We promote legislation to make the Black Swallowtail butterfly Michigan’s State Butterfly. The Swallowtail is our largest native butterfly, and also one of our rarest. Swallowtail butterflies are found on all continents, except Antarctica. The British race is the subspecies britannicus which is confined to the fens of the Norfolk Broads in East Norfolk. Swallowtail butterflies get their name from the tail-like extension on the hindwings of many species in this family. The common trait in all these species is the extension at the rear end of their wings, which makes them look like swallows and thus, the name. Papilio polyxenes, the (eastern) black swallowtail, American swallowtail or parsnip swallowtail, is a butterfly found throughout much of North America. Using a specific pollinator as a teaching example is an effective way to educate both our citizens and our youth about the importance of pollinators.Butterflies are both beautiful and important to our ecosystem. On the bottom edge of the bottom wing, there is a red spot with a small black dot in the center. Description: These butterflies are very pretty and have brown or black wings with yellow markings. Although monarch butterflies and black swallowtail butterflies aren’t similar in appearance, their caterpillars have similar color patterns of green, yellow, and black, and could easily be mistaken for one another. Most species are found in warm, tropical climates. Conservation Status of Black Swallowtail These species are listed in the category of least important in the endangered list. Once emerged, the caterpillar will eat the shell. Black swallowtails are one of many beautiful native butterflies found in Missouri. Schaus' swallowtail butterfly. There are around 550 species of butterfly in this family. Although monarch butterflies and black swallowtail butterflies aren’t similar in appearance, their caterpillars have similar color patterns of green, yellow, and black, and could easily be mistaken for one another. Most species are large and brightly colored. As humans expand their cities, industry and agriculture they need clear land. An extremely similar-appearing species, Papilio joanae, occurs in the Ozark Mountains region, but it appears to be closely related to Papilio machaon, rather than P. polyxenes. Black Swallowtail butterflies stay in their cocoon for 9 to 11 days. A handful of Florida butterflies have also been listed as endangered, with the Miami Blue and the current public relations campaign to save it, serving as the poster child for the downward population trend. Once emerged, the caterpillar will eat the shell. The first picture shows the Shaus’ Swallowtail, another endangered species. Fact file. Name: Schaus' swallowtail butterfly Status: Endangered Habitat: Hardwood forests in Florida, USA. Asked in Endangered, Vulnerable, and Threatened Species , Butterflies and Moths What year did butterflies come in endangered ? Why is it endangered? This month we are featuring the beautiful Tiger Swallowtail and the Gulf Fritillary as our "Butterflies of the Month".. Read our special edition about Texas Butterflies... species, ecological environments, Texas nature centers, Texas butterfly festivals, and more.. We have also added an orange-colored butterfly comparison chart.. And to be sure to watch our new Butterflies at Home Video Showcase.