The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a native butterfly commonly found across North America. Its caterpillars primarily feed on plants in the carrot family, including parsley, dill, fennel, and Queen Anne's lace, which serve as important host plants. One fun fact about the Black Swallowtail is its clever defense mechanism: the caterpillars have an orange “osmeterium,” a forked gland that emits a strong, unpleasant odor to deter predators when threatened. This striking butterfly is not only beautiful with its glossy black wings and yellow spots but also plays an important role in pollination.