Which family includes the swallowtails?

Which family includes the swallowtails?

• A. Papilionidae
• B. Pieridae
• C. Hesperiidae
• D. Nymphalidae

Answer: (A)

Swallowtails are a group of butterflies classified in the family Papilionidae. This family is the classic home of the swallowtail butterflies, many of which show the distinctive tail-like extensions on their hindwings that give them their common name. Recognizing Papilionidae helps distinguish swallowtails from other butterflies that look similar at a glance but belong to different families. Other families listed describe different groups: Pieridae includes the white and sulfur butterflies; Hesperiidae are the small, fast-skimming skippers with stout bodies and hooked antennae; Nymphalidae are the brush-footed butterflies with reduced front legs. None of these are the swallowtails, which is why Papilionidae is the correct family.

Swallowtails are a group of butterflies classified in the family Papilionidae. This family is the classic home of the swallowtail butterflies, many of which show the distinctive tail-like extensions on their hindwings that give them their common name. Recognizing Papilionidae helps distinguish swallowtails from other butterflies that look similar at a glance but belong to different families.

Other families listed describe different groups: Pieridae includes the white and sulfur butterflies; Hesperiidae are the small, fast-skimming skippers with stout bodies and hooked antennae; Nymphalidae are the brush-footed butterflies with reduced front legs. None of these are the swallowtails, which is why Papilionidae is the correct family.