Black Swallowtail

The Black Swallowtail (*Papilio polyxenes*) is a common butterfly in the swallowtail family, native to much of North America.

The Black Swallowtail (*Papilio polyxenes*) is a common butterfly in the swallowtail family, native to much of North America. It is also known as the eastern black swallowtail, American swallowtail, and parsnip swallowtail, and its caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family such as parsley and dill. This species ranges from southern Canada to northern South America and is most abundant east of the Rocky Mountains.

Taxonomy and names

Black Swallowtail is the common name for *Papilio polyxenes*, a swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is also widely called the eastern black swallowtail, American swallowtail, and parsnip swallowtail.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs from southern Canada through much of the United States into northern South America, with greatest abundance east of the Rocky Mountains. It is typically found in open, sunny habitats including fields, meadows, gardens, marshes, and urban green spaces.

Description and life cycle

Adults have a black upper wing surface with yellow spotting or banding, and females usually show blue markings on the hindwings. Adults typically have a wingspan of about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm). Like other butterflies, it passes through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Ecology and host plants

The caterpillars feed mainly on plants in the carrot family, including parsley, dill, fennel, carrots, celery, and wild carrot. The larvae have a defensive osmeterium, a gland that can be extended when disturbed.

Human significance

Black Swallowtail larvae are familiar garden insects because they use common herbs and vegetables as host plants. The species is also recognized as Oklahoma’s state butterfly.