The Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) Is a striking butterfly with pale white to greenish-white wings marked by bold black stripes, long, pointed tails on its hindwings, and small blue and red markings near the tail. Its wingspan is approximately 2½–4 inches. Spring individuals are smaller and paler, while summer butterflies tend to have longer tails and darker stripes.
Diet: Caterpillars feed almost exclusively on pawpaw leaves (Asimina species), especially the common pawpaw. Adults drink nectar from flowers, and they may gather on damp soil to obtain minerals.
Range: Eastern North America, from southern New England west to the eastern Great Plains and south to Florida and Texas.
Habitat: Moist deciduous woodlands, forest edges, stream corridors, river bottoms, and other areas where pawpaw trees grow. Adults may venture into nearby open fields to find flowering plants.
Interesting Fact: The zebra swallowtail has a close relationship with pawpaw trees—its caterpillars depend on their leaves for food. Females lay their eggs individually on pawpaw leaves rather than in clusters. The species also has distinct spring and summer forms, with the summer butterflies sporting especially long tails.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
The Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) Is a striking butterfly with pale white to greenish-white wings marked by bold black stripes, long, pointed tails on its hindwings, and small blue and red markings near the tail. Its wingspan is approximately 2½–4 inches. Spring individuals are smaller and paler, while summer butterflies tend to have longer tails and darker stripes.
Diet: Caterpillars feed almost exclusively on pawpaw leaves (Asimina species), especially the common pawpaw. Adults drink nectar from flowers, and they may gather on damp soil to obtain minerals.
Range: Eastern North America, from southern New England west to the eastern Great Plains and south to Florida and Texas.
Habitat: Moist deciduous woodlands, forest edges, stream corridors, river bottoms, and other areas where pawpaw trees grow. Adults may venture into nearby open fields to find flowering plants.
Interesting Fact: The zebra swallowtail has a close relationship with pawpaw trees—its caterpillars depend on their leaves for food. Females lay their eggs individually on pawpaw leaves rather than in clusters. The species also has distinct spring and summer forms, with the summer butterflies sporting especially long tails.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
