Papilio palamedes is encountered from May to October in southeastern Virginia and from March to December in more southern regions.
   Their flight is moderate, seemingly haphazard, adding to their appeal.
   They are a large, dark swallowtail butterfly marked with yellow spots and bands.
   They are commonly found in habitats such as cypress swamplands, coastal swamplands, wet riparian forests, bay forests, and savannas in the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico.
   Their wings display an array of colors.
   When open, the dorsal side features bright yellow bands on both the hind and fore wings, complemented by yellow tailed bases.
   The ventral side reveals a delicate yellow stripe along the base and a series of yellowish orange crescents when the wings are closed.
   As a species, they show no visible sexual dimorphism.
   Males seek females by patrolling near forest edges and forest openings. In courtship, the male and female will fly about a foot apart, slowly flying together in unison. The male will then fly above and behind the female to disperse his pheromones. He will continue to do this until the female decides to mate with him.
   Their life span is approximately 14 days.