Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1230613

Giant Swallowtail
Papilio cresphontes

Observation date: September 01, 2019
Submitted by: jmacmetro
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Feeding on Zinnias in my garden. I've seen at least five in the area in the last two weeks. Very unusual to see one, let alone five!
Status: Unknown
Verified by: Allen B
Verified date: December 08, 2021
Coordinator notes: The food plant for this species is Prickly Ash which grows in limestone soils. A long narrow band of limestone occurs just east of the sighting location. Given to number of sightings it is plausible that a population of P. cresphontes is resident. Without further information however I have assigned an unknown status.
Checklist region(s): United States, New Jersey, Bergen County