I was exploring Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, camera in hand, when a flash of black and white caught my eye. It was a butterfly unlike any I had seen before.
Its wings showed bold zebra-like stripes, and its long, elegant tail fluttered as it moved from flower to flower.
Getting the Shot
Naturally, I had to capture this stunning creature on camera. After a bit of patient stalking (butterflies can be notoriously flighty!), I managed to get a few good shots. Later, eager to learn more about my new discovery, I embarked on a journey of research through the wonderful world of butterflies.
What Is a Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly?
That’s when I learned I’d had a close encounter with a Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus). These beauties are native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, and even hold the honor of being the state butterfly of Tennessee!
The Zebra Swallowtail’s striking appearance is unmistakable. Its triangular wings show bold black and white stripes that give it its name.
These butterflies also have two seasonal forms. Spring Zebra Swallowtails are smaller and show more white. Summer forms are larger with wider black stripes.
Another interesting detail is how quickly they reproduce. A female Zebra Swallowtail can lay up to 400 eggs in her short lifespan.
That is a lot of future butterflies taking flight.
Where You Can See Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies
Zebra Swallowtail butterflies are found across the eastern United States. They favor wooded areas near rivers and wetlands, including places like Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
North America has more than 30 swallowtail species, but this one stands out. My encounter at Sequoyah was a reminder of how much you can see when you slow down and look a little closer.
Hi Steve,
It is interesting to know that you have a Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly in your area.
We have one too, although it´s slightly different from yours. I will send an image to your email where you can see the differences I am talking about.
In addition to birds, I also photograph butterflies not only for their beauty, but also for the challenge of trying to catch them.
As you said, it’s a very fascinating world.
I got your photo. Thanks for sharing! It was a little different.