Pipevine Swallowtail

Battus philenor

The Pipevine Swallowtail is a stunning butterfly with iridescent blue wings. It loves to dance around flowers in the garden!

Habitat: Gardens and forests

Appearance

The Pipevine Swallowtail has velvety black wings, often with an iridescent blue-green sheen on the hindwings, especially vibrant in males. Its underwings display a striking row of bright orange spots against a metallic blue band, making it easily distinguishable from other dark butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusBattus

Pipevine Swallowtail

Interesting facts

It drinks nectar using a long, straw-like 'tongue' called a proboscis, perfect for sipping from deep flowers!

Its spiky, dark red caterpillar looks like a tiny dragon, warning predators of its toxic meal!

The dazzling blue-green shimmer on its wings isn't paint, but tiny scales that reflect light like a prism!

This butterfly actually has a chemical in its body that tastes terrible to birds, making them spit it out!

Special abilities

Pipevine Swallowtail can absorb toxins from pipevine plants because it helps them become poisonous, deterring hungry predators.

Pipevine Swallowtail has a distinctive look that many other harmless butterflies copy, helping those mimics avoid being eaten by predators.

Pipevine Swallowtail can taste with special receptors on its feet, helping it find the perfect nectar flowers or host plants for its eggs.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 70-130 mm
Size: 20-40 mm
Lifespan: 10-14 days
Flight Speed: 20 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on toxic pipevine leaves, while adults sip nectar from various flowers.

Age differences: Caterpillars consume pipevine leaves, while adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Aristolochia spp. (Pipevine leaves)
Nectar from Phlox
Nectar from Thistle
Nectar from Milkweed

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Virginia Snakeroot

Aristolochia serpentaria

Host plant for caterpillars, providing toxins.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Birds learn to avoid after trying to eat.

pollinates

Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata

Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.

Urban Friendly

Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.