• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Damselflies
• Tiger beetles
• Hike with Mike

• The butterflies:
• Swallowtails
• Swallowtails
  • Pipevine Swallowtail
  • Zebra Swallowtail
  • Black Swallowtail
  • Giant Swallowtail
  • Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
  • Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
  • Spicebush Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail

(Papilio cresphontes)

The Giant Swallowtail is an uncommon stray in most parts of Wisconsin. I saw my first Giant Swallowtail near Spring Green in 1988. It was a road kill I spotted while driving about 55 mph. It was unmistakable even at that speed, and much to my passengers chagrin, I stopped the car abruptly to retrieve this specimen. I later saw several in the parking lot at House-on-the-Rock and was in awe watching them fly among the trees. Later that year this species made it to Waushara County, where I tried in vain to locate larva on the hostplant, Prickly Ash. I have seen only one butterfly of this species in Waushara County since that year. The top photo was taken in Buffalo County by Mike O’Connor. The photo clearly shows the Giant Swallowtails larger size in comparison to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The sixth photo is of the distintive caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail that looks very much like a bird dropping. The photo was taken by Curt Lehman in Maryland. 2005 was a very good year for Giant Swallowtails with this species being reported from over ten counties.

Identifying characteristics: Above: The largest Wisconsin butterfly with a wingspan that sometimes exceeds 5 inches. The upper wings are brownish with two bold yellow lines of spots that cross near the apex of the front wing, forming an “x”. Below: yellow with black veins and borders. The tail is spoon like with a yellow spot that can be seen from above or below.

Similar species: This species is like no other in Wisconsin

Habitat: Woodlands and open areas near woodlands, where the larval hostplant, Prickly Ash is found.

Flight: Two broods; early May and then in late July and August. This species strays northward occasionally. Fergie (2002) lists this species as widespread, but it is not clear that colonies of this species, especially farther north, are able to survive severe winters, and populations, rather than permanent residents, may periodically become repopulated from the south.

Abundance: Not common, but hard to miss if you see this largest species of butterfly in the state glide past.

Recent Giant Swallowtail Sightings

Date seen	County	Reported by
07–09–2008	Dane	Ann Thering
07–08–2008	Sauk	Andy Paulios
07–01–2008	Dane	Ann Thering
06–30–2008	Dane	Ann Thering

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