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