Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail | Papilio cresphontes | Florida Museum photos by Ryan G. Fessenden

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly. The lower wings end in a long thin point. With its wings closed the butterfly is yellow with black markings.

Giant Swallowtail | Papilio cresphontes | Florida Museum photos by Ryan G. Fessenden

Common Name: Giant Swallowtail
Scientific Name: Papilio cresphontes
Family: Papilionidae
Subfamily: Papilioninae
Tribe: Papilionini
Wingspan: 4.5 to 5.5 in
Place of origin: Southeast Canada to Eastern Mexico

Butterflies in the exhibit are raised on butterfly farms around the world. This form of sustainable agriculture helps protect natural forest habitats from destruction and promote local economic growth.

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