Hodges#4159

Papilio polyxenes

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Papilionidae
Subfamily: Papilioninae
Tribe: Papilionini
Genus: Papilio
Species: polyxenes

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Papilio polyxenes: //pəˈpɪlioʊ pəˈlɪksəˌniːz//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Papilio polyxenes var. curvifascia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Papilio polyxenes coloro 5824085 by CK Kelly. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Papilio polyxenes coloro 2793317 by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Papilio polyxenes (black swallowtail) caterpillar on Anthem graveolens (dill) by Agdipasquale. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Papilio polyxenes, known as the Eastern Black Swallowtail, is a widespread butterfly species in North America that exhibits significant sexual dimorphism and a complex life cycle, thriving primarily in open and vegetated environments.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan: 6.9–8.4 cm; upper wing surface black with two rows of yellow spots; prominent blue area in females; orange and black spot on hindwings; larvae vary in color from black and white to green with black bands and yellow spots.

Identification Tips

Males have a more extensive broken yellow band, whereas females may have little yellow and large blue patches on hindwings. Note the orange and black spot on inner margin of hindwings, with no black center in the orange spot for Palamedes Swallowtail.

Habitat

Open areas, meadows, fields, gardens, found primarily in tropical or temperate habitats.

Distribution

Found from southern Canada to South America, more common east of the Rocky Mountains.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae) and some in the Rue family (Rutaceae), including Dill, Parsley, Fennel, Carrot, and Rue.

Life Cycle

Egg stage lasts 4–9 days; larval stage lasts 10–30 days; pupal stage lasts 18 days. The duration of these stages may vary based on temperature and host plant species.

Reproduction

Females lay single eggs on host plants. The species demonstrates polyandry and a lek mating system, with males aggressively maintaining territories.

Predators

Larvae and pupae are parasitized by Phoridae, Tachinidae, Ichneumonidae, and Braconidae.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as an important herbivore in its ecosystem, influencing host plant populations.

Cultural Significance

Named after a figure in Greek mythology, Polyxena, and known as the parsley worm due to its feeding on parsley.

Evolution

Part of the tribe Papilionini, which includes species that all have tails on the hindwings. The species has been known to interbreed with its close relative, the Old World Swallowtail.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some larvae are called by different names depending on the host plant they feed on; this variance can lead to confusion regarding their identification.