Papilio polyxenes, Black Swallowtail
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Freshly emerged female
Description: 46-50 mm. Black with rows of yellow spots on outer margin. There is blue dusting on the hind wing. Females have more blue coloration than males. There is a red spot on the base of the hindwing. In the center of this red spot is a small black spot which does not touch any of the edges
Habitat and Distribution: Widespread and common throughout the United States, Central and South America in various habitats including pines, marshes, swamps, woodlands etc... Only one specimen has been recorded in the Keys from Lignumvitae Key however.
Host Plant: plants in the Apiaceae
Natural History: This species does not breed in the Keys and should be concidered a highly unusual stray
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Species Pages
Final instar larva
Chrysalis
Freshly emerged female