zebra swallowtail butterfly

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus) on paw paw (Asimina triloba), at Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina.

Paw paw – the host plant for zebra swallowtail caterpillars – is abundant in the Dismal Swamp.

Please click photo for full view.

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus) on paw paw (Asimina triloba), at Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina.

Paw paw – the host plant for zebra swallowtail caterpillars – is abundant in the Dismal Swamp.

Please click photo for full view.

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies, in tandem flight.

Please click photo to enlarge.

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies, in tandem flight.

Please click photo to enlarge.

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus), at Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina.

I’ve been unsuccessful at previous attempts to photograph zebras. They are exceptionally vigorous and evasive fliers, except (apparently) when distracted by sex.

Please click photo for full view.

Mating zebra swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus), at Dismal Swamp State Park, North Carolina.

I’ve been unsuccessful at previous attempts to photograph zebras. They are exceptionally vigorous and evasive fliers, except (apparently) when distracted by sex.

Please click photo for full view.