InsectNet forum

Here is a marvelous yet, seldom mentioned papilio
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.

Agree this is a lovely & often overlooked species Trehopr. I got this pair from Ken Thorne in Canada a few years back. Also have a much older pair which is not in as good condition. From memory this newer pair are from Georgia.

My, that is indeed a very nice fresh-looking pair of this splendid butterfly. Great colors !

Happy that you were likewise able to get yourself a very nice pair Dave.

In the coastal area of Georgia, palamedes can be taken feeding on Azalea flowers in the Spring (March-April); the 2nd brood appears in July-August and nectars on pickerel weed, ironweed, and garden flowers, especially tihtonia. I find that the butterfly is a low flyer, not a canopy species, and have netted them on the wing a few times. In late summer they are often seen together with P. glaucus maynardi on ironweed - a lovely sight!

Cheers,
jh

Years ago when I was in Florida, I found 2 eggs on Persea. Unfortunately both were parasitized by small wasps.

jhyatt wrote: Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:10 pm I find that the butterfly is a low flyer, not a canopy species, and have netted them on the wing a few times.

That is my experience as well. Nor are they particularly attentive, and they like to fly down trails, making them an easy capture.

In FL, they are common on coastal trails, along with maynardi, and particularly cresphontes. In NC there were so many on a forest trail that I quit catching them.

The courtship behavior is very much like Papilio troilus- the male takes up a position behind and above the female and flutters quickly side to side, gradually decreasing the distance.

The underside of P. palamedes is quite nice also.

One of my earliest memories is of catching this species at the edge of a golf course on Hilton Head in July 1978!
It will always be one of my favourites.So unique!