
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly


Papilio cresphontes
Butterfly Size: 4 – 6 1/4 inches
Habitats: Many locales including rocky and sandy hillsides near streams or gullies in the north; pine flats, towns, and citrus groves in the south.
Plants for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
HOST PLANTS
Trees and herbs of the citrus family (Rutaceae) including:
- Citrus species
- prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)
- hop tree (Ptelea trifoliata)
- Common Rue (Ruta graveolens).
FOOD PLANTS
Nectaring plants:
- lantana
- azalea
- bougainvilla
- bouncing Bet
- dame’s rocket
- goldenrod
- Japanese honeysuckle
- swamp milkweed.

We Need Your Support
We need your help to continue to protect, promote, and celebrate the resources, people, and culture of the Lower Delta.
WHAT WE DO
Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership promotes and enhances the economic and environmental health of Mississippi’s Lower Delta.
We provide educational workshops and cultural programs; community and youth activities; encourage heritage, cultural, and nature tourism in our region; and act as an advocate for the South Delta.