Pipevine Swallowtail
Battus philenor
Darwin Core (DwC) Taxonomic Classification
Battus philenor (Linnaeus, 1771)
Quick Rearing Snapshot & Biology Overview
Rearing and biology notes for Pipevine Swallowtail
Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa)
~33 Days total (Egg → Butterfly)
Pupal Diapause (Does Not Migrate)
Girdle / Twig Sling
Thermal Degree-Day Hatch SimulatorInteractive
Slide ambient temperature to see how heat accelerates metamorphosis for Pipevine Swallowtail
*Calculated via standard insect thermal summation models (base threshold 50°F / 10°C).
Pipevine Swallowtail
Battus philenor (Linnaeus, 1771) — Papilionidae • Papilioninae
- Upperside hindwings glow with radiant, electric iridescent sapphire-blue (males)
- Forewings velvety charcoal-black with cream submarginal dots
- Ventral hindwing features 7 vibrant round orange spots embedded in a metallic cyan-blue field
- Sequestration of toxic aristolochic acids from native Aristolochia vines grants lifelong bird toxicity
Larval Host Flora:
Silo 02 BotanyOnly supply fresh, pesticide-free foliage from these verified native botanical species:
- •Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
- •Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria)
- •Woolly Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa)
Key Husbandry Tips
Silo 04 Husbandry- •Eggs are laid in clusters (3–20 eggs). Early instar caterpillars feed gregariously side-by-side.
- •CRITICAL: Only feed native Aristolochia species. Non-native ornamental tropical pipevines (like Aristolochia gigantea or elegans) are fatal to larvae.
- •Caterpillars have deep maroon/black velvety bodies with vibrant orange fleshy tubercles.
Frequently Asked Questions (Pipevine Swallowtail)
Direct answers to the most common rearing, diet, and metamorphosis questions
Master Research Guides for Pipevine Swallowtail
Rearing protocols, lifecycle stages, and field husbandry
Why Caterpillars Matter: Songbirds, Pollination and What Their Decline Signals
How to Find Monarch & Swallowtail Eggs on Milkweed: The 20x Loupe Field Guide, Look-Alike Diagnostic & Safe Hatching Protocol
The Winter Chrysalis & Cocoon Overwintering Master Guide (Diapause Protocols)
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