109 Records

The aptly-named Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) shows two thick yellow wing bands on the upperwings that cross to form a distinctive 'x' near the wingtips. The underside is extensively pale yellow. This southern species is localized and uncommon in Maryland (ranked as S2-state rare), but is known to wander widely. Most common In Montgomery and Frederick Counties. Giant Swallowtail has two broods in Maryland, from May to June, and from late July into August (Butterflies of Maryland: A Biological Summary and Checklist by Lynn Davidson & Richard Smith; Brock & Kaufman 2003).

In our area, Giant Swallowtails use Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) and Common Pricklyash (Zanthoxylum americanum) as host plants. It has also begun feeding on American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia).