Skip to main content

Eastern Black SwallowtailFenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail

Eastern black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Description

The Eastern black swallowtail is a common species of butterfly found across North America. It can be identified by its contrasting black wings with yellow and white spots.
Eastern black swallowtail

Details

Diet Known Problems Mature Size Notes
The Eastern black swallowtail has a diet of milkweed and leaves as a larva and the nectar of clovers, thistles, and milkweed as an adult Decreasing population due to habitat loss A mature Eastern black swallowtail can grow to have a 10-cementer wide wingspan Red spots near the abdomen can drive away predators by looking like the eyes of a much bigger animal