The Swallowtail Giant
By:Ariana
Name of Bug
Its name is giant swallowtail butterfly. Its scientific name is Papillio Cres Phontes.
Habitat
Throughout North America and as far south as South America. It is seen in citrus trees in southern states.
Food & Diet
As a caterpillar a swallowtail will only eat new grown leaves from citrus trees. As a adult it drinks nectar from flowers.
Habits
Swallowtails only fly and migrate.
Life Cycle
The egg takes 10 days to hatch. The caterpillar takes 2 to 3 weeks to reach the roaming stage. The caterpillar stays in the chrysalis for 10 days. The adult Butterfly lives for 6 weeks.
Appearance
The wings are 4 to 7 inches in width on the top tips of its wings. The color of the wings are black with yellow horizontal stripes. It has a thin long black body with 2 antennas.
Adaptations
Swallowtails have white dots on their wings that look like eyes so they can scare predators away.
Enemy-Predator
The enemies of a giant swallowtail butterfly are lizards, birds, and spiders.
Interesting Facts
When giant swallowtail caterpillars feel scared, they will stick out a orange gland releasing a terrible smell !!!!!
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly