Anise Swallowtail

Fascinating facts about the Anise Swallowtail

• The Anise Swallowtail's most striking colour is a broad yellow stripe that runs across the upper surface of each wing, so the insect looks overall yellow even though both wing surfaces are black. This stripe dominates the visual impression and is backed by black edging along the fore- and hindwings. Adults measure between 52 and 80 mm across, a size that helps distinguish them from the larger western tiger swallowtail.
• Blue spots line the rear edge of the hindwing, providing vivid contrast against the dark background and sitting beside the swallowtail's characteristic tail extensions. These markings are among the most vivid features of the species and are visible when the butterfly rests with its wings spread. With a wingspan of 52-80 mm, the Anise Swallowtail is smaller than the western tiger swallowtail, a difference that aids identification in overlapping ranges.
• When disturbed, the Anise Swallowtail caterpillar ejects bright orange osmeteria, or "stinkhorns", from just behind its head, releasing a foul odour that deters predators. The larva can reach about 5 cm in length before it spins a chrysalis about 3 cm long, resembling a thick branch on its host plant. It feeds mainly on plants in the carrot family, such as fennel, and also on some citrus relatives, providing the nutrients needed for its rapid growth.
• In the northern parts of its distribution the Anise Swallowtail's chrysalis overwinters, remaining dormant throughout the winter months. The pupa is brown or green and measures about 3 cm in length, resembling a thick branch attached to its host plant. It hangs from the plant by a small silk pad, with the top of the chrysalis extending slightly outward. This hibernation strategy allows the butterfly to emerge when temperatures rise in spring.
• A darker form of the species, the subspecies P. nitra, occurs rarely across the whole range but is encountered more often at lower elevations. This subspecies is noticeably darker than the typical orange-yellow individuals, giving it a distinct appearance when it flies over open country. Because it is scarce, observers usually record only occasional sightings of P. Its limited presence does not extend the overall distribution of the species.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Anise Swallowtail

As the warm sunlight dances across the landscape, the Anise Swallowtail unfurls its delicate wings, a mesmerizing mosaic of yellow, black, and iridescent blue, and takes to the air with a gentle, lilting rhythm. With an effortless flutter, it navigates the intricate tapestry of its native habitats, sipping nectar from fragrant flowers and leaving a trail of whimsical beauty in its wake. As it flits from bloom to bloom, its remarkable adaptability and resilience are revealed, a testament to the enduring spirit of this enchanting creature.

More insects and spiders to discover

Browse Feravox