black swallowtail

(Papilio polyxenes)

Conservation Status
black swallowtail
Photo by Diane Madsen
  IUCN Red List

not listed

 
  NatureServe

N5 - Secure

S5 - Secure

 
  Minnesota

not listed

 
           
           
           
           
 
Description
 
 

Black swallowtail is a mimic of the unpalatable pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor). It is the state butterfly of Oklahoma.

Adults have a wingspan of 3¼ to 4¼. Females are larger than males.

The upper side of the forewing is black with two rows of yellow spots, one on the submarginal band, one on the median band. Both rows of spots extend to the forward (costal) margin of the wing. There is also a narrow, interrupted, yellow border on the outer margin, and a single yellow spot in the area just below the tip (subapical area). On the male, the medial spots are large and closely spaced. On the female they are narrow and widely spaced.

The upper side of the hindwing is black with a marginal row of yellow spots, a postmedial row of iridescent blue spots, a median row of yellow spots, and a narrow, interrupted, yellow border on the outer margin. There is also a single eye-spot on the trailing margin near the tail. The eyespot is orange with a black pupil and a yellow border. On the male, the blue postmedial spots are small, and the yellow medial spots are large and closely spaced. On the female the blue postmedial spots are large, and the yellow medial spots are narrow and widely spaced. The hindwings have “tails”.

The underside of the forewing is black with yellow markings mirroring those on the upper side. The underside of the hindwing is black with markings mirroring those on the upper side except that many of the yellow spots are partially or completely replaced with orange spots.

The eyes are black.

The mature (fifth instar) caterpillar is variable in color and up to 2 long. It appears smooth but is actually densely covered with minute hairs. The background color is usually green but may be white, yellow, brown and white, or black. The color is determined by the wavelength of light reaching the larva when it is in the first instar stage. This color polymorphism allows the caterpillar to match the background color of the host site. The thorax is swollen and the head is held beneath the thorax. The thorax of the green form caterpillar is green with 2 black stripes in an inverted “V” pattern and 3 black spots. Each abdominal segment is green with a broad, horizontal black band. In each black band there are 6 yellow spots. There is also a narrow black band in the fold between abdominal segments. The legs are greenish-white with 2 black spots. Mature caterpillars are found from June onward.

The pupa may be green or brown. The color varies between individuals of a local population, achieving a balance that ensures maximum survival.

There is a Y-shaped gland (osmeterium) in the middle of the upper (dorsal) portion of the first abdominal segment of the caterpillar. Normally, the osmeterium is held internally and is not visible. It secretes a chemical that produces a foul odor and repels predators. The secreted chemical may also be toxic to predators. When disturbed, the caterpillar will extend (evert) the gland, turning it inside-out, and attempt to smear the predator with the chemical.

 
     
 

Size

 
 

Wingspan: 3¼ to 4¼

 
     
 

Similar Species

 
  Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) has a black form female that looks similar. However, it has only one row of yellow spots on the upper side of the forewing and there is no yellow subapical spot.  
     
 
Habitat
 
 

 

 
     
 
Biology
 
 

Season

 
 

Two broods: mid-May to mid-June and mid-July to early September

 
     
 

Behavior

 
 

 

 
     
 

Life Cycle

 
 

Mating usually takes place on a hilltop. The female lays small yellow eggs singly on a leaf or flower of a host plant. She will lay 30 to 50 eggs per day, eventually laying 200 to 440 eggs. The larva hatches 4 to 9 days later. Over the next 10 to 30 days it molts 4 times before pupating. It overwinters as a chrysalis.

 
     
 

Larva Hosts

 
 

Queen Anne’s lace, wild parsnip, spotted water hemlock, bland sweet cicely, American cow parsnip, and other members of the Apiaceae (carrot) family.

 
     
 

Adult Food

 
 

Flower nectar, especially clover.

 
     
 
Distribution
 
 

Distribution Map

 

Sources

4, 7, 21, 24, 27, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82.

 
  12/1/2022      
         
 

Occurrence

 
 

Common

 
         
 
Taxonomy
 
 

Order

Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)  
 

Superfamily

Papilionoidea (butterflies)  
 

Family

Papilionidae (swallowtails and parnassians)  
 

Subfamily

Papilioninae (swallowtails)  
 

Tribe

Papilionini (fluted swallowtails)  
 

Genus

Papilio (common swallowtails)  
  Subgenus Papilio  
       
 

Subordinate Taxa

 
 

black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes americus)

black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes sadalus)

Central American black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes stabilis)

desert black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes rudkini)

eastern black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius)

 
       
 

Synonyms

 
 

 

 
       
 

Common Names

 
 

black swallowtail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glossary

Chrysalis

The pupa (third) stage of a butterfly or moth during which the caterpillar metamorphoses into an adult. In moths, the pupa is enclosed in a silk cocoon. In butterflies, the pupa is naked but protected by a hardened outer shell.

 

Costal margin

The leading edge of the forewing of insects.

 

Instar

The developmental stage of arthropods between each molt; in insects, the developmental stage of the larvae or nymph.

 

Pupa

The life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. In caterpillars, the chrysalis.

 

Subapical area

In insects, the region just before the tip of the wing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Visitor Photos
 
           
 

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Mike Poeppe

 
    black swallowtail      
 

Alfredo Colon

 
    black swallowtail      
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
 

Luciearl

 
 

They will purposely plant parsley next year. Found several in the pot on the deck.

 
    black swallowtail      
 

Paige Bergeland

 
 

Hatching Black Swallowtails in Lac Qui Parle County

A few weeks ago, I identified a ton of Tussock Moths eating away at all our ditches milkweed. I am trying to grow a few indoors of those as well.

Are there any programs for caterpillar farms?

Well, being almost 4 weeks later, this morning I discovered my first butterfly having emerged from its chrysalis! Then another one an hour later! Just 15 or so more to go! Im am super excited but wanted to confirm with you that there are Black swallowtails in Lac Qui Parle County. I hope you can see my pics!

  black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
 

Diane Madsen

 
 

Attached is a photo I took yesterday (7-31-21) of what I believe is a Black Swallowtail Butterfly. I saw it in the pollinator garden at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. I did not realize they were uncommon in Minnesota (although I don't think I've ever seen one before) until I looked it up.

  black swallowtail  
 

Dan W. Andree

 
 

Black Swallowtail butterfly...

On a part of the big hill where they usually mow around the outer perimeter. Just off this mowed swath was the prescribed burn.This path swath wasn’t burned. The path was maybe 10-15 feet something like that wide along the SNA perimeter around the west section. The swallowtail seemed to be resting for a short period then fly and land in the previously burned over area where it hung out most often.

  black swallowtail  
           
 

Earliest Black Swallowtail Butterly...

I had seen. May 9, 2021 rural Norman Co. Mn.

  black swallowtail  
           
 

Black Swallowtail's on Milkweed...

These 2 Swallowtails were at a Scientific and Natural Area in Norman County early Summer 2020. I think it was part of the Twin Valley Prairie Preserve.

  black swallowtail  
           
        black swallowtail  
           
  Black Swallowtail from 4k video...   black swallowtail  
 

Tom Baker

 
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
 
MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos
 
 

Adult

 
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
 

Fifth instar caterpillar

 
    black swallowtail   black swallowtail  
           
    black swallowtail      

 

Camera

     
 
Slideshows
 
Eastern Black Swallowtail
Andree Reno Sanborn
  Eastern Black Swallowtail  
 
About

Papilio polyxenes

 
Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail)
Allen Chartier
  Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail)  
Black Swallowtail
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
  Black Swallowtail  
Black Swallowtail
jt893x
  Black Swallowtail  
BlackSwallowtailLifeCycle
iPhotoBirds
   
 
About

Published on Aug 30, 2013

This shows the different stages of a Black Swallowtail from caterpillar to Butterfly and all points in between.

 

 

slideshow

       
 
Visitor Videos
 
       
 

Share your video of this insect.

 
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Attach a video, a YouTube link, or a cloud storage link.
 
 

 

 
     
     
       
       
 
Other Videos
 
  Papilio polyxenes 2nd attempt.mov
gnysiu79
 
   
 
About

Uploaded on Jul 18, 2011

No description available.

 
  Black Swallowtail
euroapple1
 
   
 
About

Published on Sep 23, 2013

Common Name: Black swallowtail
Scientific Name: Papilio polyxenes Stoll
Order: Lepidoptera

Description: The black swallowtail is a black butterfly with yellow markings near the margins of the forewings and hindwings and more limited blue and red markings on the hindwings. Its wing span can reach 4 ½ inches. Full grown parselyworms or caterpillars can reach 2 inches in length and are smooth and green, marked with black bands and yellow spots.

The black swallowtail mimics the bad tasting pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor (Linnaeus), which is all metallic black-blue on the upper surface of the wings, lacking the yellow and blue markings. Caterpillars feed on pipevines, Dutchman's-pipe and Virginia snakeroot.

Life Cycle: Winter is spent in the chrysalis (pupa) stage. Adults emerge in the spring and seek host plants. Females lay round, yellow to cream colored eggs on the leaves. Caterpillars hatching from eggs are initially black with a white saddle. After molting several times, each larvae transforms into a pale green chrysalis that is suspended from a plant stem by a thread.

Habitat and Food Source(s): Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts. Adults have siphoning mouths. Host plants of the caterpillar include members of the parsley family (Umbelliferae) including carrot, parsley, dill, fennel and Queen Anne's lace and some members of the Rutaceae (Ruta graveolens and Thamnosma texana). This caterpillar is bad tasting to birds and other predators because of toxins absorbed from the host plants. Like other larvae of swallowtail butterflies, parselyworms have a defensive structure, called an osmeterium, right behind the head. This structure is usually concealed. However, when disturbed this "Y" or "V" shaped organ is inverted. It emits a strong odor that is apparently distasteful to predators. This butterfly is easy to attract and raise by planting dill or fennel in your vegetable garden.

Pest Status: Caterpillars feed on dill, fennel and some other plants; medically harmless.

 
  Kansas Black Swallowtail Pupating
MRBikequest
 
   
 
About

Published on Jul 27, 2013

I spotted this fellow on my second year parsley which was going to seed. I've enjoyed seeing these caterpillars since i was a kid. They chow down on dill/parsley. This was the first opportunity i have had to see one turn in to a chrysalis.

 

 

Camcorder

 
 
Visitor Sightings
 
           
 

Report a sighting of this insect.

 
  This button not working for you?
Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com.
Be sure to include a location.
 
  Mike Poeppe
6/10/2023

Location: around Houston, MN

black swallowtail

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/15/2022

Location: Albany, NY

black swallowtail

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/11/2022

Location: Albany, NY

black swallowtail

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/10/2022

Location: Albany, NY

black swallowtail

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/7/2022

Location: Albany, NY

black swallowtail

 
  Alfredo Colon
8/6/2022

Location: Albany, NY

black swallowtail

 
  Luciearl
7/2021

Location:Lake Shore

They will purposely plant parsley next year. Found several in the pot on the deck.

black swallowtail

 
  Paige Bergeland
8/8/2021

Location: Centennial Lakes Park, Edina MN

A few weeks ago, I identified a ton of Tussock Moths eating away at all our ditches milkweed. I am trying to grow a few indoors of those as well.

Are there any programs for caterpillar farms?

Well, being almost 4 weeks later, this morning I discovered my first butterfly having emerged from its chrysalis! Then another one an hour later! Just 15 or so more to go! Im am super excited but wanted to confirm with you that there are Black swallowtails in Lac Qui Parle County. I hope you can see my pics!

black swallowtail  
  John Valo
8/9/2021

Yes, the bright yellow spot bands on the underside of both the hindwing and the forewing make this a black swallowtail.

 
  Diane Madsen
7/31/2021

Location: Centennial Lakes Park, Edina MN

Attached is a photo I took yesterday (7-31-21) of what I believe is a Black Swallowtail Butterfly. I saw it in the pollinator garden at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. I did not realize they were uncommon in Minnesota (although I don't think I've ever seen one before) until I looked it up.

black swallowtail  
  Dan W. Andree
6/25/2021

Location: Frenchman’s Bluff SNA, Norman Co., Mn.

On a part of the big hill where they usually mow around the outer perimeter. Just off this mowed swath was the prescribed burn.This path swath wasn’t burned. The path was maybe 10-15 feet something like that wide along the SNA perimeter around the west section. The swallowtail seemed to be resting for a short period then fly and land in the previously burned over area where it hung out most often.

black swallowtail  
  Dan W. Andree
5/9/2021

Location: rural Norman Co. Mn.

Earliest Black Swallowtail Butterly I had seen.

black swallowtail  
  Dan W. Andree
Early summer 2020

Location: Twin Valley Prairie SNA, Norman Co., Mn.

These 2 Swallowtails were at a Scientific and Natural Area in Norman County early Summer 2020. I think it was part of the Twin Valley Prairie Preserve.

black swallowtail  
  Dan W. Andree
June-July 2020

Location: Norman Co.

black swallowtail  
  Chuck
10/13/2019

Location: Minneapolis

A large, healthy-looking caterpillar is hanging out on our parsley on this 36-degree day.

 
  Jason
9/23/2019

Location: Crystal, MN 

Just found a mature swallowtail  caterpillar happily munching away on my parsley.

 
  Alfredo Colon
Summer 2018

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota

black swallowtail  
  Beth Siverhus
6/23/2019

Location: Warroad, MN

I had a black swallowtail in my yard in Warroad, MN for a short time 6/23/19. It was visiting the snow on the mountain flowers. I had never seen one before so it was quite a thrill. (I took photos for documentation and ID confirmation)

 
  Sande
8/1/2018

Location: Anoka, Minnesota

loving the cone flowers!!

 
  whereswallace
7/21/2016

Location: Park Rapids, MN

 
           
 
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Created 10/10/2012

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