| Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) Fabricius, 1775 |
| Synonyms: Eastern Black Swallowtail, American Swallowtail, Parsnip Swallowtail |
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Papilio polyxenes is found in southern Canada, throughout the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. This species frequents old fields, edges of wetlands and wooded areas, but also occurs in deserts. The caterpillar feeds primarily on plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae), but also Rutaceae. Adults drink nectar of a variety of plants, including non-native species. The Black Swallowtail is sexually dimorphic; the female mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail and has large blue patches on hindwings. It flies from April to October in North America.
