The Zebra Swallowtail butterfly feeds almost exclusively on the leaves of the Pawpaw tree. When searching for the pawpaw fruit late in the summer, it is always a good indicator of nearby trees when these zebras are sighted. I was surprised to see them this early in the spring since I had seen no butterflies of any kind before today, and the pawpaws have just barely started to leaf out. The several days of 80 degree weather must have stimulated them.
phranksphotos365 
Mar 25, 2012 @ 20:25:51
You scored a great one today, congrats and thanks for sharing ,MJ
Mar 25, 2012 @ 20:28:39
Thanks MJ
Mar 25, 2012 @ 21:14:15
Hi Frank, Great catch! Because of the pale color, I’m wondering if you might have a Tiger Swallowtail, rather than a Zebra. There are Eastern and Western varieties; I checked them out athttps://www.google.com/search?q=swallowtail&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=TM1vT9v7JM7egQfR6Yhs&ved=0CGUQsAQ&biw=1206&bih=597#q=swallowtail&hl=en&sa=X&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=80f61e7c9086b795&biw=1206&bih=597. I agree with you completely that it’s too early for such warm-weather harbingers and share your deep concern. What have we done to this world of ours?
Mar 26, 2012 @ 15:32:21
The red spots on the rump give it away as a zebra. I think the Tigers have blue spots.
Mar 26, 2012 @ 15:06:00
great shot Frank!