The Alpine black swallowtail is a large butterfly of East Asian forests and mountain valleys, with blue-green bands across its black wings. A pale band is often visible beneath the hindwings, and the species is not native to the United States.
Appearance
Appearance
The spans about 3.3–3.5 in (85–90 mm), while the can span 3.9–5.5 in (100–140 mm). Blue-green form shimmering bands across the black wings.
Seasonal forms
The smaller spring form usually shows a stronger pale band beneath the hindwing. The larger summer form may have a weaker band.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
mountain valleys
woodland edges
forest roads
hilltops
Range
It lives from Korea and Japan through parts of China and the Russian Far East, with populations farther south in Taiwan and northern Myanmar. It is not part of the native U.S. butterfly fauna.
Preferred conditions
In its native range, it uses forest edges and valleys where its citrus-family host trees grow.
Behavior
Activity
In its native Asian range, males often gather on damp ground to take in water and dissolved minerals.
Overwintering
It spends the winter as a .
Life cycle
Reproduction
Females place eggs one at a time on the underside of a host leaf.
Caterpillar food plants
In its native Asian range, caterpillars feed on citrus-family trees such as Amur corktree and Japanese prickly ash.