Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon )
Yellow Butterfly with Black Markings
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
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The Anise Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with a bright yellow and black coloring. But this butterfly gets it name from the fennel plant, also called wild anise, which is a common food source for the caterpillars. The caterpillars are often confused in appearance with the Black Swallowtail’s caterpillars. Consider this butterfly when creating your own garden and you may soon see the Anise Swallowtail’s gorgeous wings.
The butterfly can be distinguished from similar species by its lack of a “tiger stripe” on the upper forewing and slightly smaller size.
Anise Swallowtail Life Cycle
Green Caterpillar with Black and Yellow Markings
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
Green chrysalis
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
Yellow Wings with Blue and Black Markings
Copyright: Tammy Elizabeth Palmer
Spreading Wings after Emerging
Copyright: Tammy Elizabeth Palmer
Plants That Attract The Anise Swallowtail
Host Plants: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants: (What is this?)
Facts And Information
Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Average Wingspan: 2 3/4 in. to 3 1/2 in.
Habitat: Road edges, foothills, hillsides, gardens
Butterfly Flight Range
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
