ExploreInsects

Black Swallowtail

Papilio polyxenes

The Black Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with striking black and yellow colors. They love to flutter around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees them.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Black Swallowtail is a large, striking butterfly with black wings adorned by rows of bright yellow spots. Its hindwings feature a band of iridescent blue scales and distinctive orange eyespots, each with a black pupil, and short, tail-like projections.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Black Swallowtail
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Black Swallowtail

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

124

Interesting facts

Did you know Black Swallowtail caterpillars love to munch on plants in the carrot family?

Its feet and antennae taste flowers to find the best nectar!

The 'tails' on its hindwings fool predators, protecting its body from attack!

When it's time to transform, its chrysalis can change color to match its surroundings!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Taste Alarm

Black Swallowtail caterpillars can flash orange 'horns' (osmeteria) that release a stinky, foul-tasting chemical because it helps them scare away hungry predators.

Ability

Clever Impersonation

Adult female Black Swallowtails mimic the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail's appearance that helps them avoid being eaten by birds.

Ability

Nectar Siphon

A Black Swallowtail has a long, straw-like mouthpart (proboscis) that helps them sip sweet nectar deep inside flowers like a tiny straw.

Ability

Chameleon Camouflage

Young Black Swallowtail caterpillars look like bird droppings that helps them blend into plants and hide from predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
80-110 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
10-14 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leafy plants, while adult butterflies gracefully sip flower nectar.

Age differences: Young caterpillars eat plant leaves, but adults only drink sweet flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Parsley leaves
  • Dill leaves
  • Fennel leaves
  • Carrot tops
  • Queen Anne's Lace

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Common Black SwallowtailCommon MormonEastern Black SwallowtailMormon Swallowtail

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black Swallowtail?

The easiest way to identify Black Swallowtail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Black Swallowtail's wingspan?

80-110 mm

How big is Black Swallowtail?

30-40 mm

How long does Black Swallowtail live?

10-14 days

How fast can Black Swallowtail fly?

18 km/h

What does Black Swallowtail eat?

Caterpillars munch on leafy plants, while adult butterflies gracefully sip flower nectar.

Where is Black Swallowtail usually found?

Gardens

How does Black Swallowtail hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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