Anise Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio zelicaon )
Yellow Butterfly with Black Markings
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
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 Butterfly Life Cycle
Green Butterfly Caterpillar with Black and Yellow Markings
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
Green Chrysalis
Copyright: Donald Gudehus
Butterfly Spreading Wings after Emerging
Copyright: Tammy Elizabeth Palmer
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Anise Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Anise Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 2 3/4 in. to 3 1/2 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Road edges, foothills, hillsides, gardens
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
