Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes asterius (Stoll, 1782)
Family: Papilionidae
Status: Common to abundant resident
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Range: The Black Swallowtail is found from the Atlantic Coast in the United States and southern Canada west to eastern Saskatchewan and eastern Arizona. It is found throughout Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Larvae feed on a wide variety of members of the Parsley Family – Apiacea including hemlocks. Ornamental and garden plants (Dill, Fennel, and Rue) are utilized as well. Musineon tenuifolium, a hostplant shared with some of its relatives (Old World and Anise Swallowtails), is fed on in the Nebraska panhandle.
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple broods from April into October.
Overwintering: As pupae.
Habitat: This butterfly has adapted well to urban settings, landscaping and gardening and is probably more numerous there than “in the wild.”
Avg. Wingspan: 3 1/4 – 4 1/4 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Pipevine Swallowtail and Red Spotted Purple.
Notes:
Black Swallowtail, Buffalo Co., J. Nikkila
