Swallowtail Butterfly
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
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
Ability
Secret Scent Shield
Swallowtail Butterfly larvae can unleash an orange, Y-shaped gland called an osmeterium that helps them scare away predators with a foul smell.
Ability
Nectar Straw Tongue
Swallowtail Butterflies have a long, coiled proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar deeply from flowers, reaching hidden treats.
Ability
Sneaky Bird Dropping Disguise
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common SwallowtailMachaon Swallowtail
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swallowtail Butterfly's wingspan?
60-90 mm
How big is Swallowtail Butterfly?
32-38 mm
How long does Swallowtail Butterfly live?
10-30 days
What does Swallowtail Butterfly eat?
Adult butterflies drink nectar, while their caterpillars munch on specific leafy plants!
Where is Swallowtail Butterfly usually found?
Gardens, meadows, and forests
How does Swallowtail Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Swallowtail Butterfly have?
6
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