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.

Weekly sightings for Black Swallowtail
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.
Recent Black Swallowtail Sightings
Date | County | Reported by |
---|---|---|
Jun 3, 2023 | Juneau | Jesse Peterson |
Jun 3, 2023 | Dane | Joan Braune and Tod Hi... |
Jun 2, 2023 | Dane | Mike Reese |
Jun 1, 2023 | Milwaukee | Jeremy Meyer |
Jun 1, 2023 | Dane | Mike Reese |
Locations



Muir SNA, Marquette Co., WI. July 31, 1999.

Female laying eggs on wild carrot
Jerseys Flats, Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Fond du Lac Co., WI. July 14, 2005.

Ocracoke Island, Hyde Co., NC. March 26, 2007.