The swallowtail butterfly family, Papilionidae, consists of at least 550 species, many of which are large and colorful and recognizable even to non-specialists. While the majority of swallowtail species are found in tropical latitudes, representatives from the family can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and can be common in both tropical and temperate habitats.

     The name "swallowtail" refers to a tail-like extension on the edge of the hindwing that is found in many, though not all, papilionids.