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NO. 004Black swallowtail, male illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Butterflies / Insect

Black swallowtail

Papilio polyxenes

Adult · maleFind the right habitat

Look for little tails and yellow spots on dark wings. Its caterpillars may be munching parsley or dill.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Black wings with yellow spots.

  2. Tails on the hindwings.

  3. Caterpillars eat parsley and dill.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Gardens with dill or parsley.

When to look

Late spring and summer.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

Males and females have different amounts of yellow and blue. Look at the spots and tails together.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a bug slide

Artwork & downloads.

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.

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