Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
Papilio polyxenes (larva)
Black swallowtail caterpillars live on parsley-family plants in gardens, fields, and roadsides, feeding on dill, fennel, parsley, carrot, and related foliage. Young larvae are dark with a pale saddle, while later instars become striped green, black, and yellow. When disturbed, the caterpillar can raise a forked orange osmeterium that releases a strong-smelling chemical defense.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
- Black Swallowtail Chrysalis
- Black Swallowtail