BLACK SWALLOWTAIL, (Papilio polyxenes)
A common butterfly found throughout the eastern half of the US. This butterfly occurs in many habitats including city gardens. In fact, many gardeners specifically plant dill and parsley to attract females to lay their eggs. That’s why it good to know your native varieties of butterflies to not only plant attractive nectar sources, but also larval food plants. This butterfly flies from spring to fall with multiple broods. I’ve also noticed it is an avid “hilltopper.” The female has much less yellow on the upperside and it mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor.
