Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes

Identification
This butterfly has black wings with yellow spots and blue hindwing patches.

Location
Common statewide

Size
3 to 4 inch wingspan

Diet
Adults feed on nectar while larvae feed on carrot family plants.

Habitat
It occurs in gardens and meadows.

Activity Period
May to September

Behavior
It is active in open sunny habitats. It is active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been common in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It often uses garden herbs as host plants.

Facts
It mimics toxic swallowtails for protection.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Nectar parsley dill | Fields gardens meadows | Statewide