i live in northern IL. There are very few giant swallowtials around here but we do have them. I was wondering what host plants to plant for them here because we dont have citrus this far north so do they prefer something else up here?
Here are a few plants that Giant Swallowtails prefer apart from citrus trees. Lantana, Azalea, Bougainvillea, Soapwort, Golden Rod and Swamp Milkweed. Hope this helps. :-D
Nectar sources for the butterfly include azalea, bougainvillea, Japanese honeysuckle, goldenrod, dame's rocket, bouncing Bet, and swamp milkweed. They may also sip liquid from manure. Host plants for the caterpillar include any trees and herbs in the citrus family. They also will go for prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), hop tree (Ptelea trifoliata), and Common Rue (Ruta graveolens). You might want to find out what butterflies are more common to your area and plant for them. They would be more likely to hang around and survive.
