November 6, 2025

I am a Zebra Swallowtail

My wingspan can be 4 inches wide

I have long tails on my hind wings

Which makes me a quite large butterfly.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN215

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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September 15, 2023

I am known as a Zebra Swallowtail

I'm the only kite swallowtail in the US

I have a short proboscis so I can't drink from long flowers, 

But I can get nutrition from mud with some success.

Location: Peace River Botanical Gardens, Punta Gorda

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_swallowtail.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 23, 2022

I am a Zebra Swallowtail,

You can find me in woodlands, scrub, and waterways

My flight is low, fast and erratic

I'm not drunk, but sometimes it looks that way.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/zebra-swallowtail/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 6, 2022

I am a Zebra Swallowtail

If you see Dee's sister, Lynn, give her love and respect

Always, but especially today (her birthday)

And Butterflies are her favorite insect. 

(I almost said to give her hugs because Butterflies are her favorite bug, but that would be technically incorrect and you know how I strive for technical accuracy!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_swallowtail.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 25, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a Zebra Swallowtail
I'm black and white with a few red spots
I get moisture from sand and nectar
And I breed in woodlands near swamps.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 8, 2018

Location: Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park

I am a Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly
My wings have black and white stripes.
When I'm a caterpillar I like to eat Pawpaw,
As an adult, nectar is what I like.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Zebra Swallowtail 

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson