Photo By arctic_mongoose , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Giant swallowtail
Papilio cresphontes
A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Eastern giant swallowtail, Eastern giant swallowtail butterfly
The giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is a beautiful butterfly with black and yellow patterns on its wings. The adult butterflies sip nectar, but the larvae are considered a pest. The larvae are nicknamed "orangedogs" because they can cause damage to sweet oranges and other young plants.
General Info About Giant swallowtail
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Attributes of Giant swallowtail
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
White
Habitat
deciduous forest; citrus orchard
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Giant swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Giant swallowtail is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Giant swallowtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Appearance of Giant swallowtail
Females have an average wingspan of 14 cm , and up to 18 cm , while males’ average is 15 cm , and up to 19 cm . The wings are black with a horizontal yellow line across the forewings, and a diagonal yellow line across the hindwing. The underside of the wings is yellow with accents of black. A small patch of red on the ventral wing (within the small blue band) allows for distinction from the similar-looking Schaus’ swallowtail. The small egg is brownish colored, but appears more orange due to a special orange colored secretion. The caterpillars have remarkable camouflage patterns.
Egg Eggs are laid on host plants, where the embryo develops. The eggs of giant swallowtail are usually spherical or oval, with a protective outer coating, and are often camouflaged.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar of giant swallowtail emerges. It eats voraciously, increasing in size. Larvae shed their skin multiple times in a process called molting.
Pupal The giant swallowtail caterpillar forms a pupa or chrysalis. During this stage, the giant swallowtail undergoes transformation, and its body is reorganized into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult giant swallowtail's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Adult Size of Giant swallowtail
Wingspan 10 - 14 cm
Predators of Giant swallowtail Larvae
Birds, mammals, insects, spiders
Predators of Adult Giant swallowtail
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles
Interesting Facts About Giant swallowtail
Giant swallowtail can disguise its caterpillars as bird droppings to evade predators, a remarkable feat of natural mimicry rarely observed among Lepidoptera.
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How Can You Attract Giant swallowtail
Since giant swallowtail undergoes complete metamorphosis, the food used to trap or attract it will differ depending on the stage of its life cycle. For the larval stage, host plants such as citrus leaves are effective, while for adults, bait traps with fermenting sweet substances or flowers can work.
Habitat Preferences of Giant swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of giant swallowtail are typically laid on the leaves of host plants, such as citrus trees in gardens and orchards. Caterpillars are found munching on the foliage of these plants, often in the newer, tender leaves where they can avoid detection by predators. Pupae may be found attached to branches or stems close by, camouflaged as they undergo transformation. Adults frequent flower-rich areas, undisturbed fields, and edges of water bodies to feed on nectar and mate. Searching for giant swallowtail involves inspecting host plants for eggs and larvae, looking for pupae on nearby structures, and observing adult feeding and mating areas.
When is the Best Time to Observe Giant swallowtail
The best time to find giant swallowtail varies in its life stages. Larvae are active during the day when they feed on leaves, making daytime the best to find them. Adult giant swallowtail, being diurnal, are best seen during the morning and late afternoon when they are most active in feeding and mate-searching.
What is the Best Weather to Observe Giant swallowtail
For adult giant swallowtail, sunny and warm days with little wind are ideal as they require warmth for flight. However, during overcast or cooler days, they might be found resting with closed wings on the undersides of leaves or branches.
How and Where Can You Find Giant swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Giant swallowtail eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the leaves of host plants like citrus species for small, spherical or spindle-shaped eggs.
Larva Giant swallowtail larvae can be found on their host plants. Search for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves, and look for the caterpillar itself which may be camouflaged. They are more likely to be found during the day.
Pupal Giant swallowtail chrysalises may be attached to plant stems or leaves, or hidden amongst leaf litter. To locate them, check for a transformation site near the larva's host plant, often on the underside of sturdy structures or in crevices.
Adult Adult giant swallowtail are attracted to nectar-rich flowers, so visiting gardens or fields with a variety of blooming plants is a good approach. They can also be found basking in the sun on warm surfaces or sipping minerals from the wet ground.
Are Giant swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the giant swallowtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.
Are Giant swallowtail harmful to humans?
They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Giant swallowtail
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Agricultural Pests
The larvae of giant swallowtail primarily target citrus plants, feeding voraciously on their leaves. A minor infestation may result in cosmetic leaf damage, but severe outbreaks can lead to significant defoliation, weakened trees, and reduced fruit yield, indirectly impacting the citrus industry and affecting human consumption.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Giant swallowtail visits flowers primarily for nectar. While feeding, it inadvertently transfers pollen due to its body's contact with the flower's reproductive structures. This inadvertence makes it an effective pollinator, particularly favored by citrus and rue plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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