Pipevine Swallowtail
(Battus philenor)

The pipevine swallowtail is sometimes seen in the garden. It is similar to the Black Swallowtail, the black phase of the Tiger Swallowtail, and the Spicebush Swallowtails. Superficially it resembles the Red Spotted Purple. It can be distinguished by the single row of large red dots on the ventral surface of the hindwing. The dorsal surface is predominately black with a iridescent blue on the inner margins of the hindwing. This blue patch is interrupted by a row or white spots that continue on the forewing. The dorsal margins of the fore and hindwing are edged in white. This swallowtail seems to be in constant motion as it patrols the garden. On windy days it rarely stays in one place for more than a few seconds. It rarely lands and when it does the wings are usually in constant motion. In the lower picture you can see the long tongue as it sips nectar.