Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1179709

Two-tailed Swallowtail
Papilio multicaudata

Observation date: July 21, 2018
Submitted by: sgguthart
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Temps in the high 70's, no wind. This butterfly was feeding on nectar from a Musk Thistle. The Thistle was growing near a creek with lots of Chokecherries, Wax Currants and Willows close by.
Status: Resident
Verified by: A_baldini
Verified date: August 16, 2018
Coordinator notes: Correct, a Two-tailed Swallowtail nectaring at Musk Thistle (a very good source of nectar for pollinators, even though it's invasive). Chokecherries (Prunus sp.), like the ones near the location of this sighting, are usually the only host plant available for Two-tailed Swallowtails in natural/rural settings. However, in urban areas (like where I live in Fort Collins), they tend to use introduced ash trees (Fraxinus sp.), as I'm sure you know from our email exchange.
Checklist region(s): Larimer County, United States, Colorado