The Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes is a large (2 ⅜ to 3 ¾ wingspan) butterfly of open areas such as old fields, pastures, wetlands, roadsides and gardens.   They are common across eastern North America and ranges through the southwestern United States to northern South America.  Caterpillars develop on plants in the parsley family, Apiaceae, such as Queen-Anne's-Lace and Water Hemlock.  In gardens they eat dill, parsley, fennel and carrots.

   Play the slideshow and enjoy the photo essay of this beautiful animal.