Description

The Eastern Giant Swallowtail (Heraclides cresphontes) is a large, striking butterfly with black wings marked by a diagonal yellow band and yellow spots, and a distinctive blue and orange eyespot on the hindwings, commonly found in gardens, woodlands, and citrus groves across eastern North America and Central America. I was able to coax this species into my south Minneapolis backyard every year by planting prickly ash.

Range

Repopulates from the south each year (or possibly survives some winters?). Generally not north of a line from Fergus Falls to Brainerd to Duluth.

Similar Species

None

Host Plants

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Flight

Late-May to early October