Observation date: June 18, 2025
Submitted by: DeepSkyKelly
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: VERY blurry pictures, I know, but I think they show just enough detail to point toward male Pipevine rather than female Black. I watched this individual patrolling a small area (about 30 feet back and forth along the volcano rim) for 15 minutes at least. It never landed, but I was still able to observe extensive blue on the hind wing and no yellow spots on the upper forewing. In the underside photo I was able to get, it's evident that there's blue in the median--inside the post-median band of spots--which is not present on a female Black. There was Black Swallowtail in the area as well (also never landed) and these two swirled around and chased each other whenever they came in contact. The forewing shape of what I'm identifying as a Pipevine seemed much narrower than the Black as well. I believe these were two hilltopping males vying for territory. Looks like the Pipevine would have to be a stray. Slim hope for a mate in this neck of the woods.
Status: Stray
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: June 19, 2025
Coordinator notes: you persuaded me with your photos. nice work to capture it at all!
