Pipevine Swallowtail

Battus philenor

Identification: Large—3.6” (similar to Black Swallowtail). Above: FW black with faint submarginal white spots (more prominent in the female); HW mostly iridescent blue (amount of blue seen depends on angle of view, and is more extensive in the male). Below: FW mostly black with short row of pale spots. HW with striking curved line of large orange spots set within iridescent blue.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. Primarily a southern species that is uncommon and very local. Can turn up anywhere pipevines (Aristolochia) are planted.

Habitat: Open, sunny, upland fields with flowers. Can be attracted to gardens with pipevines, and with flowers such as Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and milkweeds.

Flight Period: Late April to late October with peaks in mid-May to late June, and mid-July to mid-August. The summer brood is much larger than the spring brood. Extreme Dates: North Jersey 4/11–11/9; South Jersey 4/17-10/26.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Mostly ornamental species in the genus Aristolochia. Our only native species (A. serpentaria), which is rare, is also probably used.

Overwintering Stage: Pupa.

Good Locations: Palisades Interstate Park has by far the largest population. A few can be seen most years at other locations such as Kittatinny Valley SP, White Lake NRA, and Whittingham WMA.

Male, Walpack Twp, Sussex Co., NJ, 6/22/10, on Wild Bergamot.

Female, Kittatinny Valley SP, Sussex Co., NJ, 8/4/13.

Female, Fredon Twp., Sussex Co., NJ, 7/23/08, on Purple Coneflower, showing variation in amount of blue visible depending upon the angle of view.

Palisades Interstate Park, Bergen Co., NJ, 8/6/08, on Plumeless Thistle.

Eggs.

Late instar caterpillar.

Pupa.

Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), native to the southeast but not to NJ, is a widely planted ornamental species readily accepted by Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars.