Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1044565

Pipevine Swallowtail
Battus philenor

Observation date: May 17, 2015
Date notes: exact
Submitted by: Marjorie Siegel
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: 3 caterpillars of same appearance in clump of leaves indicated by red arrow. Park ranger said "they drop from mesquite trees and leave a trail as they crawl up your rm, are poisonous". thanks for ID help!
Status: Resident
Verified by: John Saba
Verified date: May 21, 2015
Coordinator notes: Pipevine Swallowtails are not particularly fond of mesquite trees. The larvae actually feed on various species of pipevine (as in your photo), and can sequester the poison in the plant, which later offers protection to the adults against predators, who learn not to eat them. The larvae (caterpillars) can be gently handled without any danger.
Checklist region(s): United States, Arizona, Santa Cruz County