Unknown swallowtail butterfly?
Is this a giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)? It was flying very quickly today, 21Sept08 at about 3 pm from phlox to phlox stopping briefly for a sip. It looked about as large as black swallowtail, but have never seen this one in my yard. I usually see Tiger ST on the phlox, especially this time of the year. Thanks,
Monarch Guy
Minneapolis MN
Hi Monarch Guy,
Your identification of the Giant Swallowtail is correct. It looks like your specimen is quite battered, and perhaps rode north on hurricane winds.