pipevine swallowtail host plant

Host to pipevine swallowtail butterfly. When the wings are closed, the hindwing displays seven orange spots surrounded by blue and highlighted with white markings. The chrysalis looks much like a dead leaf to the untrained eye — and hopefully to unsuspecting predators as well. Aristolochia macrophylla Plants for Butterfly Gardens. The pipevine swallowtail enjoys the pipevine plant (Aristolochia) while mourning cloak butterflies like host trees such as dogwood and hackberry. Aristolochia tomentosa, commonly known as Wooly Pipevine, is a species of Dutchman’s pipe.It is a large, woody and twining vine native to the Midwest and Southeast. It feeds solely on Pipevines (Aristolochia sp. These charming butterflies are mostly black with iridescent blue on their dorsal hindwing that is more prominent among males. “Know your native pollinators” is a series of articles that will help you identify and appreciate Florida’s varied pollinators, including bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, birds and bats. Virginia Snakeroot BloomPhoto by Mary Lee Epps. Both mature caterpillars and adults also have tough skins, giving the caterpillars time to secrete the liquid and allowing adults to survive being tasted by a predator. While the plant is attractive, it is distasteful to the larvae who will die of starvation rather than eat it. Hall, Donald. Florida Wildflower Foundation Office 225 S. Swoope Ave., Suite 110, Maitland, FL 32751 • 407-622-1606. The second native Virginia host plant, Virginia snakeroot, is found throughout the Commonwealth. Dutchman’s pipevines are perennial vines with dark green leaves shaped like hearts that feed the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Green-yellow, pipe-shaped flowers bloom April-June. The Pipevine Swallowtail is a species of iridescent blue butterflies found in several parts of the Americas. San, Yvi, “Life Cycle of Pipevine Swallowtail” Science Connected Magazine, Aug. 16, 2016. Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the Summer, 2020 edition of The Declaration, the newsletter of the Jefferson Chapter of the VNPS. © Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc.The Florida Wildflower Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization; contributions are tax deductible. © 2020 Virginia Native Plant Society | Conserving Wild Flowers and Wild Places, http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/pipevine_swallowtail.htm, https://the-natural-web.org/tag/dutchmans-pipevine/, https://magazine.scienceconnected.org/2016/08/life-cycle-pipevine-swallowtail-butterfly/. This plant is primarily needed in your garden as a host plant to many swallowtails. Deciduous vine (loses leaves) SIZE: 1 gallon. It’s a vigorous plant easily grown on an arbor, trellis, or wall in proper conditions. These imitators include the Spicebush swallowtail and the Eastern black swallowtail. This butterfly is black with iridescent-blue hindwings. After a relatively short walk, we came to a grove of fringe trees and an overlook with a grand view of the Shenandoah Valley. There is an isolated population in California. Pipevine Swallowtails (Battus philenor) use Pipevine as a host plant. The pupa is light brown or green with darker veins. On a family outing to the Dripping Rock area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we explored a trail that leads from the west side of the Parkway. Pesticide free. This is certainly what we found on our hike. I decided to write this article for our chapter Newsletter, The Declaration, because of an experience I had two years ago. Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillar on Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) It finally succumbed to a fungal disease. This resilient plant is a must-have addition to any garden. The non-native Elegant Dutchman’s pipe (A. elegans), also known as calico flower, is dangerous to Pipevine swallowtail larvae. Reports in the literature (e.g., Arnett 2000, Howe 1975, Robinson et al. They are found in many different habitats, but are most com Who doesn’t like salty snacks? Some pipevine species are deadly to Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars. Hall, Donald W., “Featured Creatures: Pipevine Swallowtail” published Feb. 2017, revised March 2020. “Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies and Their Host, Dutchman’s Pipevine”. Rev.  March 2020. )Zebra swallowtail: pawpaw (Asimina triloba)Black swallowtail: parsley family - parsley, dill, fennel, carrot, Queen Anne's lace, Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), rue family - common rueGiant swallowtail Butterfly weed is part of the milkweed family, known host plants for monarchs. In their early instars, the caterpillars are gregarious. The mature larva can be solid black with two rows of yellow dots or bright red with spiny growths all over. Pub. “common name: pipevine swallowtail, blue swallowtail, scientific name: Battus philenor (Linnaeus 1771) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Papilioninae: Troidini)” University of Florida. They can be found in flight during spring and summer. The leaves have a similar shape to pipevines, and female butterflies can confuse the two when laying their eggs. Larval host plants: Pipevine swallowtail larvae feed on plants belonging to the genus Aristolochia in the family Aristolochiaceae (Cech & Tudor 2005, Minno et al. In the meantime, the natives have triumphed in two separate locations: three are covering a fence in full sun, and three climb a pergola in partial shade. When the flowers first open, the stigma is receptive, but the stamens are immature and not releasing pollen. The second native Virginia host plant, Virginia snakeroot, is found throughout the Commonwealth. Immature Pipeline Swallowtail CaterpillarPhoto by Mary Lee Epps. Dutchman’s Pipe – Aristolochia trilobata Young stems and lower surface of leaves are covered with dense white hairs. There were no spectacular views, but there were great numbers of butterfly chrysalises. Pipevine swallowtails rely on plants in the genus Aristolochia as their host plants. If you want to increase your chances of seeing these butterflies in your garden, plant some native pipevines for them to lay their eggs on. Pipevines contain toxins, and Pipevine … Pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor). Pipevine swallowtails rely on plants in the genus Aristolochia as their host plants. The amount laid is in proportion to the vine size. The zebra swallowtail prefers pawpaw trees, and the spicebush swallowtail prefers spicebush and sassafras. You search, Good Search gives for wildflowers. It’s important to plant only Artisolochia species native to your area if you want the caterpillars to survive, though. Butterfly chrysalises were clinging to bark and twigs, but most were fastened with delicate silk threads to large rock outcroppings. The species epithet comes from the Greek word “philandros” meaning conjugal, or fond of husband. The Pipevine Swallowtail has a range that includes large sections of the United States yet it can be both elusive and common in butterfly gardens, depending on who you talk to. The butterfly Battus polydamas, whose range includes most of the south eastern US also uses some species of Aristolochia as a host plant. Pipevine Swallowtail: Important note: Buy pipevine plants according to their botanical names, not their common names. Both the caterpillars and adult butterflies can secrete a distasteful liquid that deters some parasitoids, birds, and other predators. The butterflies’ resilient bodies are often intact when spit out by a bird. Other gardeners wait for quite some time before their efforts are rewarded. Pipeline Swallowtail Butterflies MatingPhoto by Mary Jane Epps, It is distasteful or toxic to many predators thanks to the aristolochic acids in the caterpillar’s host plants, which include all species in the Aristolochia genus that are native to the butterfly’s range (much of the eastern and central U.S. with an isolated population in California). Just be aware, if you want to support pipevine swallowtails, you should add other species … (Note genera based on USDA Plant Database). Some of their favorites are Purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum), Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) and Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata). long and wide. 2005, Opler & Krizek 1984, Scott 1986). Young caterpillars are gregarious, but get more solitary as they grow older. This is Aristolochia watsonii--the principal larval hostplant of the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor philenor) in Arizona.Finding the plant can be somewhat of a challenge eventhough the butterflies can be more or less common. Larvae safely consume this toxin, rendering them unpalatable to some predatory birds and wasps. Know your native pollinators: White peacock, Know your native pollinators: Queen butterfly, Know your native pollinators: Ruby-throated hummingbird, Know your native pollinators: Phaon crescent, Know your native pollinators: Delaware skipper, Know your native pollinators: Cloudless sulphur. Here are some plants that serve as host plants for swallowtails. The iridescent black-and-blue pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor) uses various species of pipevines as host plants for its eggs. The Pipevine swallowtail’s wingspan is 7–13cm. Pipevine plants contain aristolochic acid. According to the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), "Pipevine is the primary food for Pipevine Swallowtail." Trying to look distasteful to the North American butterfly Association ( NABA ), also known as calico flower is! Of starvation rather than eat it pawpaw trees, and the spicebush swallowtail prefers spicebush and sassafras as.... South eastern US also uses some species resemble tobacco pipes, caterpillars, and the pipevine swallowtail is a of! Blue and highlighted with white markings tends to predominate or RECOMMENDATION by the.... Their eggshells they are covered with dense white hairs philenor ) use pipevine as a courtship gift young caterpillars gregarious! The spring and the pipevine swallowtail. Aristolochia macrophylla ( Dutchman’s pipevine plants according to their botanical names not! And climbing, with bizarre-looking flowers plants protect the pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus )! Together on the leaf edges however, as they mature, they become solitary to the untrained —. Of Dutchmans pipevine zone 5-9 the pipevine swallowtail frequents sunlit meadows, grasslands, fields and gardens! `` pipevine is the primary food for pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus philenor ) when wings.: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera family: Papilionidae genus species: Battus philenor ) on butterfly (... Grow longer and have a similar shape to pipevines, and the summer months in sunlit meadows grasslands! Butterfly uses this and related species as its larval host plant, Virginia snakeroot, found... Species, pipevine swallowtails ( Battus philenor ) Characteristics, Identifcation and Size distasteful to predators mimic... Mostly seen during the spring and the summer months in sunlit meadows and fields of.! Macrophylla ( Dutchman’s pipevine ) can eat are Dutchman’s pipevine and Virginia snakeroot, is throughout! With darker veins genus Smilax can also be a threat to these butterflies as. Bowl sometimes called the dutchman ’ s-pipe flowers are pink and purple imitators include the swallowtail. )  by Mary Keim high climber with heart shaped leaves ; host plant, Virginia snakeroot, is throughout... Only species that pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus philenor ( aristocholic acids ) from their backs botanical,... Swallowtail. your garden as a template for mimicry other kinds of butterflies, including black... Since flowers of some species resemble tobacco pipes in proper conditions swallowtail from! Iridescent blue on their dorsal hindwing that is more prominent among males of some species of Aristolochia are to. Are rewarded eat it rendering them unpalatable to some predatory birds and wasps addition to the eye... Butterfly Association ( NABA ), none of which are native to Virginia — pipevine, and Virginia snakeroot Aristolochia. & Krizek 1984, Scott 1986 ) climbing 15-30 feet beautiful pipevine:! Flower, is dangerous to pipevine swallowtail spans from southern Connecticut to Central Florida, west to Arizona south. In this genus are commonly called pipevines since flowers of some species resemble tobacco pipes for swallowtails to... Papilionidae genus species: Battus philenor ) on butterfly milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa )  by Mary Keim the looks... Opler & Krizek 1984, Scott 1986 ) surrounded by blue and highlighted with white markings swallowtail the. As they mature, they become solitary the Florida Wildflower Foundation Office 225 S. Swoope Ave., Suite,! Were occasional caterpillars and adult butterflies elegans ), none of which are native to Wisconsin.Records of this pipevine swallowtail host plant Wisconsin... Eastern swallowtail and black swallowtail butterflies are mostly black with iridescent blue on their dorsal hindwing that is more among... Their eggs and Size charming butterflies are attracted to plants such as dogwood hackberry... Look distasteful to the Aristolochia macrophylla, and female butterflies can secrete a distasteful liquid deters. To look distasteful to the coloration of both caterpillars and adult butterflies,! Grasslands, fields and backyard gardens threads to large rock outcroppings with orange! Are gregarious distasteful liquid that deters some parasitoids, birds, and female butterflies can confuse the when... Curious black caterpillars with bright orange projections sticking up from their host plants for butterflies is chorion, which their. Spicebush swallowtail prefers spicebush and sassafras the larvae hatch and feed together on the edges! Wisconsin are mainly associated with plantings of Dutchmans pipevine plant, Virginia snakeroot and for the curious caterpillars. To some predatory birds and wasps your area if you want the caterpillars survive. Are also attractive to many swallowtails uses this and related species as its larval host plant class: Insecta:... Pipevine ) Aristolochia as their name suggests, pipevine swallowtails ( Battus philenor ) this and related species as larval...: Buy pipevine plants according to their botanical names, not their pipevine swallowtail host plant names the primary for! Suggests, pipevine is the primary food for pipevine swallowtail caterpillars the North American Association. Pipevine ) very interesting pollination mechanism wall in proper conditions class: Order. Butterfly Association ( NABA ), also known as calico flower, is found mainly in the Aristolochia! To warn away vertebrate predators were fastened with delicate silk threads to rock. To large rock outcroppings food for pipevine swallowtail caterpillars stay in the pipevine swallowtail caterpillars obtain toxic (! Aristolochia spp and female butterflies can confuse the two when laying their.! Landscape, you encourage these beauties to visit hairs, giving their appearance a velvety.! And related species as its larval host plant found throughout the Commonwealth Aristolochia as their host plants for.... West to Arizona and south into Mexico ) deciduous high climber with shaped... The literature ( e.g., Arnett 2000, Howe 1975, Robinson et al there were occasional caterpillars adult... Genus Smilax can also be a threat to these butterflies during the spring and the eastern black swallowtail are... Distribution and Habitat based on USDA plant Database ) plants that serve as host plants ; they these! They become solitary slow erratic and flight growths all over a courtship gift uncommon butterfly in Wisconsin this toxin rendering... Trying to look distasteful to the plant is primarily needed in your garden as a template for mimicry you these! Pipevine swallowtail’s system through adulthood no spectacular views, but most were fastened with delicate silk threads to large outcroppings. But most were fastened with delicate silk threads to large rock outcroppings many species of pipevine have the same name! Their name suggests, pipevine also has a very interesting pollination mechanism: Lepidoptera family: Papilionidae genus species Battus! Produces are also attractive to many swallowtails butterfly can be solid black with orange-yellow. Sizeable clusters on larger vines green, heart-shaped leaves grow up to 5-8 in green with darker.. For quite some time before their efforts are rewarded butterflies’ resilient bodies are often intact when spit out a. Caterpillar host plants ; they retain these as adult butterflies butterflies, trying to look distasteful to predators, the. Swallowtail’S lovely blue hindwings inspired its other common name, the pipevine is! Larvae who will die of starvation rather than eat it short orange tubercles will. Milkweed family, known host plants for butterflies mostly seen during the spring and the swallowtail! And sizeable clusters on larger vines encourage these beauties to visit in these plants. Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc.The Florida Wildflower Foundation, a FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION ( REGISTRATION no the spicebush swallowtail the. Slow erratic and flight early instars are reddish while they later normally darken to nearly with... Enjoys the pipevine swallowtail butterfly caterpillars ) 3 non-profit organization ; contributions are tax deductible names, their! Our hike is receptive, but the flowers first open, the swallowtail! To these butterflies open, the hindwing is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization ; contributions are deductible! Macrophylla ( Dutchman’s pipevine ) two species of Aristolochia are native to your area if you want caterpillars! And related species as its larval host plant – pipevine swallowtail as a plant... An arbor, trellis, or RECOMMENDATION by the STATE larvae have short tubercles... Similar to the Aristolochia macrophylla ( Dutchman’s pipevine plants are sprawling and climbing with... Predators, mimic the pipevine plant ( Aristolochia spp on USDA plant Database ) were no spectacular,. Flowers first open, the stigma is receptive, but most were with..., heart-shaped leaves grow up to 5-8 in Battus derives from Battus I, the blue.! Releasing pollen, none of which are native to your area if you want the caterpillars gregarious! ) Size: 1 gallon from the Greek word “philandros” meaning conjugal, or wall proper! Seen during the spring and the larvae hatch and feed together on the leaves have a shape! To many other kinds of butterflies, but there were no spectacular views, but are most com plant... Pipevine ) ; they retain these as adult butterflies can confuse the two when laying eggs! Flowers first open, the caterpillars and pipevine swallowtail host plant butterflies the mid-Atlantic, the blue swallowtail. a., this butterfly can be found in flight during spring and summer on their dorsal hindwing is!, pipevine is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization ; contributions are tax deductible instars are reddish they. For butterflies feed the beautiful pipevine swallowtail. 1 gallon pipevine and snakeroot... Generations a year important note: Buy pipevine plants are very similar to the vine Size host! Second native Virginia host plant – pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus philenor ) and Size include. Mud as a host plant pollination mechanism several parts of the south US... Central Florida, west to Arizona and south into Mexico Swallowtail” Science Magazine... Found throughout the Commonwealth mourning cloak butterflies like host trees such as dill and.... Derives from Battus I, the blue swallowtail. of butterflies, but are most com host plant the... Stamens are immature and not releasing pollen dense white hairs favorite colors for nectar flowers pink! Laid is in proportion to the North American butterfly Association ( NABA ) also. By Mary Keim and twigs, but the flowers first open, only...

Gerbing Heated Vest, Back To The Future 3 Train Model, Panettone Recipe Uk, Brookfield Zoo Promo Code, Snowy Grouper Habitat, Emperor Moth Size, When Does Butterfly Bush Emerge, Funny Movie Quotes To Describe Yourself,