Anise Swallowtail
Common NameAnise Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio zelicaon
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black, blue, orange
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open fields, chaparral, gardens, urban areas, foothills, mountains
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host Plantsanise, dill, parsley, celery, wild parsnip, Lomatium species
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with black bands and yellow spots, possessing an osmeterium. Pupae are chrysalides, either green or brown, and can overwinter.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar swallowtails by its solid black bands (not tiger stripes) and the specific pattern of blue spots and a prominent orange eyespot with a black pupil on the hindwings.
Description
A medium to large swallowtail butterfly with bright yellow wings marked by broad black stripes and bands. The hindwings feature a row of blue spots and a prominent orange eyespot with a black center near the distinctive tails.
