Gold University of Minnesota M. Skip to main content.
logo: University of Minnesota Extensionlogo: University of Minnesota Extension Gardening Information
what insect is this?
Home > Garden Pests > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects - Larger than 3/4 inch long > Black swallowtail START OVER

Black swallowtail
Photo Credit: Jeff Hann

Black swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes
Size: Up to 1½ inches long

Where/When: Feeds on many plants in the Umbelliferae including parsley, carrots, dill, fennel, celery, and Queen Anne's lace. Prefers to feed on the flowers and seeds of these plants. Present July to September.

Significance: Feeding is rarely sufficient to seriously injure plants.
Give us your feedback