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Species Detail
Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758
Attributes of Papilio machaonFamily: Parnassians and Swallowtails (Papilionidae) Subfamily: Swallowtails (Papilioninae) Identification: Upperside of hindwing near tail has reddish-orange eyespot with black along lower border touching inner edge of hindwing or at least not a centered eyespot. Life history: Females lay eggs singly on the host plant, and newly-hatched caterpillars eat the leaves. Older caterpillars feeding on plants of the parsley family prefer to eat the flowers. Chrysalids overwinter. Flight: In north, one flight in late May-July; two flights in south. Wing span: 2 1/2 - 3 inches (6.5 - 7.5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Sagebrushes (Artemisia species), including Arctic wormwood and wild tarragon, rarely plants in the parsley family. Adult food: Flower nectar. Habitat: Open hilltops, mountain meadows, tundra. Range: Holarctic. In North America, south from Alaska to northern British Colombia, east across Canada to western Quebec. Southern British Colombia south through New Mexico. Comments: Includes , P. oregonius and P. bairdii. Conservation: Not noted as of concern, but is rare or uncommon. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None noted. | Documented Records for Papilio machaon
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