Swallowtail Butterfly

Papilio machaon

The Swallowtail Butterfly is large and colorful, with long tail-like extensions on its wings. It dances gracefully in the air!

Habitat: Gardens, meadows, and forests

Appearance

The Swallowtail Butterfly has large, bright yellow wings with distinctive black stripes and veins, often adorned with blue and red eye-spots on the hindwings. Its hindwings famously feature tail-like extensions that make it visually unique from other butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio

Swallowtail Butterfly

Interesting facts

Adult swallowtails can taste plants with their feet to see if they are good for laying eggs!

Some swallowtail caterpillars change color dramatically just before they turn into a chrysalis!

Their beautiful wings are covered in tiny, overlapping scales, like shingles on a roof!

They fly with a distinctive, strong, and gliding flight pattern, not just fluttering around!

Special abilities

Swallowtail Butterfly larvae can unleash an orange, Y-shaped gland called an osmeterium that helps them scare away predators with a foul smell.

Swallowtail Butterflies have a long, coiled proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar deeply from flowers, reaching hidden treats.

Young Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars can camouflage as bird droppings, which helps them avoid becoming a tasty snack for hungry birds.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 60-90 mm
Size: 32-38 mm
Lifespan: 10-30 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult butterflies drink nectar, while their caterpillars munch on specific leafy plants!

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat the leaves of host plants, while adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Nectar (from various flowers)
Wild Carrot leaves
Fennel leaves
Dill leaves
Parsley leaves
Queen Anne's Lace leaves

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Larvae feed on its leaves for growth.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds can prey on larvae and adult butterflies.

pollinates

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.

depends on

Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

Another common host plant for its caterpillars.

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!

Diurnal

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

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.