: any of various usually large brightly marked butterflies (family Papilionidae, especially genus Papilio) with each hind wing typically having an elongated process
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
In 1976, the Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly became one of the first insects to be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Cabrera says.—Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 Different types of swallowtails, including western tiger, pale, and anise, can be seen at Jack’s Peak, Johnston says.—A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 4 June 2025 Some swallowtail butterflies lay eggs on citrus trees.—Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 4 June 2025 At the time, conservationists fretted that the enormous hurricane was going to wipe out the last of the island’s Schaus’ swallowtails (Papilio aristodemus), a species of endangered black-and-yellow butterfly native to southern Florida and now found only on Elliott Key and nearby Key Largo.—Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swallowtail
Share