Subject: Likely swallowtail butterfly
Location: Texas? Unknown
July 20, 2015 5:01 pm
Hello!
My niece recently asked me about a specimen she was given by another family who likely collected it in Texas or Arkansas. It looks like a swallowtail, but the double row along the wing margins (especially clear on hind wings) has me stumped. Thought maybe a dark form, but I am totally in the dark!
Signature: Puzzled Auntie
Dear Puzzled Auntie,
Your confusion is understandable. The lovely Red Spotted Purple is thought to mimic the presumably distasteful Pipevine Swallowtail for protection.