Back on October 2006 I gathered up about 15 caterpillars from an orange tree back at the ranch. I thought they were all Giant Swallowtail caterpillars but I noticed one looked a bit different so I took photographs.

All went into the chrysalis stage and emerged within about two weeks but I had four overwinter. Earlier this month one finally emerged. I thought nothing of it but took some photos before I released it just for grins...since I'd been babysitting them for so long.

Well, once I uploaded the photos onto my computer I realized it was a little different from the common Giant Swallowtails I see all the time. This butterfly did not have the yellow spots on the tails and the forewing tip spots were a bit different as well.

Sent the photo to my local NABA and they verified it was a rare Ornythion Swallowtail. Way Cool!!!!

Had never seen an Ornythion at the ranch...let alone unknowingly raise one!!!

I am still babysitting three chrysalids...but am thinking they will be Giant Swallowtails...time will tell.

~ Cat

Click on the thumbnail for the full sized photo

Ornythion Swallowtail caterpillar

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Ornythion Swallowtail Butterfly

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