Fauna
Insect

Pipevine Swallowtail

Battus philenor

Also known as Blue Swallowtail

Pipevine Swallowtails flash iridescent blue across otherwise dark hindwings, with orange spots brightening the underside. Caterpillars feed on pipevines and retain defensive plant compounds that make them distasteful to many predators.

Iridescent ButterflyPipevine SpecialistChemical Defense
Pipevine Swallowtail reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPipevine leaves, Flower nectar
Predators
  • Spiders
  • Praying mantises
  • Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsHost-plant removal, insecticides, habitat fragmentation, and poorly timed mowing
HabitatsForest openings, riparian corridors, gardens, scrub, and sunny woodland edges
Life spanThe full cycle takes a season to about a year, while adults live for several weeks
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyPapilionidae
  3. GenusBattus
  4. SpeciesBattus philenor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Leave eggs and caterpillars on their host vines and avoid pesticide use nearby.
Responsible observation
  • Upperwing: Watch for a blue sheen on the dark hindwings.
  • Underside: Look for a row of orange spots during slow nectaring visits.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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Mystic Meadows

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