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Two-tailed swallowtail

Two-tailed swallowtail

Papilio multicaudata

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Three-tailed swallowtail

The two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata) is easily identified with its yellow body and tiger-like stripes. It also has two tails, or spikes, coming off the back of its wings. Also, females are commonly larger and more brightly colored than males. They also have eyespots near the rear of their wings, which fool predators and give them a chance to escape.

General Info About Two-tailed swallowtail
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Attributes of Two-tailed swallowtail
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Two-tailed swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Two-tailed 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 Two-tailed 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 Two-tailed swallowtail
The two-tailed swallowtail is a large swallowtail of western North America, one of several species that have yellow wings with black tiger striping. Each hindwing has several blue markings (top and bottom). Like other striped swallowtails, it has a small orange eyespot near the lower angle of each hindwing; the eyespots can fool predators into attacking the rear of the butterfly instead of the head, giving the butterfly a chance to escape. Its appearance is similar to the western, and eastern tiger swallowtails, but has narrower black stripes and usually two tails on each hindwing (rather than only one). Most two-tails have a black "slit pupil" in the orange eyespot on each hindwing, never present in western tiger. It is also usually larger than similar swallowtails within its range, although some eastern tiger swallowtails are as big as any two-tailed. The wingspan ranges from 8 - 17 cm, making it the largest swallowtail in western North America. As is the case with most swallowtails, females are larger and more brightly colored than males, having more blue and orange markings on the hindwings.
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How to Identify Two-tailed swallowtail?

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Life Cycle of Two-tailed swallowtail
Egg The initial stage of two-tailed swallowtail starts with eggs, typically laid on host plants. The eggs are small, rounded, and may vary in color. They serve as the protective enclosure for the developing embryo.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of two-tailed swallowtail emerges as a caterpillar. This stage is chiefly dedicated to feeding and growth. The caterpillar has a segmented body, chewing mouthparts, and may exhibit various colors for camouflage or warning.
Pupal After several molts, the two-tailed swallowtail forms a pupa. This non-feeding stage is characterized by metamorphosis within a protective chrysalis. The pupa undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult two-tailed swallowtail is marked by wings with distinctive patterns for attraction and deterrence. The body is fully formed, hardened, and the adult focuses on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Two-tailed swallowtail
9 - 13 cm
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Predators of Two-tailed swallowtail Larvae
Birds, wasps, ants, spiders, mammals
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Predators of Adult Two-tailed swallowtail
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Two-tailed swallowtail
The two-tailed swallowtail has the unique ability to produce two different types of tails on its wings, which can confuse predators into attacking the wrong end.
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Scientific Classification of Two-tailed swallowtail
Tips for Finding Two-tailed swallowtail
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How Can You Attract Two-tailed swallowtail
For adult two-tailed swallowtail, sweet substances such as rotting fruit, nectar-rich flowers, or even artificial feeders with sugar water can act as lures.
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Habitat Preferences of Two-tailed swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
In search of two-tailed swallowtail's various life stages, begin in North American gardens where caterpillars cling to leaves of host plants like dill, fennel, or parsley. Follow the scent of countryside wildflowers to find adults fluttering for nectar. Look upwards in deciduous trees during cool periods to spot chrysalises camouflaged among branches. Each environment is a distinct chapter in two-tailed swallowtail's development, from ground-dwelling larvae to airborne adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Two-tailed swallowtail
The best time to find adult two-tailed swallowtail is on sunny days when they are most active, usually in morning to midday hours when temperatures are warm.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Two-tailed swallowtail
Warm, dry weather without strong winds is ideal for finding two-tailed swallowtail as they are cold-blooded and rely on external temperatures to regulate their activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Two-tailed swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Two-tailed swallowtail eggs are laid singly on host plants. To find them, search the underside of leaves of known host plants in the habitat of two-tailed swallowtail.
Larva Caterpillar two-tailed swallowtail feed on the leaves of specific host plants. Locate these plants and inspect them for the presence of caterpillars or signs of feeding.
Pupal Two-tailed swallowtail chrysalises are often found in sheltered areas near the host plants. Look for them on tree trunks, branches, under ledges, or even hidden in leaf litter.
Adult Adult two-tailed swallowtail are attracted to colored flowers with nectar. Find them in gardens, meadows, or anywhere host nectar-producing plants are blooming. Transect walks or stationary watching at flowering bushes can also be effective.
Are Two-tailed swallowtail harmful?
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Usually, the two-tailed swallowtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Two-tailed swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Two-tailed swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
With a fluttering of colorful wings, two-tailed swallowtail dances from bloom to bloom. Attracted by vivid colors and distinctive shapes of flowers, this pollinator consumes pollen, inadvertently transferring it between flowers, aiding in their reproduction while satisfying its own nutritional needs.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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