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Species Detail

Palamedes Swallowtail

Papilio palamedes Drury, 1773

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Papilio palamedes


Family: Parnassians and Swallowtails (Papilionidae)

Subfamily: Swallowtails (Papilioninae)

Identification: Upper surface of hind- and forewings with postmedian yellow bands; tails are filled with yellow. Lower surface of hindwing with thin yellow basal stripe and postmedian band of yellow-orange crescents.

Life history: Not reported.

Flight: Two flights, March-December in North; partial 3rd flight in South.

Wing span: 4 1/2 - 5 1/8 inches (11.4 - 13 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Plants of the Laurel family (Lauraceae) especially redbay (Persea borbonia).

Adult food: Nectar from flowers of sweet pepperbush, thistles, blue flag, and azalea.

Habitat: Wet woods near rivers and broadleaf evergreen swamp forests.

Range: Along Atlantic coast from southern New Jersey (rare) to Florida; west and south along Gulf Coast to central Mexico.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None noted.

Documented Records for Papilio palamedes



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