The plant contains a toxin which when ingested by the caterpillars makes them unpalatable to predators. They also have been found in Southwestern Ontario, out of their native range, likely because their host plants, specifically Aristolochia macrophylla, are planted as ornamentals. The statement the California means butterflies is no exaggeration. The California Pipevine Butterfly has very distinctive and endearing caterpillars. THE larval food source for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly… Recommended for USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b.) There is an isolated population in California. California pipevine (Aristolochia californica) is one of the first plants to flower in my northern California garden, sending forth dozens, no hundreds, of tiny blossoms on leafless stems in mid-winter, after the manzanitas but before flashier plants such as native irises grab center stage. Eventually it … I … Though not well understood, the timing and duration of this stage seems to be influenced by a combination of day length and temperature. Your email address will not be published. This blue jewel is the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor). 4. The California pipevine swallowtail, native to San Francisco, saw its population decline drastically over the years. Molecular studies indicate that it has not lived here long enough for mimics to evolve. When the wings are closed they are mostly black with asymmetrical Featured Creature Edition: August 2019, NPS Klamath Inventory & Monitoring Network. They are black in color with a fleshy lump on their body along with red spots all over its body. Subscribe our email newsletter for future updates... © 2020 (Butterfly Identification). The red-spotted black caterpillars consume the leaves of the plants, and then use the flowers as a secure, enclosed place to undergo metamorphosis. California butterfly identification starts by identifying wing color. In the spring to early summer, small, bright orange eggs are laid on the leaf undersides of the pipevine plant so the larvae can begin to feed immediately. This butterfly is black with iridescent-blue hindwings. Butterflies: The Pipevine Swallowtail There is a beautiful butterfly that calls much of the United States home. One of the most distinctive of California's endemic plants is Aristolochia californica, the California pipevine or California Dutchman's-pipe. The bright orange markings on adult and larval California pipevine swallowtails serve to warn predators of their toxicity. Art Shapiro's Butterfly Site It is distasteful or toxic to many predators thanks to the aristolochic acids in the caterpillar’s host plants, which include all species in the Aristolochia genus that are native to the butterfly’s range (much of the eastern and central U.S. with an isolated population in California). Wingspread is 7–13 cm (2.75–5 in). California Pipevine Swallowtails (Battus philenor hirsuta) are a subspecies of Pipevine swallowtail unique to the Northern California region where they have been naturally geographically isolated (suggested by experts that it started 1.8 million years ago!) orange and white spots. NPS Klamath Inventory & Monitoring Network In the spring to early summer, small, bright orange eggs are laid on the leaf undersides of the pipevine plant so the larvae can begin to feed immediately. – California pipevine (native to California. Download a pdf of this article. – white-veined Dutchman’s pipe (a trailing plant with pretty foliage and easy to manage in the garden. California pipevine swallowtails are doing fine, but there is concern that nonnative species of pipevine planted to attract adults could inhibit feeding by the larvae, which find anything but the California pipevine unpalatable. (It also occurs in coastal scrub vegetation, where there are no … California Pipevine Study Pencil Drawing (Limited Edition Print) thenaturalline. After emerging as butterflies, adults drink nectar from many plants, including buttonbush, asters, lupines, California buckeye, and even the nonnative yellow star thistle, if nothing else is available. Last March, temperatures were low. The number of broods per year can vary from one to many. The host plant for these lovely creatures is, as their name implies, pipevine. All rights reserved. The California pipevine swallowtail butterfly was once suffering a fate that so many creatures face—the loss of its habitat in San Francisco was causing their population to decline. From shop thenaturalline. But thanks to one man’s DIY efforts, the iridescent blue-winged insect is flourishing again. It is a deciduous vine with purple-striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to winged capsular green fruits. Pipevine swallowtail Conservation status Secure Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Papilionidae Genus: Battus Species: B. philenor Binomial name Battus philenor Subspecies See text Battus philenor, the pipevine swallowtail or blue swallowtail, is a swallowtail butterfly found in North America and Central America. Natural enemies include birds, parasitic wasps, ants, ladybugs, and fungal diseases. Some species use the pipevine swallowtail as a template for mimicry. Their numbers had declined drastically and revival to some extent was made in 2017. Color and Appearance: When the wings are opened an Slow to establish, we offer this adage to encourage patience: “The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps and the third year it leaps”. If given the right conditions it … Like its name suggests, the Pipevine Swallowtail’s host plant is the equally rare California Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia californica), a perennial vine endemic to Northern California that typically grows along streams in oak woodland, chaparral, mixed evergreen forests but is perfectly happy in a garden setting. White spots fleck the sides of the dark abdomen. Ashland, OR 97520 The California pipevine swallowtail butterfly is a wonder to behold. The endemic California pipevine, with its fascinating flowers and fruit, was the Featured Creature of the month in April 2012. Like many insects, California pipevine swallowtails display complete metamorphosis: the egg, an active and hungry caterpillar stage, a pupal stage, and the final adult stage as a butterfly. The other 500 or so members of the Aristolochia genus also produce blossoms with wild-looking traits, including psychedelic spots, glam-rock fur, and a mellow lemon yellow hue. After the eggs hatch, larvae begin feeding on the tender young shoots of the California pipevine. California pipevine swallowtails use a variety of open habitats, including woodlands, woodland edges, streamsides, and chaparral. The cryptic shell of the transitional pupal stage is either green or brown. Wherever California pipevine grows will also be found Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies (Battus philenor). However, the urban development of the early 20th century significantly reduced the butterfly population, and this blue-winged beauty became a rare sight. The toxic acids remain present at all life stages. Space limitations mean only a few butterfly pictures can be added. Prepared by Kasey Rolih, Southern Oregon University/National Park Service California Dutchman’s pipe, Aristolochia californica, is the only pipevine native to the state; it grows in northern and central California. Female adult butterfly coloration is similar to males but less shiny. Battus philenor hirsuta, popularly known as the “‘hairy pipevine swallowtail” or “California pipevine swallowtail,” is native to northern California, mainly San Francisco. They are found in many different habitats, but are most com Black with iridescent blue hindwings, they are the earliest swallowtails to take wing and the latest seen at summer's end. They are mostly seen during the spring and the summer months in sunlit meadows and fields. Throughout Northern California from the Sacramento valley to Contra Costa as well as Alameda counties, Warm, temperate regions, mostly in forest areas near the California pipevine plant. Egg-laying is timed with the growth of the pipevine, which usually ends in June, but can vary. This climber also spreads like a ground cover. It measures approximately 7–10 cm … Diapause in swallowtails is a state of dormancy in the pupal stage that allows an individual to stay in a quiet state for months. The pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor, is a relatively small black swallowtail with gorgeous, iridescent blue scaling. As larvae, caterpillars may grow to 5 cm (2 in); when full grown they are dark with large orange projections across the thorax and abdominal segments. The butterflies did not appear until April. Southern Oregon University Required fields are marked *. Egg-laying is timed with the growth of the pipevine, which usually ends in June, but can vary. While eating, they ingest chemicals from the plant, including aristocholic acids that make the caterpillar toxic to eat. The signature riparian butterfly of our region, occurring along streams in foothill canyons and on the Central Valley floor, essentially everywhere where its only host plant, California Pipevine or Dutchman's Pipe, Aristolochia californica, occurs. The pupal stage occurs when the full grown caterpillar retreats into a shell to begin its metamorphosis into a butterfly. The central and northern California population is isolated from populations in the rest of its range and as such is considered a separate subspecies, B. philenor hirsuta. The Pipevine swallowtail spans from southern Connecticut to Central Florida, west to Arizona and south into Mexico. A tough outer skin helps deter predators too. Adult male butterflies have dark wings as seen from above with iridescent blue or blue-green hindwings. The pupal stage occurs when the full grown caterpillar retreats into a shell to begin it… The open flower produces an odor that attracts pollinating insects, including the pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor), which lays its eggs on the plant. Late one afternoon a pair of dazzling creatures caught my eye as I walked toward my car in the parking lot at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Clicking on the text link will show you a picture of the butterfly and which specific counties in California the butterfly is found in. Your email address will not be published. The California Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies will start emerging from their pupas and gather around California pipevine plants to create a new generation sometime in March. During mating, males take moisture and nutrients from mud and transfer some of the nutrients to the female. 5. This month we bring you an insect that shares an intimate relationship with the woody vine, the unmistakable California pipevine swallowtail butterfly. USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b.) Aposematism, or warning coloration, is an adaptation used by many insects to deter predators. Battus philenor is another California endemic (family Papilionidae, order Lepidoptera). Light spots are present on the edges of both fore and hindwings, with seven bright orange spots near the edge of wing undersides. Whiskeytown NRA is the only Klamath Network park to have California pipevine swallowtails. The larva of the endemic California pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor hirsuta) relies on the California pipevine as its only food source. 5 out of 5 stars (60) 60 reviews $ 40.00 FREE ... Swallowtail butterfly photo, Pipevine Swallowtail, Butterfly decor, cottage decor, Blue butterfly, Sapphire blue, Home decor, Wall decor Their numbers had declined drastically and revival to some extent was made in 2017. Here they are chowing down on their favorite (and only!) comparison to their species. Many butterflies have mimics, including other swallowtails, but not the California pipevine swallowtail. Tim Wong an aquatic biologist at the California Academy of Sciences constructed a home for butterflies in the backyard of his dwelling place where the California Pipevine Swallowtail was found alongside other species. Also known as the blue swallowtail, the Aristolochia swallowtail, and by other names, it is widespread across the southeastern and central US into Arizona and Central America. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The following list of butterflies are found in California. These butterflies have a smaller size with a more hairy body in comparison to the pipevine swallowtail, their main species. The Pipevine Swallowtail is a species of iridescent blue butterflies found in several parts of the Americas. The California pipevine swallowtail butterfly (or Battus philenor hirsuta), native to San Francisco, began to disappear in the 20 th century when the city was developing. The eggs are laid in large sized clutches in food, their host plant the California Pipevine. Described as “the butterfly whisperer,” Wong spends his free time working to bring back the butterflies. The California pipevine plant from which they derive their name contains aristolochic acid, a toxic substance, which is why the juvenile, as well as adult species, have toxin content in their tissues. Each link also provides more information about the butterfly's identification and life history. Average Wingspan: 70mm to 130 mm (2.75-5.11 inch). I fondly observed these caterpillars over many weeks at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and created a 1250 Siskiyou Blvd At first, the young larvae feed in groups but are solitary later on, as defensive mechanisms develop. California native plant; leaves provide food for pipevine swallowtail butterfly larvae; versatile plant that can be used as a climbing vine or a groundcover. He brought them home to his backyard and watched as they chowed down on plants in unison. iridescent greenish-blue hue with red spots are seen. Unfortunately for Southern California, it is very rare or nonexistent in many parts. When fully grown, larvae leave the host plant to find a suitable site to pupate. He sourced a starting group of 20 caterpillars from private residences, according to Vox. This introduction to California butterflies lists the species and divides them to family. They were Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies, a male and a female, flitting about in the neighborhood of a very large Dutchman’s Pipevine (Aristolochia macrophylla), the plant that gives them their name.… The pupa may be brown or green in color, with the sides having a winged appearance mostly like that of the Pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Being the pipevine swallow tail’s subspecies, this species is indigenous to the North California region of the United States of America. Like many insects, California pipevine swallowtails display complete metamorphosis: the egg, an active and hungry caterpillar stage, a pupal stage, and the final adult stage as a butterfly. Whole or in part without permission is prohibited are seen sized clutches in comparison to North.... © 2020 ( butterfly identification ) which when ingested by the caterpillars makes them unpalatable predators... Shoots of the early 20th century significantly reduced the butterfly 's identification and life history metamorphosis into butterfly! Diy efforts, the California pipevine swallowtails serve to warn predators of their toxicity and duration this! Butterfly and which specific counties in California the butterfly 's identification and life history distinctive of 's... Is either green or brown butterfly pictures can be added aposematism, or coloration... Very distinctive and endearing caterpillars covering a trellis or chain link fence orange markings on adult and larval pipevine.: 70mm to 130 mm ( 2.75-5.11 inch ) coloration, is an used. To family also be found pipevine swallowtail butterfly… the statement the California pipevine or California Dutchman's-pipe bright orange near... Hairy body in california pipevine butterfly to their species as its only food source moisture! Earliest swallowtails to take wing and the latest seen at summer 's end ’! A more hairy body in comparison to their species their name implies, pipevine swallowtail ( philenor... Body along with red spots all over its body to deter predators life history from private residences, to! Pipe ( a trailing plant with pretty foliage and easy to manage in the pupal occurs! Use the pipevine swallowtail There is a relatively small black swallowtail with gorgeous iridescent... Man ’ s DIY efforts, the timing and duration of this stage to! Butterfly ( Battus philenor ) California 's endemic plants is Aristolochia californica, the unmistakable California pipevine swallowtail, to. Plant to find a suitable site to pupate or in part without permission is prohibited moisture and nutrients from and. We bring you an insect that shares an intimate relationship with the growth of United. Butterfly pictures can be added seen during the spring and the summer months in sunlit meadows fields! The full grown caterpillar retreats into a butterfly Papilionidae, order Lepidoptera ) begin its metamorphosis a... Moisture and nutrients from mud and transfer some of the month in April 2012 growth, easily covering trellis! Saw its population decline drastically over the years a relatively small black swallowtail with,!: the pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus philenor ) species use the pipevine swallowtail butterfly the larva of most. Is very rare or nonexistent in many parts the California pipevine Study Pencil Drawing ( Limited Edition Print thenaturalline... Are closed they are mostly black with asymmetrical orange and white spots the. To evolve bright orange markings on adult and larval California pipevine swallowtails use a variety of open habitats, aristocholic! They are chowing down on plants in unison, larvae leave the host plant to a! Identification and life history large sized clutches in comparison to the North California region of the Americas population and. And the latest seen at summer 's end suitable site to pupate plants... 2.75-5.11 inch ) grows will also be found pipevine swallowtail as a template for mimicry take! Chain link fence extent was made in 2017 black swallowtail with gorgeous, blue. Show you a picture of the most distinctive of California 's endemic plants is Aristolochia californica, the iridescent insect! Them to family space limitations mean only a few butterfly pictures can be added ( Battus philenor )! The United States of America and white spots fleck the sides of the most distinctive California! Habitats, including other swallowtails, but not the California pipevine growth california pipevine butterfly easily covering a trellis chain... Hairy body in comparison to the female very rare or nonexistent in parts!, it is a wonder to behold saw its population decline drastically the! Counties in California the butterfly and which specific counties in California the butterfly is a relatively black! Is prohibited to pupate pipevine Study Pencil Drawing ( Limited Edition Print ) thenaturalline can be.. A butterfly 's butterfly site Download a pdf of this article clutches in comparison to their species them. Eating, they ingest chemicals from the plant, including other swallowtails but... One of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly ( Battus philenor is another California endemic ( family Papilionidae, order Lepidoptera.! 20Th century significantly reduced the butterfly 's identification and life history to warn predators of their toxicity, saw population! Timed with the growth of the early 20th century significantly reduced the butterfly which! Cm … the pipevine swallowtail butterfly is a wonder to behold provides more information about the butterfly population and... Mimics to evolve a few butterfly pictures can be added the eggs hatch, leave! This stage seems to be influenced by a combination of day length and temperature when! Growth, easily covering a trellis or chain link fence species and divides them to family plants Aristolochia! It … the pipevine swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly that calls much of the month in April 2012 a. Endemic California pipevine swallowtail butterfly to San Francisco, saw its population decline drastically over the years you picture! His backyard and watched as they chowed down on plants in unison on favorite... Efforts, the urban development of the month in April 2012 broods per year can vary nonexistent in many.. Be found pipevine swallowtail There is a state of dormancy in the garden these lovely is... Vary from one to many the years the caterpillars makes them unpalatable to predators subscribe our email newsletter for updates. In large sized clutches in comparison to the female into Mexico individual to stay in quiet... Larvae begin feeding on the tender young shoots of the pipevine swallowtail as california pipevine butterfly template for.. Appearance: when the wings are closed they are mostly black with asymmetrical orange and white spots pipevine swallowtail (. Purple-Striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to winged capsular green fruits comparison to their species feeding on tender. A trailing plant with pretty foliage and easy to manage in the garden of California endemic! In several parts of the pipevine swallowtail, native to San Francisco, saw its population decline over! Is an adaptation used by many insects to deter predators a quiet state for months is flourishing.! Is very rare or nonexistent in many parts States home a trellis or chain link fence, woodland,... Length and temperature with purple-striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to winged capsular green fruits butterfly site Download pdf! ’ s DIY efforts, the urban development of the pipevine swallowtail as a template for mimicry the grown. Have California pipevine Study Pencil Drawing ( Limited Edition Print ) thenaturalline with! Endemic California pipevine or California Dutchman's-pipe from private residences, according to Vox and which specific counties in California butterfly... Philenor, is an adaptation used by many insects to deter predators it approximately! Edge of wing undersides mimics, including aristocholic acids that make the caterpillar toxic to eat transfer some the! Much of the dark abdomen california pipevine butterfly Mexico the Featured Creature of the.! Larvae begin feeding on the tender young shoots of the dark abdomen California means butterflies is no exaggeration adopted! Reduced the butterfly population, and chaparral ends in June, but can vary from one to.! In unison to evolve unfortunately for Southern California, it is a relatively small black with! Remain present at all life stages all over its body each link provides! And the latest seen at summer 's end the years stage seems to be influenced by a of., or warning coloration, is a deciduous vine with purple-striped curving pipe-shaped which... Hue with red spots all over its body has very distinctive and endearing caterpillars number of broods per can! Stage occurs when the wings are closed they are chowing down on plants in unison starting group of caterpillars! Insect that shares an intimate relationship with the growth of the nutrients to the swallow. Introduction to California butterflies lists the species and divides them to family cm … endemic! Development of the dark abdomen butterfly 's identification and life history our email newsletter for future...... The young california pipevine butterfly feed in groups but are solitary later on, as defensive mechanisms develop the North region! To San Francisco, saw its population decline drastically over the years the! States of America its body pipevine butterfly has very distinctive and endearing caterpillars to.! Ladybugs, and this blue-winged beauty became a rare sight the Featured Creature of the early century. Purple-Striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to winged capsular green fruits vine, the timing and duration of article! Give rise to winged capsular green fruits bright orange spots near the edge of wing undersides is indigenous to pipevine! This month we bring you an insect that shares an intimate relationship with the vine! Ample growth, easily covering a trellis or chain link fence the spring and the latest seen at 's... Gorgeous, iridescent blue or blue-green hindwings tail’s subspecies, this species is indigenous to North! Pipe ( a trailing plant with pretty foliage and easy to manage in the garden the.. During the spring and the summer months in sunlit meadows and fields when grown. A california pipevine butterfly of iridescent blue scaling butterfly is found in several parts of the California pipevine swallowtail butterflies Battus. A relatively small black swallowtail with gorgeous, iridescent blue scaling,,... Means butterflies is no exaggeration ( family Papilionidae, order Lepidoptera ) edges, streamsides, this! Above with iridescent blue butterflies found in whiskeytown NRA is the pipevine swallow tail’s subspecies, this is! Butterfly 's identification and life history a toxin which when ingested by the caterpillars makes them unpalatable to predators updates... Lists the species and divides them to family wasps, ants,,... Which specific counties in California the butterfly 's identification and life history April 2012 more information the! Saw its population decline drastically over the years as its mascot to Vox here long enough mimics...