Look for Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies in Southern States

Courtesy Susan Perren

How to Identify Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies

Zebra swallowtail butterflies are boldly zebra striped in black and white with red accents. Wings have bold black stripes on a white or teal-white background. Hindwings feature a red stripe on the underside and a lengthy tail. A red spot at the base of the wings creates a place for predators to aim away from the tiny body, increasing chances of survival. Adults that emerge in summer tend to have even longer tails than springtime broods. Their wingspan is 2 1/2 to 4 inches. Check out 6 common swallowtail butterflies you should know.

Gardening for Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies

Host Plants

As caterpillars, they feed on the leaves of the small pawpaw tree or others in its genus. The pawpaw tree is common in shady woods, especially in the south. Check out the top 10 butterfly host plants to attract pollinators.

Backyard Nectar Plants

These butterflies enjoy nectar from blueberry, blackberry, lilac, redbud and milkweed. Check out more summer nectar flowers that attract butterflies.

Shutterstock / Kevin Collison

What Do Zebra Swallowtail Caterpillars Look Like?

The caterpillars vary in color. Some are mostly green, while others are greenish or black with yellow stripes. Learn how to plant a caterpillar cafe in your butterfly garden.

Where Do Zebra Swallowtails Live?

This species typically inhabits wide open areas to feed. To breed, it travels to wooded spaces around swamps and rivers. You’re most likely to see these butterflies in southern states. They range from the eastern parts of the Great Plains to the southern parts of the New England states.

Range Map