I was out exploring the 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’d ever seen before. Its wings were a dazzling display of zebra-like stripes, and its long, elegant tail fluttered as it flitted from flower to flower.
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.
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. Their triangular wings boast bold black and white stripes, earning them their namesake. Interestingly, these butterflies have two seasonal variations. Springtime Zebra Swallowtails are smaller and have more white on their wings, while their summer counterparts are larger with wider black stripes.
Another fascinating fact: female Zebra Swallowtails can lay an impressive 400 eggs in their short lifespan! That’s a lot of potential zebra-winged wonders taking flight.
North America is home to over 30 different swallowtail species, but the Zebra Swallowtail definitely stands out as one of the most unique and captivating. My chance encounter at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was a true reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world waiting to be discovered, if we just take a moment to 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.