Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Elk Grove, IL
2012-05-10
The Eastern Giant Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio cresphontes, is the largest butterfly in the United States. Its striking appearance is matched by its fascinating life cycle. The larvae primarily feed on plants belonging to the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus trees and other related species.
Other Papilionidae species:
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Aphrodite Fritillary• Atala• *Cabbage White• Common Buckeye• Eastern Comma• Eastern Tailed-Blue• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail• Giant Swallowtail• Great Southern White• Gulf Fritillary• Monarch• Mourning Cloak• Pearl Crescent• Question Mark• Red Admiral• Southern Dogface• Summer Azure• White Peacock• Zebra Heliconian