Anise

Swallowtail

Papilio zelicaon

Size: 2.5 - 3.0 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Black with broad buttery yellow bands, twisted tails, black abdomen with narrow yellow side-stripes. Below similar pattern, with paler yellow ground color and reddish-orange halos on some of the black-bordered blue chevrons. 

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Similar species:  Oregon Swallowtail, which is larger, more lemony yellow, abdomen yellow with narrow black stripe on top and bottom. On Anise, black spot inside red spot near tail is in the middle of the red, whereas on the Oregon Swallowtail, its on the edge of the red.

Host plant: Many species in the parsley family, including many native Lomatium species.

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Habitat: Variety of open areas, including wetlands, dunes, mountaintops, roadsides, and disturbed areas

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Range: Throughout Oregon.

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Season: Late February - mid-September

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Abundance: Common

Conservation Status: Secure