Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly On Echinacea

This is a male. Isn't he pretty? 

 It has been known by a variety of other names including black swallowtail, American swallowtail, parsnip swallowtail, parsley swallowtail, & Papilio polyxenes asterius. Black swallowtail caterpillars utilize a variety of herbs in the carrot family (Apiaceae) as host plants.

 

Black Swallowtail Butterfly On Zinnias. (Papilio polyxenes) Also known as American swallowtail or parsnip swallowtail. This is a male. Its caterpillar is called the parsley worm because the caterpillar

feeds on parsley. They also host on dill, fennel, Queen Anne’s lace, and common rue.

Black Swallowtail Butterfly On Marigolds

Female, Papilio polyxenes. Or it might be a Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio troilus. I've never seen one with such thin translucent wings before. In many cultures, it is believed the black butterfly is a symbol of transition, renewal or rebirth.

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly On Lilacs

This photo  has been awarded the Photo of the Day award on Capture My Vermont, on May 28th, 2015.

 Black Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar On Parsley

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Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants and mushrooms are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.