Papilio polyxenes
| Black swallowtail | |
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| Male | |
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| Female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Papilionidae |
| Tribe: | Papilionini |
| Genus: | Papilio |
| Species: | P. polyxenes |
| Binomial name | |
| Papilio polyxenes Fabricius, 1775 |
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| Subspecies | |
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The (eastern) black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), also called the American swallowtail or parsnip swallowtail,[1] is a butterfly found throughout much of North America. It is the state butterfly of Oklahoma. An extremely similar-appearing species, Papilio joanae occurs in the Ozark Mountains region, but it appears to be closely related to Papilio machaon, rather than P. polyxenes.
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Description [edit]
The black swallowtail has a wingspan of 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in). The upper surface of the wings is mostly black. On the inner edge of the hindwing is a black spot centered in larger orange spot. A male of this species has a yellow band near edge of wings; a female has row of yellow spots. The hindwing of the female has an iridescent blue band.
In the southwestern United States, yellow forms predominate in the subspecies Papilio polyxenes coloro.
After mating, small, yellow eggs are laid, typically on plants from the carrot family, Apiaceae, including dill, fennel, Queen Anne's lace, parsley, and golden alexanders. They are also found eating rue and bishop's weed. First instar larvae grow to about 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long and resemble bird droppings. They are dark black with a white band in the middle and have spikes, with a light brown-orange ring at the base of each of the spikes in the dark region (spikes are white on the white band). Later instars grow to about 5 cm (2.0 in) and are green and black banded with yellow spots around every second black band. They have short, black spikes around some of the black bands, although these tend to disappear as the larva nears pupation.
Caterpillar and chrysalis [edit]
The black swallowtail caterpillar has an orange "forked gland", called the osmeterium. When in danger, the osmeterium, which looks like a snake's tongue, everts and releases a foul smell to repel predators.
The pupae may be green or brown, but not depending on surroundings or the background on which they have pupated. The color of the chrysalis is determined by a local genetic balance that ensures the majority of pupae will blend in.[2]
Similar species [edit]
- Old World swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
- Pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Short-tailed swallowtail (Papilio brevicauda)
- White admiral (Limenitis arthemis)
Etymology [edit]
Named for a figure in Greek mythology. Polyxena (pron.: /pəˈlɪksɨnə/; Greek: Πολυξένη) was the youngest daughter of King Priam of Troy.
Photogallery [edit]
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Laying eggs on parsley
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Eggs on parsley
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First instar caterpillar in northeast Georgia
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These second- or third-instar larvae in northeast Georgia still have spikes.
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Late-instar caterpillar (without spikes) soon ready to pupate
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Osmeterium visible after slight provocation
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Caterpillar color variations
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Greenish-brown chrysalis
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Ventral view with chrysalis
References [edit]
- ^ Castner, J.L. "Electronic Data Information Source". Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. University of Florida. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ Black Swallowtail, Butterflies of Canada
- Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly: Large format reference quality (free) photographs Cirrus Digital Imaging
- "Papilio polyxenes". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 February 2006.
- Burris, Judy; Richards, Wayne (2006). The Life Cycle of Butterflies. Storey Publishing. pp. 20–21. ISBN 978-1-58017-617-0.
- Darby, Gene (1958). What is a Butterfly?. Chicago: Benefic Press. p. 36.
- Ferris, CD. and Emmel, J.F. (1982). Discussion of Papilio coloro W.G. Wright (= Papilio rudkini F. and R. Chermock) and Papilio polyxenes Fabricius. Bulletin of the Allyn Museum 76: 13 pp.
This article is adapted in part from this page at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Papilio polyxenes |
| External identifiers for Papilio polyxenes | |
|---|---|
| Encyclopedia of Life | 131355 |
| Also found in: Wikispecies | |
Data related to Papilio polyxenes at Wikispecies
- Black Swallowtail, Butterflies of Canada
- eastern black swalltowtail on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures
