Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly

Anonymous Author

Collection: A Literary Field Guide to the Swamp, Book 4

August 2, 2026

Prompt:

Papilio Palamedes

Biological Overview

Habitat
Southern Eastern, United States

Diet
Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers

Role in Ecosystem
Pollinator

Behavior
Large, graceful, insects

Human Impact

These butterflies are heavily impacted by human-driven environmental changes, habitat destruction, and pesticide use. The butterfly’s population significantly declines when these challenges are upbrought. The butterflies are also impacted significantly when trees die and the introduction of a deadly pathogen.

Creative Exploration

In the sunny area
With bright green grass
I can fly around in the breeze
People often see no harm in me
I’m seen as an angel in the sky,
As the wind takes me, I get hungry
I see tiny insects to feed on
I’m just there to roam around free
My wings can be as dark as the night sky
As I dance in the wind
And fly around free
I start to think
What would the ecosystem
Be without me

Emma Grant, Abigail H, Raelynn Morris

Book 4

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Tags

Pee Dee/ Grand Strand

Anonymous Author

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