Eastern Black Swallowtail

Natural Habitat

Found in open, sunny areas including gardens, meadows, fields, and roadsides. They are common throughout eastern North America.

Diet & Feeding

Adults primarily feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, including milkweed, clover, thistle, and coneflowers (which appears to be the flower in the image). Larvae (caterpillars) feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), such as dill, parsley, fennel, and queen Anne's lace.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active during the day, especially in sunny areas. They are strong fliers and are known to be migratory. Females lay eggs individually on host plants. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on host plant leaves. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis, often camouflaged.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Important pollinators for many flowering plants, contributing to plant reproduction and ecosystem health. Larvae can be considered a minor pest to garden herbs, but generally, their impact is negligible. They are harmless to humans.

Identified on: 8/9/2025