Hodges#4167

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Papilio zelicaon: //pəˈpɪlioʊ zɛlɪˈkaʊn//

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Summary

Papilio zelicaon, commonly known as the anise swallowtail, is a common swallowtail butterfly found in western North America, characterized by its striking wing coloration and markings. It shares similar caterpillar food preferences with other swallowtail species.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan ranges from 52 to 80 mm (2.0 to 3.1 inches). Upper surface of wings is black with a broad yellow stripe across the forewings. The hindwings have yellow-orange eyespots with round black centers. The body is predominantly black with yellow lateral stripes on the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from the western tiger swallowtail by being smaller and lacking vertical black stripes towards the tail. The presence of yellowish-orange to red eyespots near the tails of each wing is also a key identifier.

Habitat

Bare hills, mountains, gardens, fields, vacant lots, and roadsides.

Distribution

From British Columbia southeast to North Dakota, south to southern California, Arizona, New Mexico; also found in Baja California and Mexico. Rare stray reports from central Nebraska and eastern North Dakota.

Diet

Caterpillars feed primarily on plants from the parsley family (Apiaceae), including fennel, and some from the citrus family (Rutaceae).

Life Cycle

The life cycle involves the caterpillar growing through several instars, initially being dark brown and later becoming green with markings before pupating. Adults typically have one flight from April to July in northern regions, with 2 to 4 broods along the Pacific Coast.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs singly on the undersides of host plant leaves and flowers.

Similar Taxa

• Papilio polyxenes
• Papilio machaon

Tags

• butterfly
• Papilio
• anise swallowtail
• Lepidoptera
• North America