Pipevine Swallowtail
Blue Swallowtail
Battus philenor
This page may contain affiliate links.
Read our disclosure and privacy policy here.
The Pipevine Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly renowned for its iridescent blue wings and the distinctive behavior of its caterpillars. This butterfly holds particular importance in the ecosystemAn ecosystem is a community of living organisms, like insects and birds, and non-living components, like water and rocks, that interact with each other in a specific area. Learn More due to its mutualistic relationship with the pipevine plant, from which it derives its name.
Pipevine Swallowtail
Common Name
Pipevine Swallowtail
Other Names
Blue Swallowtail
Latin Name
Battus philenor
Distribution
The Pipevine Swallowtail is found in many parts of North America, from Central America north through Mexico and the United States to Canada.
Appearance
Caterpillar: The caterpillars are black with bright orange-red spots, making them easily distinguishable from many other caterpillars.
Butterfly: The adult butterfly has iridescent blue or blue-green wings on its dorsal side. The underside is black with a row of orange spots on the edge of the hindwing.
Size
The butterfly exhibits a wingspan ranging from 7 to 13 cm. The caterpillar can grow up to about 5 cm in length.
Habitat
These butterflies thrive in a range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens, anywhere their host plant, the pipevine, is found.
Diet
Caterpillar: They feed almost exclusively on various species of the pipevine (Aristolochia species), from which they sequester toxic compounds.
Butterfly: The adults nectar on a variety of flowers, but they seem to prefer thistles, clover, and milkweed among others.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle of the Pipevine Swallowtail follows the standard pattern for butterflies: egg → caterpillar (larva) → chrysalis (pupa) → adult butterfly.
Defense Mechanisms
Caterpillar: By consuming the toxic pipevine, caterpillars sequester aristolochic acid, making them poisonous to many potential predators. Their bright coloration warns predators of their toxicity.
Butterfly: The adult butterfly retains the toxins acquired during its larval stage, making it distasteful and sometimes lethal to predators. Its iridescent blue coloration can also serve as a warning. Furthermore, several non-toxic butterflies mimic the Pipevine Swallowtail’s appearance, benefiting from the protection offered by its toxic reputation.
Ecological Importance
The Pipevine Swallowtail plays a vital role as a pollinator. Additionally, by consuming pipevines, the caterpillars help control the growth of these plants. They also serve as a food source for predators that have evolved tolerance to their toxins.
ConservationThe act of protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment. Conservation efforts are important to protect beavers and their habitats. Learn More Status
The Pipevine Swallowtail is not listed as endangered or threatened. It’s common in many parts of its range.
There’s a lot to explore right where we are, in our own neighborhoods and backyards! Join us while we get off the couch and explore the everyday wonders of nature, science, space, engineering, art, and anything else we stumble upon during on our adventures.
