Anise Swallowtail – California Orangedor – Papilio zelicaon

Anise Swallowtail   Scientific Name: Papilo zelicaon Common Name:  Anise Swallowtail, Swallowtail Butterfly Appearance: Anise Swallowtail is a butterfly-shaped insect with yellow stripes all over its black body. It features a tail like a swallowtail butterfly, giving it its name. It also has numerous yellow eye spots near its tail. Their wingspan ranges from 52 to 80mm, making them fairly large in size. Host Plants or Food:  Anise Swallowtail feeds mainly on plants belonging to the carrots and citrus family, especially Sweet Fennel (Anise) and Poison Hemlock. Territory: Throughout North America. Mode of Damage: The larva of Anise swallowball is a leaf chewer and damages the plant in the process. Habits and Life History: Anise Swallowtail is commonly found in open areas, near hills, meadows and gardens. The female butterflies lay eggs on the underside of host plants, giving rise to larvae. Larva, which starts as black or brown, gradually turns green with black and orange markings. On disturbing, it everts a structure from near its head giving out a foul odor keeping it protected. The pupa looks like a thick branch on the host, giving rise to an adult butterfly.