Where’s Wildlife · Butterfly Field Guide
Papilio polyxenes
Pronounced (approx.): puh-PILL-ee-oh puh-LIK-suh-neez
A dark swallowtail with yellow spots and blue hindwing markings, often found near gardens and open fields.
Select the photograph to browse all five field photographs.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Wing markings: Look for two rows of yellow spots and the red-orange spot with a black center near the inner edge of each hindwing. [2]
Male or female? Males usually have larger yellow spots and less blue. Females usually show more blue and smaller yellow markings, though individuals vary. [1]
Caterpillar: Young larvae are dark with a white saddle. Older caterpillars are green with black bands dotted in yellow. [2]
Compare wing markings and resting poses. Select any photograph to browse the full gallery.
Females lay eggs individually on host plants, usually on fresh foliage. Caterpillars grow through several stages before forming a chrysalis supported by silk. The chrysalis is the overwintering stage. [2]
Most hosts belong to the carrot family (Apiaceae). Garden hosts include parsley, dill, fennel, celery, and carrot. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a native host; common rue is another recorded host outside the carrot family. [1]
Caterpillar defense: A threatened caterpillar can extend a yellow-orange, forked organ behind its head. Called an osmeterium, it releases chemicals that repel some predators. [2]
Seasonal activity: The upper Midwest usually has two generations, with adults generally seen from mid-May into September. Timing varies with weather and location. [1]
Black Swallowtails occur through much of eastern and central North America. Explore reported sightings below; observation records are not a complete range map. [2]
[1] Wisconsin Extension — Black Swallowtail
Susan Mahr’s guide to identification, host plants, feeding, and seasonal activity.
[2] UF/IFAS Extension — Eastern Black Swallowtail
Donald Hall’s account of wing markings, immature stages, life history, and caterpillar defenses.
Explore a Black Swallowtail download featuring Where’s Wildlife photography.
