Pale Swallowtail

Pale Swallowtail, Papilio eurymedon

Primarily montane, the Pale Swallowtail is a common species of butterfly found flying anywhere between February and August, depending on location, in most of the western United States and parts of Canada. The wingspan of this species can reach 10 cm and is the only black-and-white swallowtail found in the western portion of the continent. While nectar plants may include blackberry, sweet-william, columbine, and thistle among others, their host plants include oceanspray, cherry, hawthorn, and buckbrush. The California Buckeye, Aesculus californica, in particular is noted as a favorite nectar source for Pale Swallowtails, and a classic example of the importance of native pollinators. The highly regarded European Honey Bee is a recent arrival and therefore unable to pollinate some native plants such as the buckeye as it is toxic to the bees.