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Click images for larger view
The pipevine swallowtail is one of the most common butterflies in the South. In the southern part of their range they fly year around. In the northern part of their range, including Oklahoma, they fly from spring to fall. They are rapid flyers and tend to flutter their wings even when perched. Males patrol the tops of hills (hilltopping) in search of females.
Both sexes have a single row of light blue/green spots on the upper side of the fore and hind wings. Males have an iridescent light blue/green cast on the hindwing. This is much reduced in the females.
Both sexes have a single row of seven orange spots in the shape of a C on the underside of the hindwing.
Larval host plants
include various species of Pipevine (genus aristolochia). Compunds in their diet of pipevine render them poisonous, so predators have learned to avoid them. Other species of butterflies, including black swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails, red spotted purples, and others have evolved to mimic the pipevine swallowtail to gain the same protection. Nectar plants include many species common to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, including thistle, milkweed and coneflowers.
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Male pipevine swallowtail
Note blue on hindwing and single row of spots
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Female pipevine swallowtail
Note absence of blue on hindwing
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Pipevine swallotail
Note single row of seven orange spots
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Photos by George Pierson
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