species of eastern North America's far southern/gulf
states. I have discussed it before on our (old forum/
archive) but, to me its such a large and lovely species
to see that it's well worth bringing up again.
I have encountered this species myself in Florida;
although I have never actually netted one ! Of coarse,
unless it is found pollinating its simply too fast and
erratic flying to catch.
Here I show (again) the marvelous male.
The species was first described by (Drury,1773); some
3 years BEFORE this country gained its independence.
It is said to be common (at times) in and around swampy
woods. So, it really is a species of "bottom-land" haunts.
As such, its primary host plants are Red Bay and Swamp
Bay.
A picture of its approximate range.
In Florida, the species has 3 broods throughout the
year however, elsewhere 2 broods is typical for this
species. The sexes are similar in general appearance
although they remain pleasantly magnificent in their
own ways....
My recently re-spread female.
Males are generally markedly darker in their background
color which appears to run dark-brown to black. The yellow
spots/banding are VERY bold and really "pop" in the
sunlight. Females are slightly larger but, their coloration
is more subdued. The overall color is truely a medium to
dark brown with the yellows being "softer" in tone !
Females however, tend to have (additional) varying blue
spots along the inner margins of the hindwings.
This wonderful pair came to me via one of our kind and
dedicated members (58Chevy/Dave Kent). They arrived
to me in Oct.2021 about a week after their capture in
Harris Co./Texas.
I remain eternally grateful to Dave for having secured
this pair for me along with a couple of others (as well).
For those who can get this species --- you are very fortunate
indeed !
One of the "nicest" and distinctly diffrent swallowtail
species of North America.
