The U. S. distribution of the pipevine swallowtail extends from southern Connecticut south to central Florida and west to Arizona with an isolated population in northern California (Figure 2). Google+. California pipevine swallowtail butterfly. The pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor, is a relatively small black swallowtail with gorgeous, iridescent blue scaling.It measures approximately 7–10 cm (2.75–4 in) from tip of wing to tip of wing. We call it the Pipe-dream Project. Unfortunately for Southern California, it is very rare or nonexistent in many parts. The red-spotted black caterpillars consume the leaves of the plants, and then use the flowers as a secure, enclosed place to undergo metamorphosis. This blue jewel is the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor). Did You Know… Caterpillars feed on noxious pipevines, and … Butterflies: The Pipevine Swallowtail.

California Pipevine Swallowtails (Battus philenor hirsuta) are a subspecies of Pipevine swallowtail unique to the Northern California region where they have been naturally geographically isolated (suggested by experts that it started 1.8 million years ago!) This species is more common in the east, south, southwest and California. The larva of the endemic California pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor hirsuta) relies on the California pipevine as its only food source. Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

The rare California Pipevine Swallowtail, native to San Francisco, saw its numbers decline drastically, possibly from development and invasive plants affecting its food source.

and have have spe... cialized on feeding on one natural host plant in the region, California Pipevine (Aristolochia californica). Sometimes wanders north from south and southwest, especially after a strong and persistent southerly wind. Occasionally strays are seen in southern Ontario. There is a beautiful butterfly that calls much of the United States home.
The pipevine swallowtail, on the other hand, ranges from across the United States to Mexico and on to Guatemala and Costa Rica. Pipevine swallowtails are found all the way from New England down to Florida and west all the way to California and Oregon. We believe that just as placing nesting boxes for bluebirds has led to a resurgence of that species, people can greatly help Pipevine Swallowtail by planting pipevines. Larval Foodplant: Pipevines. By Yvi San.

The pipevine swallowtail is also found northward to southeastern Ontario, Canada and southward to southern Mexico (Cech & Tudor 2005, Opler & Malikul 1998, Scott 1986). NABA would like to increase both the numbers and range of Pipevine Swallowtail.
It is commonly found in the Deep South, but during the summer you can find it in the Southwest, including parts of California, and from Kansas to New York.