Zebra Swallowtail

How to identify it

• Adults are white with black stripes, very long hind-wing tails and a red stripe on the underside, spanning about 2 1/2 to 4 inches; spring adults are paler, smaller and shorter-tailed.^[1]
• Caterpillars look hump-backed, ringed with yellow-white and green lines and a thick black ring behind the thorax.^[2]

Where it lives

Found in the eastern United States where pawpaw grows; MU Extension reports caterpillars from May to November.^[1][2]

US map: public records from 25 states since 1990 (GBIF). View the map

Biology and life cycle

There are two to three generations a year in Missouri and many flights in Florida from March to December.^[1][2]

Females lay eggs singly near the tips of young pawpaw leaves, which the caterpillars prefer.^[1]

Damage and signs

• Pawpaw is the preferred host; feeding is not a concern for gardeners.^[1][2]

Health risk

None to people or pets.^[1][2]

Control

Prevention

No control is needed.^[1][2]

Related profiles

• Spicebush Swallowtail
• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
• Giant Swallowtail
• Eastern Black Swallowtail
• Pipevine Swallowtail

Common questions

What is the black-and-white striped butterfly with long tails?

A zebra swallowtail.^[1][2]

What do zebra swallowtail caterpillars eat?

Mainly young pawpaw leaves.^[1][2]

How many generations are there?

Two to three a year in Missouri, more in Florida.^[1][2]

Sources

1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (EDIS, Featured Creatures), “Zebra Swallowtail, Protographium marcellus (EENY-058/IN215).” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN215 (accessed 2026-10-15)
2. University of Missouri Extension (Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden, IPM1019), “Caterpillars in Your Yard and Garden, page 56: Zebra swallowtail.” extension.missouri.edu/publications/ipm1019-56 (accessed 2026-10-15)
3. iNaturalist, “Eurytides marcellus taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/83086 (accessed 2026-10-06)