Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly (Battus philenor)

The Pipevine Swallowtail beauty is blue and black with white spots on the upper side of the hind wings. The blue underneath the hindwings encircles one row of orange colors. These swift fliers are usually low to the ground and do not stay at one flower for a long time. They enjoy open wooded areas and forest edges.

The female Swallowtail lays clusters of round red eggs on Pipevine plants, and the color of its caterpillars is red or black. The chrysalis resembles dried leaves, so they are well camouflaged. Depending on its pupate location, the chrysalis is either brown and tan or yellow and green. They can overwinter as pupa and are amazing creatures to welcome into your garden. See photos and plant information below.

See the Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar on the move to find a safe place to pupate.