πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Zebra Swallowtail

Eurytides marcellus

About Zebra Swallowtail

A pale greenish-white swallowtail with bold black stripes and very long hindwing tails. Its striking zebra-like pattern makes it one of the most recognizable North American butterflies.

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Did You Know?

Spring-emerging individuals have shorter tails and darker markings than the larger, paler summer generation.

How to Identify Zebra Swallowtail

Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Papilionidae. Adults typically measure 64-100 mm wingspan.

Zebra Swallowtail Habitat

Zebra Swallowtail is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Eastern United States. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Zebra Swallowtail Diet and Feeding

Zebra Swallowtail has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Zebra Swallowtail Found?

Zebra Swallowtail can be found in Eastern United States, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Zebra Swallowtail can be found

Is Zebra Swallowtail Dangerous?

Zebra Swallowtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Zebra Swallowtail Role in Nature

Zebra Swallowtail plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Zebra Swallowtail are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Swallowtail

What does Zebra Swallowtail look like?

The Zebra Swallowtail typically measures 64-100 mm wingspan.

Where is Zebra Swallowtail found?

The Zebra Swallowtail is found in Eastern United States and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Zebra Swallowtail eat?

The Zebra Swallowtail has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Zebra Swallowtail dangerous to humans?

The Zebra Swallowtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Zebra Swallowtail?

Spring-emerging individuals have shorter tails and darker markings than the larger, paler summer generation.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/zebra-swallowtail

MLA:
"Zebra Swallowtail." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/zebra-swallowtail.