Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes
The black swallowtail is a large, dark butterfly of open fields, gardens, roadsides, and meadows across much of North America. Adults feed mainly on flower nectar and are strong, agile fliers, while females seek parsley-family plants such as dill, fennel, carrot, and parsley for egg-laying. Males often patrol territories and visit damp soil to take in minerals. A notable feature is its resemblance to the toxic pipevine swallowtail, a form of mimicry that can discourage predators.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
- Black Swallowtail Chrysalis
- Black Swallowtail