Swallowtail"
Family: Papilionidae

The Giant Swallowtail is one of the largest butterflies in North America with a wingspan of 4-6 1/4 inches (10.2-16 cm). It is predominately black in color with bright yellow bands across it's topside. Its "tails" are yellow with a black outline. The Papilio cresphontes is common in some central states: Texas, Florida, and in Mexico. It is also present in the deep south. However, the butterfly tends to be much more populous where citrus species are common. The caterpillars of the Giant Swallowtail are pests of citrus plants. This is how the butterfly was nicknamed the "orangedog".

Males of this species seek out receptive females for mating. After fertilization the females lay eggs on host leaves. The young larva (caterpillar) resembles bird droppings for protection from predators. Once the larva matures it searches for a place to attach itself and pupate. When it finds a sufficient spot it will attach itself with a silk pad at its lower end and a silk girdle around the abdomen. The soft exoskeleton will then shed for the last time. The caterpillar stretches out and becomes harden into a pupa shape. After the pupa stage, it emerges into an adult Giant Swallowtail.

The Giant Swallowtail adults are nectar feeders. They prefer lantana, azalea, bougainvillea, bouncing Bet, golden rod, and swamp milkweed. Their habitats include hills, near streams, or gullies in the north and pine flats, and citrus groves in the south. They are found near abundant food supplies.

Abbie Treadwell, Heather King, & Erin Strickland ENT 301; Fall 2001