- Giant swallowtail
Taxobox
name = Giant Swallowtail
image_width = 200px
status= NE
status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Arthropod a
classis =Insect a
ordo =Lepidoptera
familia = Papilionidae
genus = "Papilio "
species = "P. cresphontes"
binomial = "Papilio cresphontes"The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly ("Papilio cresphontes") is a
swallowtail butterfly common in various parts of North America, particularly the south and east. With a wingspan of about 10-16 cm [Giant Swallowtail. (2006). In Butterflies and Moths of North America. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1366] , it is the largestbutterfly in theUnited States .Larva
Giant Swallowtail
caterpillars feed primarily oncitrus plants,prickly ash , andhoptree s. They are known as Orange Dogs to citrus farmers because of their destructive capabilities.The caterpillar has two effective
adaptation s for defense against birds. The first is a reddishosmeterium that is extended when the insect is provoked, releasing foul-smellingpheromones thought to deter birds. Thelarva are alsocamouflage d to resemble bird droppings.Adult
The adults' wings are black, with two striking yellow stripes across the
forewing s andhindwing s.Giant Swallowtails feed on the
nectar of a variety of flowers, but are known to enjoyazalea ,bougainvilla ,goldenrod ,Japanese honeysuckle , andmilkweed [Giant Swallowtail. (2006-2007). In Featured Creatures. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/citrus/GiantSwallowtail.htm] .
=References
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