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 |
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Anise Swallowtail Butterfly |
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Anise Swallowtail Butterfly |
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Anise Swallowtail Butterflies resting on rocks |
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Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar |
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