Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1937758

Palamedes Swallowtail

Papilio palamedes

Also known as Laurel Swallowtail

Palamedes swallowtails glide low through southeastern coastal swamps and pine flatwoods, easily recognized by their massive wingspan and broad yellow band across dark brown wings. Caterpillars rely heavily on bay trees, weaving silk pads on leaf surfaces to rest during the day before feeding under cover of darkness. Declines in red bay trees caused by laurel wilt disease present an ongoing ecological challenge for coastal populations.

PollinatorSwallowtailWetland
Palamedes Swallowtail reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Matt Felperin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Flower Nectar
  • Red Bay Foliage
  • Swamp Bay Foliage
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Dragonflies
ThreatsHabitat loss and laurel wilt disease affecting primary host trees
HabitatsCoastal swamps, wetlands, baygalls, and moist pine flatwoods
Life span1–2 months as adults; up to 1 year including overwintering chrysalis
Classification
  1. FamilyPapilionidae
  2. SpeciesPapilio palamedes
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Search low along swamp trails and forest edges during sunny mornings when adults feed on blossoms.
  • Host Tree Cues: Examine swamp bay leaves for folded silk pads indicating resting caterpillars.
  • Paddling: Watch for adults flying across slow-moving coastal streams and blackwater rivers.
Related species
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