Papilio polyxenes, commonly known as the black swallowtail, is a butterfly native to North America. It features striking black wings with yellow spots and blue hindwing patches. The caterpillars feed on plants like parsley and dill, mimicking bird droppings for camouflage. Adults thrive in open areas such as fields and gardens.

Papilio polyxenes, commonly known as the black swallowtail, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution includes most of the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. It is especially prevalent in the eastern United States but can also be found in parts of the Midwest and along the western coast.

The black swallowtail typically inhabits open areas such as fields, meadows, gardens, and roadsides. It prefers environments with plenty of host plants for its larvae, such as those in the Apiaceae family, including parsley, dill, and fennel. The climate in its habitat ranges from temperate to warm, with varying humidity levels depending on the specific region.

Papilio polyxenes occupies the ecological niche of a pollinator and herbivore. As caterpillars, they feed on host plants, which influences plant community dynamics. As adults, they play a role in pollination, while their bright colors and patterns serve as a defense mechanism against predators, mimicking more toxic species.