Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1228010

Broad-banded Swallowtail
Papilio astyalus

Observation date: August 21, 2019
Submitted by: roomthily
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: third day of near-record heat, around 105-110F and 12% humidity. windy late tuesday but calm when spotted. some verification here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31262180 (cross-posted for range/rarity) note: there's some debate as to whether this is more likely the ornythion or an Astyalus Swallowtail with a bonus discrepancy between the swift butterfly guide and bugguide for ranges.
Status: Stray
Verified by: John Saba
Verified date: August 26, 2019
Coordinator notes: This is Papilio astyalus bajaensis, which does closely resemble P. ornythion, but the latter occurs very far from Arizona. There are no records of P. ornythion from Arizona, nor are any expected. P. astyalus bajaensis is a rare stray to SE AZ where it occurs from late July to mid-Sept.
Checklist region(s): United States, Arizona, Pima County