Apiaceae-feeder
Guides
Agonopterix clemensella
Clemens' Agonopterix
Agonopterix clemensella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae. It is distributed across eastern North America from Ontario south to Arkansas and east to the Atlantic states. The species inhabits damp woods and meadows. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). Adults overwinter, an unusual life history trait among moths of this group.
Agonopterix flavicomella
Agonopterix flavicomella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Engel in 1907. The species is distributed across the eastern and midwestern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and are active during spring, summer, and early autumn. Larvae are known to feed on two specific host plants: Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip) and Taenidia integerrima (yellow pimpernel).
Papilio indra
Indra Swallowtail, Short-tailed Black Swallowtail, Cliff Swallowtail
Papilio indra is a western North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its predominantly black coloration with minimal blue and whitish markings. The species exhibits a notably short tail and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing. It occupies diverse elevations from sea level to montane habitats and has been documented in ecosystems ranging from urban areas to remote high deserts and pristine forests. The Indra swallowtail completes one brood annually, with flight timing varying by latitude and elevation.
Papilio machaon
Old World swallowtail, common yellow swallowtail, swallowtail
Papilio machaon is a widespread swallowtail butterfly found across the Palearctic and North America. It is the type species of the genus Papilio and was among the first butterflies described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation with 41 recognized subspecies, including endemic forms in Britain and Malta. While globally abundant, certain populations are of conservation concern, particularly the British subspecies P. m. britannicus which is restricted to specific fenland habitats.
Papilio machaon oregonius
Oregon Swallowtail
Papilio machaon oregonius is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) endemic to western North America. It represents one of several North American subspecies of this widespread Holarctic species, which has a broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Oregon Swallowtail is distinguished from other P. machaon subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other swallowtails in the genus Papilio, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae).
Papilio polyxenes coloro
Desert Black Swallowtail, Coloro Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes coloro is a subspecies of the black swallowtail butterfly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by paler yellow markings and reduced black banding on the hindwings. Adults exhibit strong territorial hilltopping behavior, with males engaging in aggressive aerial combat at summit perches to intercept females. The subspecies shares the characteristic osmeterium defense with other Papilio larvae, emitting foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.