Black swallowtail vs Pipevine swallowtail
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a black swallowtail from a pipevine swallowtail, and whether either one bites or stings.
Black swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes
Pipevine swallowtail
Battus philenor
≠The key differences
Pipevine swallowtail has iridescent blue hindwings and lacks the yellow band pattern; caterpillars and host plants differ (pipevines vs Apiaceae).
Another mimic; black with rows of yellow spots on the upperside, an orange eyespot with a black centre near the hindwing tail, and caterpillars that feed on carrot-family plants.
⚖︎Side by side
| Black swallowtail | Pipevine swallowtail | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Toxic if eaten |
| Size | 6.5-10 cm wingspan | Wingspan about 70-130 mm |
| Colours | Black, Yellow, Blue, Orange | Black, Iridescent blue, Orange, Red |
| Family | Papilionidae | Papilionidae |
| Habitat | Open areas, gardens, meadows, roadsides and fields where host plants (Apiaceae and some Rutaceae) grow | Open woods, edges, meadows, gardens and areas where Aristolochia (pipevine) grows |
| Range | Southern Canada and most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, plus the Southwest; south through Mexico and Central America to northern South America | Eastern and western North America (throughout much of the United States), Mexico and parts of Central America; distribution follows availability of pipevine host plants |
| Active | Spring through fall (multiple broods in warm areas); diurnal (active during daylight) | Spring through autumn (multiple broods in warmer regions); active during daylight, especially late morning to afternoon |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a black swallowtail
- Black wings with a band of yellow spots across forewing; hindwings have blue scaling and orange submarginal spots
- Distinctive swallowtail 'tails' on the hindwings
- Caterpillars are initially dark and white-banded (bird-dropping mimic), later becoming green with black bands and orange spots
- Wingspan typically 6.5-10 cm
🔍How to spot a pipevine swallowtail
- Large black swallowtail with a pronounced iridescent blue patch on the upper hindwing in males
- Row of bright red or orange spots along the underside of the hindwing
- Association with pipevine (Aristolochia) on which caterpillars feed
- Relatively small tail-like extensions on the hindwings (less pronounced than some other Papilionidae)
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a black swallowtail and a pipevine swallowtail?
Pipevine swallowtail has iridescent blue hindwings and lacks the yellow band pattern; caterpillars and host plants differ (pipevines vs Apiaceae). Another mimic; black with rows of yellow spots on the upperside, an orange eyespot with a black centre near the hindwing tail, and caterpillars that feed on carrot-family plants.
Is a black swallowtail or a pipevine swallowtail more dangerous?
Black swallowtail: Non-toxic. Pipevine swallowtail: Toxic if eaten. Adults do not bite or sting and are harmless. Pipevine swallowtail adults and caterpillars are not dangerous to touch.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.