How to Feed a Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly
Depending where you live, a yellow swallowtail butterfly could be one of several species. In the eastern part of the United States it is likely to be Papilio glaucus -- the eastern tiger swallowtail, although there are several similar species. Swallowtail butterflies have diets specific to the species as caterpillars, but as butterflies they all eat much the same things. Swallowtail butterflies mostly need energy and they are drawn to various sweet foods, especially those that mimic their natural diet of nectar.
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Heat a mixture of four parts water to one part plain white sugar in a pan. Stir continuously until all the sugar dissolves.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Soak cotton balls in the mixture and squeeze gently so that they are damp but not dripping.
Place the cotton balls in a dish in the butterfly cage or on your butterfly table.
Replace the cotton balls daily, to prevent bacterial buildup. |