Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1002646

Western Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio rutulus

Observation date: August 21, 2014
Submitted by: Ralph S. Carlson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The tiger swallowtail approached the same lantana bush as the giant swallowtail did. The two foraged on blossoms a few feet apart, lofted for some apparent challenge behaviour, and the tiger swallowtail flew off,leaving the giant to forage on the lantana another minute or so. Tiger swallowtails have been in sight perhaps a dozen times in the neighborhood in the last two months but, again, this was the first time this summer that I was near one that settled long enough for a photo. Warm, sunny day.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: August 23, 2014
Coordinator notes: None.