Giant Swallowtail
Papilio cresphontes
Giant Swallowtail is generally rare but is locally common where colonies exist. The most widespread hostplant is common hoptree, (wafer ash) (Ptelea trifoliata), which occurs statewide except for Northwest Georgia. Other hostplants are common prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), documented in 4 counties (Kennesaw Mt, Cobb County record), and Hercules’ club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis). Hercules’ club occurs in the Coastal counties and in several SW Georgia counties. The habitat in North Georgia is rocky hillsides from Walker County and Murray County in NW GA to Kennesaw Mountain in Cobb County and Stone Mountain in DeKalb County. On the Coast, it is found along edges hear stands of Hercules Club. It travels widely to nectar. There are two broods in North Georgia from late March to September and possibly three broods in deep South Georgia from early March to October. Early Date: March 28 (Murray County); Late Date: October 20 (Grady County). Conservation Status: Secure.
