Wisconsin Native Caterpillars
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar
Genus-Species: Battus philenor
Description: sually dusky black in color but
young larvae may be rusty red. Dark, fleshy tentacles extend from the body, with the
longest located just behind the head. Rows of short orange tentacles also extend over
the length of the body. Osmeteria are orange.
Chrysalis: Mottled green or brown, depending on
season and surface texture. Highly sculpted and angled with curves and horns.
Host Plants: Pipevines (Aristolochia macrophylla,
Aristolochia serpentaria and Aristolochia tomentosa)
Habitat: Open areas near woodlands where the larval
host plants grow.
Comments: The Pipevine Swallowtail is an uncommon
butterfly in Wisconsin. It feeds solely on Pipevines (Aristolochia sp.), none of which are native to
Wisconsin. Records of this species in Wisconsin are mainly associated with plantings of
Dutchman's Pipevine.