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Anise Swallowtail

Papilio zelicaon

The Anise Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with bright yellow and black wings. It loves to flutter around gardens and fields, bringing joy wherever it goes!

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Anise Swallowtail has bright yellow wings boldly patterned with thick black stripes and markings. Its hindwings feature a distinctive row of blue spots, a prominent orange eye-spot, and two small, black "tails" that help distinguish it from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Anise Swallowtail
spotted trait badgesocial trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badge
Anise Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Anise Swallowtail caterpillars change from mottled brown to bright green as they grow up!

The little "tails" on their wings might trick birds into attacking the wrong spot!

These butterflies can sometimes travel hundreds of miles, following the sun to warmer places!

They often fly high in mountain areas, sometimes soaring above the very tops of trees.

Special abilities

Ability

Stinky Shield

Anise Swallowtail caterpillars can pop out a bright orange, Y-shaped organ to release a smelly liquid and scare predators away.

Ability

Taste Feet

This butterfly can taste plants with its feet, helping it decide if a leaf is yummy enough for its babies to eat!

Ability

Master Disguise

Young caterpillars cleverly camouflage themselves, looking exactly like bird droppings to hide from hungry birds.

Ability

Nectar Snorkeler

It uses a long, straw-like tongue, called a proboscis, to sip sweet nectar from deep inside flowers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-80 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
10-14 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Anise Swallowtails sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on tasty plants.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on host plant leaves, while adults drink nectar from various flowers.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • fennel leaves
  • dill leaves
  • anise leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Anise Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anise Swallowtail's wingspan?

50-80 mm

How big is Anise Swallowtail?

20-30 mm

How long does Anise Swallowtail live?

10-14 days

How fast can Anise Swallowtail fly?

15 km/h

What does Anise Swallowtail eat?

Adult Anise Swallowtails sip flower nectar; their caterpillars munch on tasty plants.

Where is Anise Swallowtail usually found?

Gardens and fields

How does Anise Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Anise Swallowtail have?

6

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