Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)

[Trehopr1]

Here I present 2 large (bred) females of our native
Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon). These hail from
Los Angeles, California and are a recent acquisition
to my collection.



Additionally, I acquired 4 smaller hybrid examples
which are a cross of the nominate P. zelicaon +
P. polyxenes rudkini. Three are males whilst the
last is a female.

[58chevy]

Very nice specimens, interesting hybrids

[lamprima2]

This Summer I raised a few larvae of P. zelicaon, found in my backyard (S.California), they pupated in July.
It looks like they are going to overwinter. This has never happened before, they used to ecose
in 2-3 weeks after pupation. Should I blame climate change, according to the modern trend?

[Trehopr1]

Here I have recently secured a splendid (bred) pair of
this wonderful western species of swallowtail.

[daveuk]

Lovely species. I remember seeing it on the wing & collecting it in the San Francisco Bay area in 1987
I unfortunately lost those two specimens while out in the field. Dropped the box they were in. Very annoying. Have since got a pair from a dealer here. Not quite as good as your pair though trehopr.