Identification
Wingspan 3”-5.5”
Black markings on the yellow background of the wings
Hind wings end with two black wing tails
Females have some blue on the bottom of the wings.
Active during the day
Fly high along the treetops.
Habitat
From the Great Plains East. From Canada to Mexico. Native species of the South. Lives in deciduous forests, along rivers, roadsides, gardens, fields, etc.
Stages of Life
Egg to Adult = 1 month
Adults live about 1 month
Eggs are greenish yellow with red dots.
Hatch in 4-10 days.
Caterpillar is a little over 2”. Brown/green with blue dots.
Pupa/Chrysalis is brown or white and about 1” long
Predators
Hornets, hawks, flycatchers, woodpeckers, blackbirds, owls, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums.
Diet
Does puddling and males will eat on carrion, dung, and urine. Prefer nectar or red and pink flowers.
Fun Facts
Brown caterpillar resembles bird droppings. Yellow black eye spots develop on the caterpillars that look like snake eyes. Both camouflages are to protect the caterpillars.