Species Insects & ArthropodsPipevine Swallowtail

Pipevine Swallowtail

Battus philenor

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

The Pipevine Swallowtail is a striking butterfly with iridescent blue-green hindwings in males and dark, neon-spotted wings in both sexes. Larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their pipevine host plants, making both caterpillars and adults unpalatable to predators. It serves as the model for a mimicry complex involving several other swallowtail species.

Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, gardens, and forest edges
Diet
Larvae: Aristolochia (pipevine) species. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

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