Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

The Pipevine Swallowtail has a distasteful chemical in its body which keeps rodents, birds, and other predators from eating it. Thus it serves as a protective model for several palatable species that closely resemble or mimic the dark colors of the adult Pipevine. The mimics include the Eastern Black Swallowtail, the Spicebush Swallowtail, the dark form of the female Tiger Swallowtail, and the Red-spotted Purple. Larval foodplants are Dutchman's Pipe, Virginia Snakeroot, Wild Ginger, and Knotweed.