05/29/2026
Black swallowtail pupae come in different colors—typically green or brown—as a clever survival strategy called protective coloration. The color they develop often depends on the environment where the caterpillar pupates: Green pupae tend to form on fresh green stems or leaves, blending in with vegetation. Brown pupae are more common on woody stems, dried plant material, or soil, helping them camouflage in less leafy surroundings.
