Black Swallowtail asterias pupae

Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes asterias North America

Very closely related to the European and British swallowtails, asterias  will often hybridise with either, producing interesting offspring.

The collections of 4 pupae comprise 3 male and a female pupa for breeding.

The larvae feed on Fennel, Carrot tops, and some other Umbelliferae including wild and probably cultivated Parsnip.  Two broods are produced in the year and the pupae of the second brood hibernate.