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Species Detail

Ozark Swallowtail

Papilio joanae Heitzman, 1973

Attributes of Papilio joanae


Family: Parnassians and Swallowtails (Papilionidae)

Subfamily: Swallowtails (Papilioninae)

Identification: Nearly identical to Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes). Face is yellow; black pupil in eyespot trailing edge of hindwing is not centered and touches inner edge of windwing.

Life history: Females lay eggs singly on the host plant, and newly-hatched caterpillars eat the leaves and reproductive parts. Chrysalids overwinter

Flight: Two flights of adults (April to September).

Wing span: 3 1/4 - 4 1/16 inches (8.2 - 10.2 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Yellow pimpernal, meadow parsnip, and golden alexander in the parsley family (Apiaceae).

Adult food: Nectar of flowers such as rose verbena, wood betony, puccoon, and false garlic.

Habitat: Cedar blades and woodlands.

Range: Missouri, northern Arkansas, and western Kentucky. Comments: A relative of the Old World Swallowtail.

Conservation: Species of concern with small limited range. Alien weeds such as garlic mustard may be reducing habitat quality.

NatureServe Global Status: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range.

Management needs: None noted.

Documented Records for Papilio joanae



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