Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon
insectView on iNaturalist
Large yellow-black swallowtail butterfly with tail-like hindwings. Caterpillars feed on anise, fennel, and wild carrot; strong flier pollinating spring gardens.
Plants that support Old World Swallowtail
3 plants
Arctic Butterbur
Petasites frigidus var. palmatus
perennial herb
Larval host plant for mountain populations
Bay Area native
Lesser Water-parsnip
Berula erecta
perennial herb
Larvae utilize Apiaceae hosts; primary host plant family
Bay Area native
Wild Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
perennial herb
Caterpillars feed on Artemisia species foliage; multiple generations
Bay Area nativeKeystone species