Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes [Drury])
Wing span: 4 1/2 - 5 1/8 inches (11.4 - 13 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of hind- and forewings with postmedian yellow bands; tails are filled with yellow. Lower surface of hindwing with thin yellow basal stripe and postmedian band of yellow-orange crescents.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: Two flights, March-December in North; partial 3rd flight in South.
Caterpillar hosts: Plants of the Laurel family (Lauraceae) especially redbay (Persea borbonia).
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of sweet pepperbush, thistles, blue flag, and azalea.
Habitat: Wet woods near rivers and broadleaf evergreen swamp forests.
Range: Along Atlantic coast from southern New Jersey (rare) to Florida; west and south along Gulf Coast to central Mexico.
