General: Black Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilio polyxenes) are recognized by the black and yellow wings, with a black spot surrounded by golden yellow on the inner edge of the hindwings. Males and females differ. Males are smaller and have a long yellow band across the forewings and hindwings. Females are larger, have less yellow, and have a band of large blue iridescent spots on the hindwings.

Taxonomy: Family: Parnassians and Swallowtails (Papilionidae); Subfamily: Swallowtails (Papilioninae).

Comments: This species occurs throughout much of the eastern United States from Canada to Mexico, and then across the southwestern states to southern California.

More information is available on the Butterflies and Moths of North America website.