Written by Stephanie Holbrook, Amber Rae, and Bryan Willey
Learn
The black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) is a captivating creature, boasting a wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches. Its deep black wings are beautifully accented with bright yellow spots on the edges. Female butterflies dazzle with a row of shimmering blue scales nestled between the yellow, a subtle charm less intense in males. Both genders feature a unique ‘tail’ on their hindwings, earning the name ‘swallowtail.’ The underside showcases vibrant orange spots with black centers, enhancing its natural beauty.
Gracing North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) flourish in open spaces like fields, gardens, roadsides, and meadows. These adaptable butterflies enchant both rural and urban areas, wherever their cherished host plants are found.
Black swallowtail caterpillars (Papilio polyxenes) are incredible creatures, capable of changing colors to blend into their surroundings, providing them with excellent camouflage and protection from predators. As they progress through their life stages, they display an amazing array of colors. Initially, they resemble bird droppings, a clever tactic to deter threats. As they mature, they turn into bright green caterpillars with black bands and yellow spots, merging perfectly with the leaves of their host plants. This color-changing ability not only demonstrates the caterpillar’s adaptability but also highlights the intricate survival strategies nature has crafted.
Black swallowtail caterpillars possess a defense mechanism called the osmeterium. This is a bright orange, forked gland that is everted from behind the head when threatened. It emits a foul odor that deters predators.
Change
Black Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilio polyxenes) are important pollinators, contributing to the health of ecosystems and gardens. They are attracted to a variety of nectar-rich flowers, such as zinnias, coneflowers, and butterfly bushes.
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The differences between male and female black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes), though subtle, are fascinating. Both sport the striking black and yellow pattern, but females have an extra charm with a more pronounced row of iridescent blue scales on their hindwings. This blue band is less vivid or sometimes nearly absent in males, who mainly feature bright yellow spots. Females also tend to have a slightly larger wingspan than males, though this can be hard to spot without a close look. These delicate distinctions not only enhance the beauty of the black swallowtail but also play a crucial role in attracting mates and ensuring the survival of their species.
Adult black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) are strong fliers and can travel long distances in search of nectar and mates.
Grow
Black swallowtail caterpillars primarily feed on plants in the parsley family (Apiaceae), including:
- Parsley
- Dill
- Fennel
- Carrot
- Queen Anne’s Lace
Gardeners can attract these beautiful butterflies by planting these host plants in their gardens. The black swallowtail undergoes a complete metamorphosis, with four distinct life stages:
- Egg: The female lays single, pale yellow eggs on the leaves or stems of host plants from the plant family.
- Larva (Caterpillar): The caterpillar emerges and feeds voraciously on host plant foliage. Young caterpillars resemble bird droppings for camouflage. As they mature, they become green with black bands and yellow spots.
- Pupa (Chrysalis): The caterpillar transforms into a chrysalis, which can be green or brown, depending on the environment. This stage lasts for about two weeks.
- Adult: The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, ready to reproduce and continue the cycle.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) Chrysalis: The caterpillar transforms into a chrysalis, which can be green or brown, depending on the environment. The color of the chrysalis depends on its surroundings. A green chrysalis blends in with foliage, while a brown chrysalis matches bark or other darker surfaces.
This stage lasts for about two weeks.
Wings of Change is passionate about butterflies and their importance. These winged beauties not only add a touch of charm to nature, but they also play a crucial role as pollinators and a food source for other creatures. Our love for bugs, plants, and the earth motivates us to spread awareness about the impact of habitat loss on these superheroes of nature.
Thank you for being Wings of Change. Together we LEARN, GROW, and CHANGE.
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