Black Swallowtail
Image: Fidelia Bridges (American, 1834 – 1923) (Public domain)
Common NameBlack Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio polyxenes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, blue, orange
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, roadsides, pastures, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, eastern and central United States, parts of southwestern United States and Mexico
Host Plantsparsley, dill, fennel, carrot, celery, parsnip, Queen Anne's Lace
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with black bands and yellow spots, commonly known as 'parsley worms.' Pupae are chrysalides, which can be either green or brown, resembling a twig.
Identification TipsKey visual features for field identification include its large size, black wings with two rows of yellow spots (more prominent in males), blue scaling on the hindwings (more prominent in females), and a single orange eyespot with a black pupil near the hindwing tail.
Description
The Black Swallowtail is a large, striking butterfly with predominantly black wings adorned with two rows of yellow spots on the forewings and a row of yellow-orange spots with blue scaling on the hindwings, featuring prominent tails.
