Common Name: Swallowtail and Parnassan Butterflies
Description: The swallowtail butterflies are relatively large in size and common throughout the United States. Most species have a distinctive “tail” on the back of each hind wing. Parnassans are found only at high elevations. They are medium-sized butterflies, white or light gray in color with dark markings and a red or orange spot on the hind wing. Both swallowtails and parnassans have a distinctive spur (epiphysis) on the inner aspect of the front tibiae.