Description
The Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) is a striking butterfly with iridescent blue-black wings, orange spots on the underside of the hindwings, and a distinctive tail-like extension, commonly found in gardens, woodlands, and fields throughout the southern and eastern United States, where its caterpillars feed on pipevine plants. Pipevine is not native to Minnesota, but ornamental plantings might cause a temporary colony to set up in ideal years. I have yet to see this species in Minnesota. The photos are from Central Illinois.
Range
A rare stray in the southern counties.
Similar Species
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail dark morph is similar, but Pipevine has much more blue on the hindwings and no yellow spots.
Host Plants
Pipevines (Aristolochia sp.), but these don’t grow naturally in Minnesota.
Flight
A very rare stray to the southern counties in the heights of summer.