Black Swallowtail

Papilio polyxenes

Black Swallowtails may be attracted to gardens by parsley or carrot plants and nectar sources such as phlox and milkweed. The caterpillars change a great deal as they grow; they start out looking like a small bird dropping, which probably protects them from predators. They feed on plants that have toxic compounds in them and they store these toxins as they grow. When they are older and have stored enough of the toxins to be bad-tasting, they become more brightly colored, which warns potential predators of their bad taste.

Look For : Black wings with a double row of spots on fore wings; orange eyespots on hind wings.

Length : 2 5/8-3 1/2".

Habitat : Meadows, parks.

Range : East of the Rockies.