Insect
Anise Swallowtail
Papilio zelicaonThe Anise Swallowtail is a black-and-yellow butterfly with blue accents and short tails on the hindwings. Caterpillars are green with black bands and orange spots, feeding on members of the carrot family in wild and developed landscapes.
Swallowtail ButterflyCarrot-family HostWestern Pollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAdults drink nectar; caterpillars eat foliage of carrot-family host plants
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsPesticides, host-plant removal, roadside mowing, habitat conversion, and prolonged drought
HabitatsOpen hills, gardens, fields, roadsides, canyons, coasts, and mountain slopes
Life spanAdults live for several weeks; multiple generations may occur in a warm season
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyPapilionidae
- GenusPapilio
- SpeciesPapilio zelicaon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Leave caterpillars on their host plants and avoid pesticide use nearby.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Note the broad yellow band and blue-spotted hindwing edge.
- Look: Check carrot-family foliage gently for striped green caterpillars.
- Observe: Watch hilltops and flower patches without netting adults.
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Found in Collections
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Mystic Meadows
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