Black Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polyxenes)
Male Black Swallowtail with Yellow and Blue Spots
Copyright: Fred Miller
This butterfly is sponsored by Inspection Support Network
(aka Eastern Black Swallowtail)
This remarkable butterfly is a strong flier that enjoys open areas and ‘hilltopping’. Hilltopping is popular among males in search of females; it allows a greater area to be covered in search of a mate. Males can also be very territorial, chasing other males off their hill.
Swallowtails, because they are larger butterflies, commonly feed on taller plants that have the longer-tubed flowers. They are wonderful guests to welcome, and are a pleasure to watch dashing through the garden.
See where the Black Swallowtail caterpillar build it’s chrysalis.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly Life Cycle
Yellow Egg on Fennel
Copyright: Fred Miller
Comparing Butterfly Egg to Penny
Copyright: Fred Miller
First Instar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Green Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Black Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Showing Osmeterium - Defensive Organ
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Green-Tan Chrysalis
Copyright: Fred Miller
Butterfly Laying Eggs on Fennel
Copyright: Fred Miller
Recently Emerged
Copyright: Fred Miller
Resting on Finger
Copyright: Fred Miller
Female Nectaring on Lantana
Copyright: Fred Miller
Male Resting on Branch
Copyright: Fred Miller
Female Black Swallowtail
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Black Swallowtail Butterfly Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly: (What is this?)
Black Swallowtail Butterfly Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Swallowtails & Parnassians (Papilionidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 3 1/4 in. to 4 1/4 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Open areas, hills, gardens
Black Swallowtail Butterfly Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
