ANISE SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio zelicaon)

Flight Period: Several broods from February through November.  It is commonly found in vacant lots, fields, along roadsides, and hills, except in the desert regions, where it is replaced by Wright's swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes coloro).  Males are powerful hilltop fliers.  Females often fly to hilltops to mate.  After mating, females fly downhill in search of their host plant.

Range: Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California and east to the Rockies.

Host Plants: Apiaceae (Carrot Family; especially parsley, sweet fennel, carrot, dill, and tauschia) and Rutaceae (citrus).

Wing Span: 2 5/8 - 3" (67 - 76 mm).