Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Male Black Swallowtail with Yellow and Blue Patterns
Copyright: Fred Miller
(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 Life Cycle
Round Yellow Egg on Fennel
Copyright: Fred Miller
Comparing Butterfly Egg to Penny
Copyright: Fred Miller
Caterpillar First Instar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Black Larva with Orange / Black Spikes and White Band Around Middle
Copyright: Fred Miller
Green and Black Caterpillar with Yellow Spots
Copyright: Fred Miller
Black and Yellow Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
Green Caterpillar and Orange Osmeterium
Copyright: Regina Cutter Edwards
Green Chrysalis Hanging From Silk Thread
Copyright: Fred Miller
Wood Camouflages Brown Chrysalis
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Butterfly Laying Eggs on Fennel
Copyright: Fred Miller
Recently Butterfly Emerged from Pupa and Drying Wings
Copyright: Fred Miller
Black Butterfly Resting on Finger
Copyright: Fred Miller
Male Resting on Branch
Copyright: Fred Miller
Female Black Swallowtail
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Black Swallowtail Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Black Swallowtail: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Black Swallowtail: (What is this?)
Black Swallowtail 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
Similar To: Anise Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
