Other Common Names
Most any of the common names applied to caterpillars of Papilio polyxenes might also be applied to this species, since it has similar food preverences and the identical appearing caterpillars are often found on the same plants in people's gardens, particularly near the Pacific Coast.
Size
Wing span: 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 inches (7 - 9 cm).(1)
Identification
Upper surface of hindwing has yellow-orange eyespot near tail with round black center that is not connected to hindwing margin. Anal cell of hindwing is primarily yellow.(1)
Range
From British Columbia southeast to North Dakota, south to s. California, Arizona, New Mexico; Baja California; Mexico. A rare stray to central Nebraska and eastern North Dakota.(1)
Habitat
Bare hills, mountains, gardens, fields, vacant lots, and roadsides.(1)
Season
One flight from April-July.(1)
Food
Caterpillar hosts: Many species in the parsley family (Apiaceae), and some in the citrus family (Rutaceae).(1)
Adults visit many flowers, and often visit moist ground.
Life Cycle
Males perch on hilltops and patrol for receptive females. Female lays eggs singly on host plant leaves and flowers. Young caterpillars eat leaves while older ones often eat flowers and young seeds. Chrysalids hibernate.(1)
Internet References
Canadian Biodiversity shows two female forms, with more or less black, and one very black male, form nitra.
