I was really happy to be able to photograph this Zebra Swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus) last week in Prince William County as I was exploring a small pond with fellow photographer and blogger Walter Sanford. Quite often when I see one of these butterflies, it flits about and refuses to perch, but this one was quite cooperative.
Out of all of the different swallowtail butterflies in our area, the Zebra Swallowtails probably have the longest “tails.” Although this butterfly is in almost perfect condition, I couldn’t help but notice that one of its tails is already damaged and is shorter than the other one.
What is the purpose of these tails? According to the website bugunderglass.com, the tails are an “evolutionary feature. Birds love to eat butterflies and when they attack butterflies they go for the neck or body, which would be a clear-cut kill instead of a piece of wing. In response to this, swallowtails have evolved tail extensions that resemble their necks and body. Therefore, a bird will see these extensions as a “body or neck” and be directed away from the butterfly’s vital organs and fly away with a piece of wing, leaving the butterfly with its life.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I’m awestruck when I see photos of any of the swallowtails but the zebra is so incredibly amazing! How fortunate you are to have the opportunity to see such butterflies.
Thanks, Liz. I think that we have almost a half-dozen different swallowtail butterflies where I live, so I really do feel blessed to be able to spot such a wide variety of different species in the wild. Occasionally I will visit indoor butterfly gardens with even more colorful tropical butterflies, but generally I am content to chase after my local species.
I have never seen a swallowtail with a tail that long 😳, beautiful shots.
I think you may have Zebra Swallowtails there, Ted, but am not certain. I’ve read that the species if often associated with the pawpaw tree, though that is not where I generally see them.
Lovely shots. That is such a striking butterfly. Thanks for the intel on the probable cause behind the damaged tail.
Thanks, Laura. Whenever I see unusual adaptations in nature it makes me wonder how they came to be. In some cases there are competing factors. For example, some birds are drab and blend in with their surroundings, but others are really brightly colored to attract mates, but presumably are easier for predators to spot.
Beautiful series of images of the Zebra Swallowtail Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
Thanks, Reed. Do you see Zebra Swallowtails where you live?
That has an amazing look to it.
Thanks, Dan. Zebra Swallowtails have a really cool, refined look with their black and white stripes and that touch of red for accent.
What a beauty– excellent captures, Mike!
Thanks, Eliza.
Beautiful capture, Mike.
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Thanks, Mitzy.