Two-tailed Swallowtail
Pterourus multicaudata (W. F. Kirby, 1884)
Family: Papilionidae
Status: Uncommon to common resident, more numerous westward.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Range: The Two-tailed Swallowtail is found in the western half of the United States and southern Canada, south into Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the western half of the state, although it becomes increasingly scare eastward.
Larval Hostplant(s): Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) and Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) are listed hostplants which are known to be used in the state.
Broods/Flight Times: At least two flights. Adults have been found in Nebraska from 15 April – 10 September.
Overwintering: As pupae.
Habitat: The Two-tailed Swallowtail is most common in the rugged regions of the panhandle and ranges east into the loess hills of south central Nebraska.
Avg. Wingspan: 3 1/2 – 5 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Wildcat Hills SRA, Ash Hollow SHP, Sidney I-80 East Rest Stop
Similar Species: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Notes: Larvae can often be found on roadside thickets of Choke Cherry in mid-late August. Adults have been observed nectaring on milkweeds and thistles.
Two-tailed Swallowtail, Scotts Bluff County, J. Nikkila
