Celebrating World Swallowtail Day

June 9 is World Swallowtail Day. To celebrate, we thought we’d try a little something different this week. Instead of a traditional blog, we’re posting a fun fact about each of the ten species of swallowtails found in Florida. 

Try matching the clues to the correct swallowtail. But don’t cheat! The solution is at the bottom of the post. 

Have fun and let us know how you did by tagging us on Instagram at #NurtureNative or Facebook @LittleRedWagonNativeNursery. Good luck! 

1. This is Florida’s largest butterfly.
2. This is a key pollinator for the flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum), which is pollinated by the butterfly’s wings.
3. This swallowtail doesn’t have any tails.
4. This federally endangered butterfly is only found in the Florida Keys.
5. This is Tennessee’s official state butterfly.
6. Although they eat different plants, this swallowtail’s caterpillar is sometimes mistaken for a Monarch because they have similar colors.
7. This swallowtail has creamy yellow racing stripes along its abdomen.
8. A visitor from Cuba, this swallowtail sometimes sets up temporary colonies in South Florida.
9. The male swallowtail has bright metallic blue on its hindwings.
10. In 2013, the US Postal Service issued a two-ounce first-class US postage stamp that featured this butterfly.

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Answer key:

1. D
2. C
3. G
4. H
5. J
6. B
7. E
8. A
9. F
10. I