Zebra Swallowtail
Eurytides marcellus
Zebra Swallowtail is an exceptional beauty that is locally common in spring in all regions except the Mountains where it is uncommon. In summer, it is uncommon in all regions, especially at the higher elevations. The habitat is moist deciduous woods and floodplains as well as dry open pine woods in the Coastal Plain. There are three forms: the early spring form that flies from late February to mid-May and has white tail tips, the late spring and early summer form that flies from mid-March to early July and has white lines along the edges of the long tail, and the later summer form that flies from mid-July into late September, with a few lingering into October. The early spring flight is the largest in number, and the late summer flight is the smallest in number. The early spring form is smallest in size. The hostplants are pawpaws including tall pawpaw (Asimina triloba) (mostly North Georgia), Asimina angustifolia (deep South Georgia), small-flowered pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) (thoughout), pygmy pawpaw (Asimina pygmea) (Camden and Charlton Counties), and probably other species of pawpaw. Early Date: March 5 (Meriwether County); Late Date: October 21 (Charlton County). Conservation Status: Secure.
