Family overview
Large, showy butterflies. Most have hindwing 'tails'. Caterpillars have a fleshy, forked OSMETERIUM organ behind the head that releases foul scent when threatened.
Iconic garden butterflies. Many species in decline due to habitat loss.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
600
Notable members
Eastern tiger swallowtail, black swallowtail, giant swallowtail, zebra swallowtail, Apollo butterfly