Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly` -- Papilio machaon oregonius
****SHIPPING to OR, WA, ID and MT only. Any orders placed shipping outside of these states will be cancelled without explanation. Our sincere apologies about this :(
***Pupae will most likely eclose/emerge around early-middle of August 2025. Occasionally they will overwinter.
***Wild release only permitted in Oregon.
***Shipping will begin 7/28 and continue as caterpillars pupate.
The official state insect of Oregon, this is a fairly common butterfly if you know where to look but rarely numerous in the Columbia River Basin. It thrives in east side desert habitats and basalt canyons along streams, ephemeral creeks and valleys where wild tarragon is common.
There are several broods within the region, with the last overwintering as pupae in September/October to eclose (hatch) as fresh adult butterflies in April/May.
Sub-species fly throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with populations in Europe and Asia. It is also referred to as the Old World Swallowtail. However, only our western North American subspecies use wild tarragon as a primary host plant.
It's one of our favourite butterflies :)
Item Details:
- You will receive one Oregon Swallowtail chrysalis, inspected for quality and weight before shipping.
- Chrysalis will most likely hatch/eclose in early-middle August 2025, but there is a chance that it may overwinter.
- We guarantee shipping a live chrysalis. Because this is a live animal, there are no other guarantees after shipment.
- Transit risk is also assumed by the buyer. Ice pack and insulation is the safest, but note that the highest risk occurs at the delivery location (even with cool pack and insulation). Either have it delivered to a cool facility, or be waiting at the door when it arrives.
- We recommend ordering two (2) or more chrysalids, as occasionally one won't make it through. This is rare, but does occur in nature from time to time.
General Directions:
- Keep inside in a pop-up tent/rearing cage (also available on our site) lined with a paper towel.
- The pupae will begin to change color as the butterfly gets close to eclosion, and you'll be able to see wing coloration.
- Release within 24 hours in Oregon. Outside of Oregon, the butterfly can be fed a 10% honey solution twice daily for several weeks.
