The Black Swallowtail is a striking butterfly with yellow-spotted black wings and iridescent blue hindwings. Females mimic the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail. Larvae feed on carrot family plants.
Habitat
Gardens, meadows, roadsides, and fields across North America
Diet
Larvae: dill, parsley, Queen Anne's lace, and related plants. Adults: nectar
How common
Common
Best time to see a Black Swallowtail
The best time to see a Black Swallowtail is May–August, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 130,617 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Not certain it is a Black Swallowtail? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Swallowtail sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Black Swallowtail?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states