Black Swallowtail

Papilio polyxenes

The Black Swallowtail is a common butterfly in Wisconsin. It commonly feeds on many different members of the Parsley family, including parsley, carrots, dill, and parsnip. It may also feed on Common Rue (Ruta graveolens), a domesticated herb.

Identifying characteristics

Above: Black, with twin rows of yellowish spots on each wing. These markings are best defined in the male. Below: two rows of orange spots, and a yellow/orange hindwing cell spot, just to the inside of the submarginal band (orange colored in the top photo, this spot may be yellow or whitish).

Similar species

This species would most likely be confused with the Pipevine Swallowtail, which has only a single row of spots below, and the Spicebush Swallowtail, which has an orange spot on the costa of the hind wing above, and no yellow/orange hindwing cell spot.

Habitat

Open areas; fields, meadows and parks where its larval hosts are found.

Flight

Two broods; early May and then in late July/August with the adults flying throughout August. A third brood may occur in the southern counties (Ebner, 1970).

Abundance

Common throughout the state.

Late Black Swallowtail Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Oct 15, 2006	Pierce	Amanda Boyce
Oct 24, 2023	Ozaukee	Ethan Brown
Oct 24, 2023	Columbia	Julie Johnson
Oct 24, 2011	Dane	Ann Thering
Oct 31, 2022	Ozaukee	Cindy Harmeyer

Locations