Papilio Swallowtail Butterflies

Close to two dozen separate species make their presence known across North America. The seven species presented here generally represent the genus.

The Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) is a fairly widespread West Coast butterfly.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the parsley and carrot family (Umbelliferae). They might even eat some carrot leaves from the grocery story as long as they do not contain pesticides.

Anise generally are among the first swallowtails to appear in the spring.

Generally they exhibit territorial behavior, sticking closely to a small area. Once sighted, patience pays, because they often perch in sunny places amenable to butterfly photography.

The Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra) is a dark winged butterfly of the Western United States with features similar to the Eastern Black Swallowtail.

Mountain areas are their preferred habitat, with a small desert population.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the parsley family and the adults nectar on a variety of flowers.

The name Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) can be deceiving.

The species, fairly wide spread throughout eastern North America, also stretch to areas of the Midwest and Southwest with sufficient larval plants, typically those in the parsley and carrot family.

Because parsley species grow throughout the spring and summer months, Black Swallowtails can be found from Spring through early Autumn in their range.

In some areas, they overlap with the black form of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, so a close inspection of the wing pattern is necessary for identification.

The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) derives its name from the food source for its caterpillars, primarily the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin).

The Spicebush is a small native tree or shrub that grows throughout much of the East Coast, marking the butterfly's range.

The black wings with lighter shaded dots on the border make is an easily identified species.

Caterpillars of the species are also easily recognized by their large false eyes.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus), a fairly widespread Eastern species, fly almost year round in the south.

The caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of trees including ash, birch and willow. Adults nectar on a variety of flowers.

Like their Western counterparts, they are recognized for their yellow striped wings. Unlike their western counterparts, the females also have a black form.

It's counterpart, the Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus), flies in late spring and early summer.

Larvae feed on leaves from cherry, willow and other trees. Because many of these trees are common in residential areas, the butterfly is commonly seen in local neighborhoods.

The striped wings make them a fairly easy to identify species.

Most discussions of the Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon) include a comparison with the Western Tiger Swallowtail.

The two species look similar, with the exception of wing color. Pale Swallowtails wings look more black and white (or cream) than Western Tiger Swallowtail wings.

Many Pale Swallowtails inhabit forest and wooded areas, flying and nectaring along roadways. In many areas of their range they also exhibit hilltop behavior, where large numbers gather on the top of a hill to mark a territory.

© 2008-2011 Patricia A. Michaels