Anise Swallowtail Caterpillars

Papilio zelicaon

Fascinating Facts

• When this caterpillar turns into a butterfly, they only take one big flight in April-July.

Physical Characteristics

The caterpillar grows to around 5 cm in length before forming a chrysalis, which is brown or green and about 3 cm long. In the first two development stages, the caterpillar is dark brown, almost black, with an irregular white band at its middle. After that, it becomes more green at each successive molt until, in the fifth (last) stage, it is predominantly green, with markings in black, orange, and light blue.

Habitat/Diet

Often found in Western North America in proximity of foodplant; hilltops on the higher peaks, and gardens.
Its major food plants are members of the carrot family, Apiaceae, (including fennel), and also some members of the citrus family, Rutaceae.

Social Behavior

If disturbed, it will suddenly evert bright orange osmeteria (or “stinkhorns”) from just behind its head, glandular structures which give off a foul odor.

Status In The Wild

These caterpillars are common and are not endangered.

Other

The Anise Swallowtail Caterpillars can be found in the Insect Zoo.