Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

North American
Species: 40

Lepidoptera Papilionidae
Parnassians and swallowtails

Special Characteristics: The parnassians are medium sized, white or gray with dark marking on the wings. Most of them have small reddish spots on the hind wings. The swallowtails are large, usually dark coloured butterflies with a long tail on the hind wings. The larvae are usually smooth and some species have markings at the anterior end that resemble eyespots. Others are mottled with white and black and look like bird droppings; this is believed to confuse birds and lizards that might attack them.

Comments: The larvae of parnassians and swallowtails feed on foliage of a variety of plants.This family contains the largest and some of the most beautifully coloured butterflies. The larvae of swallowtails have an eversible scent gland or osmeterium just behind the head that produces a bad odour when the larvae is disturbed. Swallowtails are widespread in Canada but parnassians are found mostly in mountain areas.

Species:
Papilio polyxenes Fabricius

Common Name:
Eastern black swallowtail

Feeding Habits: The larvae feed on carrot leaves, parsley, and related plants.

Distribution:
Southern Manitoba east to Nova Scotia.

Comments:
The larvae are white to green with black bands and orange or yellow spots on each segment. The larvae is sometimes called the parsleyworm. This species is common around gardens and near damp meadows.