Papilionidae
Pronunciation: [Pa⋅pil·i·ON⋅i⋅dae]
Common Name: Swallowtail and Parnassan Butterflies
Description: The swallowtail butterflies are relatively large in size and common throughout the United States. Most species have a distinctive “tail” on the back of each hind wing. Parnassans are found only at high elevations. They are medium-sized butterflies, white or light gray in color with dark markings and a red or orange spot on the hind wing. Both swallowtails and parnassans have a distinctive spur (epiphysis) on the inner aspect of the front tibiae.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Front legs well-developed
- Stout spur (epiphysis) on front tibia
- Characteristic tail on hind wings (swallowtails)
- Red or orange spot on hind wing (parnassans)
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Order: Lepidoptera
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