Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

The Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) is a beautiful large butterfly, black with yellow spots along wing edges. The forewing has a large yellow band across the center.

It ranges throughout the western United States (except Arizona and New Mexico) and Canada.

Size: 2 5/8" - 3"
Host plants: Sweet Fennel (Anise), Citrus trees

Anise Swallowtail Life Cycle: Stages and Times

Stage	Typical Duration
Egg stage	Generally 4 to 10 days, depending on temperature and host plant
Caterpillar (larval) stage	3 to 4 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage	10 to 20 days
Adult butterfly stage	6 to 14 days

 

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly amidst spring blossoms

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer

Anise Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer

Anise Swallowtail Butterflies resting on rocks

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Anise Swallowtail Caterpillar

Photos by and courtesy of Ranger Robb Hannawacker