Living meadows to forest edges, the black swallowtail is a swallowtail that's primarily found in the United States, Mexico, and Northern South America. These butterflies are a dimorphic species, the males have yellow bands on the wings while the female has a blue band on the lower wings. When they feel threatened as caterpillars, they emit a stinky substance from the osmeterium, which is a fork-like gland pokes out on their heads.

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At Spencer's Butterfly Fairy Museum, you may find them displayed in our collection. They may be ready for released during the warmer seasons but hibernate as chrysalises during winter. We typically purchase them breeders when they are caterpillars.