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Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

The Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) is a beautiful large butterfly, black with yellow spots along wing edges. The forewing has a large yellow band across the center.

It ranges throughout the western United States (except Arizona and New Mexico) and Canada.

Size: 2 5/8" - 3"
Host plants: Sweet Fennel (Anise), Citrus trees

Anise Swallowtail Life Cycle: Stages and Times

Stage Typical Duration
Egg stage Generally 4 to 10 days, depending on temperature and host plant
Caterpillar (larval) stage 3 to 4 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage 10 to 20 days
Adult butterfly stage 6 to 14 days

 

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly amidst spring blossoms
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly amidst spring blossoms

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly
Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

Anise Swallowtail Butterflies resting on rocks
Anise Swallowtail Butterflies resting on rocks

Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar
Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar

 

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