Gardens with Wings

What Butterflies Can I Attract to My Garden?

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio cresphontes)

huge black butterfly with yellow spots and lines
Large Black & Yellow Butterfly
Copyright: Fred Miller

This gorgeous black and yellow swallowtail butterfly is one of North America’s largest butterflies; its wingspan can reach up to 6 inches. Two defining characteristics are the two rows of yellow spots on the upper side of their wings and the blue spots on the underside of the hind wings.

Its larval nickname is the Orange Dog because this species loves to feed on citrus plants and when disturbed, it extends an osmeterium, a foul smelling scent gland used to deter predators. Speaking of caterpillars, these look just like bird droppings – a unique trait to avoid getting eaten by predators. The Giant Swallowtail would be an excellent addition to any garden.

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Life Cycle

Round Yellow Eggs on Green Stem
Group of Yellow Round Butterfly Eggs
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
one round yellow butterfly egg on leaf
Small Round Yellow Butterfly Egg on Leaf
Copyright: Fred Miller
butterfly yellow round egg next to an ant
Ant Next to Butterfly Egg
Copyright: Fred Miller
small brown butterfly caterpillar with white spots
Caterpillar Resembles Bird Poop
Copyright: Fred Miller
brown and white caterpillar - looks like bird poop
Brown Caterpillar with White Blotches
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
brown larva climbing branch
Climbing Tree Trunk
Copyright: Fred Miller
brown and cream larva resembling bird droppings
Brown and White Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
brown and tan caterpillar pupating
Giant Swallowtail Pupating - Look Closely at the Silk Harness
Copyright: Fred Miller
brown-tan chrysalis
Brown Camouflage Chrysalis on House
Copyright: Fred Miller

large butterfly yellow wings with black edges, blue and red patterns
Yellow and Black Butterfly Feeding on Zinnia Flower
Copyright: Fred Miller
butterfly's black round eyes
Black Round Eyes Close Up
Copyright: Fred Miller
yellow and black butterfly and yellow thorax
Butterfly with Yellow Thorax and Wings
Copyright: Fred Miller
black female butterfly with yellow stripes laying eggs
Butterfly Laying Eggs
Copyright: Fred Miller

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Common Hop Tree, Prickly Ash, Rue
Nectar Plants for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Butterfly Bush, Candytuft, Dianthus Family, Lantana, Salvia, Sunflower, Swamp Milkweed, and more
Where to Buy Plants

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Facts And Information

Butterfly Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 4 in. to 6 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Fields, wooded areas, citrus orchards

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Flight Range Map

Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.

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