Madison, Wisconsin is the capital city of the state of Wisconsin in the United States. Located in south-central Wisconsin, Madison is located in plant hardiness zone 5. In this post we will talk about the six species of swallowtail butterflies (Papilinoidae) that you can host in your butterfly garden in Madison, Wisconsin.
Table of Contents for Swallowtail Butterflies and Host Plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Location of the Madison, Wisconsin Metro Area
The Madison, Wisconsin metro area is located in south-central Wisconsin and includes the counties of Columbia, Dane, and Iowa. For the purposes of this post we will discuss only Dane County as the Madison, Wisconsin area.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin is located in plant hardiness zone 5 and is at the edge of zones 5a and 5b, with zone 5a being more to the west and zone 5b being more the the east. When selecting plants you will want to get those that can handle temperatures as cold as -20F to be sure they will survive.
Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
The pipevine swallowtail flies throughout the United States, except for the Pacific Northwest. In Wisconsin this species flies in July and is a stray from the south (Ferge 2011). However, unlike the spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus), it does have a host plant species in the area.
The pipevine swallowtail has orange-brown eggs that are laid on the host plant. The black to brown to red caterpillar with orange markings comes out in the spring. They then overwinter as a pupa (Monroe and Wright 2017).
In the spring and into the summer the adult butterflies start to fly. They have a wingspan of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to 5 inches (12.7 cm) inches and are black colored with white markings.
Plants that Host the Pipevine Swallowtail
The Pipevine Swallowtail is generally hosted by members of the birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae). In the Madison, WI area there is only one species, wild ginger (Asarum candense), in the birthwort family.
Giant Swallowtail (Papilo cresphontes) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
The giant swallowtail flies throughout the United States and southeast Canada, except for the northwest. Beyond North America it ranges into Central America and the Caribbean Islands. It is the largest butterfly in North America (Wikipedia). In Wisconsin, this butterfly has two broods, one in May and one in August (Ferge 2011).
The giant swallowtail has brownish-orange eggs that are laid on the host plants. The caterpillars have five stages or instars before pupating, which takes about two weeks. The adult butterflies have a wingspans ranging from about 5.5 inches (14 cm) to 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) and are black and yellow colored.
Plants that Host the Giant Swallowtail
The giant swallowtail is hosted by members of the Rue Family (Rutaceae), of which there are two plants in the Madison, WI area. These include:
- Toothache tree (Zanthoxylum americanum) — a small to medium sized tree
- Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) — a rare small tree in Wisconsin that reaches the northern limit of its range in the Madison area.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
The Eastern Tiger swallowtail flies in the mid-western and eastern United States from the Rocky Mountains and east. In the Eastern US it is likely one of the most distinctive swallowtails. In Wisconsin, this butterfly has two broods, one in May and one in August (Ferge 2011).
The light green eggs are laid on the host plants. The caterpillar has five stages; with the first three a brown color and the last two as a green color. The brown chrysalis is placed in on trunks or on fallen leaves.
The adults have a wingspan of 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 5.5 inches (14 cm) and have two color schemes. The yellow and black is the most distinctive, but the females also have a dark black phase that mimics the pipevine swallowtail (see image).
Plants that Host the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The eastern tiger swallowtail is a generalist and uses members of a number of genera as host plants. Some species in the Madison, WI area include:
- Members of the Prunus genus (Cherries and Plums)
- Members of the Betula genus (Birch)
- Members of the Populus genus (Poplar and Cottonwood)
- Members of the Fraxinus genus (Ash)
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
The black swallowtail flies in most of the United States, except for the Northwest. In Wisconsin, this species flies from May to September (Ferge 2011).
The yellow eggs are laid on the host plants and take about a week to hatch. The caterpillars are at first black colored but later have green, black, and yellow coloring and last from a week to a month. The butterflies then survive the winter as a chrysalis.
The adults have a wingspan of 2.5 (6.4 cm) to 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) and are black colored with yellow spots along the wings and a red eyepsot near the tail on the top. The underside has orange spots.
Plants that Host the Black Swallowtail
The black swallowtail is a generalist and uses members of the carrot family as host plants. Some examples of carrot family members in the Madison, WI area include:
- Purple-stem Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea): a herbaceous plant
- Canadian Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis): a herbaceous plant
- Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii): a herbaceous plant
- Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis): a herbaceous plant
- Stiff Cowbane (Oxypolis rigidior): a herbaceous plant (Williams 2003)
- Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa): a herbaceous plant
- Heart-leaf Alexander (Zizia aptera): a herbaceous plant
- Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea): a herbaceous plant
Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilo troilus) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
The spicebush swallowtail flies in the mid-western and eastern United States. In the state of Wisconsin, this species is a stray (Ferge 2011) from the south and flies from June to July.
The greenish eggs are laid on the leaves of spicebush. The caterpillars are brown at first but then turn yellow. The chrysalis is attached to leaves on the ground. The adults have a wingspan of 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 4 inches (10.2 cm) and are black with white spots along the bottom and a red eyespot on the bottom middle.
Plants that Host the Spicebush Swallowtail
As the common name would suggest, spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a host plant for the spicebush swallowtail as is the sassafras (Sassafras albidum), both of which are members of the Laurel Family (Lauraceae). Neither of these plant species are found in the Madison, WI area (though they can live there) and the spicebush swallowtail only feeds on members of the Lauraceae (Scriber et al 2008). However, since this species is more common in the south and is likely seeking more northern locations due to climate change, this species could likely be hosted when it visits the area.
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): a shrub to small tree that is hardy to zone 4.
- Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) — An understory tree that is hardy to zone 4.
Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) and its host plants in Madison, Wisconsin
Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus)
The Zebra swallowtail flies in the mid-western and eastern United States. In Wisconsin this butterfly flies from June to August and is stray (Ferge 2011). In addition there are currently no host plants for this species in the area.
The green to brown eggs are laid on the leaves of the host plant, which is the pawpaw. The caterpillars have two color variations, first black and then later stages are more colorful with green and yellow stripes. The brown chrysalis can overwinter in places of cold temperatures (Wikipedia).
The black and white multi-colored adults have a wingspan of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) and fly from February to December with a more restricted season in more northern places. The early season brood can be smaller and has a shorter tail than the later summer brood that is larger and has a long tail (animaldiversity.org).
Plants that Host the Zebra Swallowtail
The zebra swallowtail uses members of the Custard Apple Family (Annonaceae) as host plants. Currently there are no members of this family in the Madison area. However, one of the main host plants, pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is present to the south and can exist up to plant hardiness zone 5.
Nectar Plants to Consider Putting in Your Garden
While the swallowtails need certain species of plants to use as hosts, the adults also need nectar plants to visit in order get nourishment. Nectar plants can also help other insects such as bees. Some common nectar plants that can be grown in the Madison, WI area include:
- Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
- Joe-Pye-Weeds (Eutrochium spp.)
- Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) — Also benefit the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
- Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
- Coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.)
- Blazing Stars (Liatris spp.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much land do I need to start a butterfly garden?
Every plant that you can grow can make a difference for visitors to your garden, especially in urban areas. Potted plants are also useful en masse for pollinators. When planting your garden, make sure you plant both the host plants and nectar plants for the adults to feed on.
Where should I get my plants?
For pollinators, it is best to have native plant species. The insects will be used to these plants more than ones from other places. Be sure you get your plants from a reputable nursery does not use neocontinids that would harm visitors to your garden.
Are there gardens near me, where I can see an example of a butterfly garden?
There are several gardens in the Madison, Wisconsin area that can be visited in order to get ideas for your Butterfly Garden. These include the:
Olbrich Botanical Gardens: contains numerous examples of native plant gardens.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum: an arboretum with a Wisconsin Native Plant Garden.
University of Wisconsin Botany Garden and Greenhouse: a garden where you can see plantings according to phylogenetic order.
Books where you can find out more about Butterfly Gardening in the Madison, WI Area
- Branhagen, Alan. 2020. The Midwest Native Plant Primer – 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. Little and Brown. 256 pp.
- Branhagen, Alan. 2016. Native Plants of the Midwest – A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden. Little and Brown. 440 pp.
- Chadde, Steve W. 2019. Wisconsin Flora: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Plants of Wisconsin. Orchard Innovations. 826 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2023. Butterflies of the Midwest Field Guide – Butterfly Identification Guides. Adventure Publications. 364 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2022. Garden Bugs & Insects of the Midwest – Identify Pollinators, Pests, and Other Garden Visitors – Adventure Quick Guides. Adventure Publications. 36 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2020. Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Upper Midwest – Nature-Friendly Gardens. Adventure Publications. 276 pp.
- Krieg, Jean. 2018. My First Book of Common Wisconsin Butterflies. Amazon Digital Services, LLC. 40 pp.
- Lenhart, Christian and Peter C. Smiley. 2018. Ecological Restoration of the Midwest – Past, Present, and Future – Bur Oak Book. University of Iowa Press. 290 pp.
- Steiner, Lynn M. 2008. Landscaping with Native Plants of Wisconsin. Voyageur Press. 192 pp.
- Waller, Donald M. and Thomas P. Rooney. 2010. The Vanishing Present – Wisconsin’s Changing Lands, Waters, and Wildlife. University of Chicago Press. 544 pp.
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References
- Ferge, Leslie A. 2011. Checklist of Wisconsin Butterflies. Wisconsin Entomological Society Special Publication No. 5.
- Monroe, James L. and David M. Wright. 2017. Butterflies of Pennsylvania. (Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press). 304 pp.
- Scriber, Mark J., Michelle L. Larsen, and Myron P. Zalucki. 2008. Responses of North American Papilio troilus and P. glaucus to potential hosts from Australia. Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 62: 18-30.
- Williams, Andrew H. 2003. Oxypolis rigidior, A New Larval Food Plant Record for Papilio polyxenes (Papilionidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 57(2): 149-150.
