I was pleasantly surprised last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge to spot a few Zebra Swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus), including this one that posed momentarily for me. Generally this butterfly species is associated with the pawpaw tree, on which its larvae feed exclusively, but this one apparently spotted something of interest in the dry vegetation at the edge of the trail and decided to investigate it.
It is so exciting to see familiar spring species begin to reappear one-by-one.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
What a beauty this is, Mike! I really don’t know butterflies, other than a very few. Have seen various swallowtails, and also the ubiquitous state butterfly of Florida – Zebra Longwing, but never this one.
The Zebra Swallowtail is found primarily in the southeastern part of the US, including, I think, in Florida, and is the state butterfly of Tennessee. In addition to the distinctive striping, I am always drawn to the very long “tails.” By the end of the season they have often disappeared, but right now the butterfly appears to be perfectly intact.
I’ve never see this one, but it’s a beauty. I’m glad they’re beginning to appear in your area again, and that you’ve been lucky enough to see them.
Seeing the first of the season of any species of bird or insect is always exciting for me, even when they are common ones. Especially during this pandemic period, it is reassuring to see that nature’s cycles continue unchanged.
He is laying there nicely just waiting for his 15 minutes of fame. 🙂
Someone gave me some pawpaw seeds, if I’m successful in growing some, maybe I’ll get ZSWTs!
It’s a beauty !
The back edge of his wings looks like a piano keyboard. 🙂
Nice Mike! Great image!