Another ID on swallowtail

10 years ago

I saw this guy this morning and thought it was another dark form EST (I've had several this week!) but on closer look, it doesn't seem the same to me but then again I know there's a lot of variation. I was thinking possibly black swallowtail if not an EST?

It only stayed a moment so unfortunately this was the only shot I could get. I looked for the orange eyespot that would be present in a BST, but that appears to be the chunk that is missing, poor guy.

I also wanted to say that I appreciate everyone's input here, and am in awe of a lot of the pictures that are posted. I've seen some new-to-me species this year and it has been so helpful and informative being able to come on here and double check with those who have been at this longer than I have.

Thanks!
Sandy.

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Comments (5)

MissSherry
10 years ago
It's a male spicebush swallowtail on his last leg, poor thing!

They're one type swallowtail that's been plentiful here this year!

Sherry
monkeybelle
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I had originally thought, based on the underside of the wing (they usually are plentiful here, but not this year...I've only seen one other so far this summer.) But I had never seen one with so much yellow instead of the blue. Is that usually true for males?
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bandjzmom
10 years ago
I don't know if this will help you Sandy, but it might. I finally learned to look for the flash of blue or green pushing in between the candy corn on the inside hind wing. Then, I KNOW I am looking at a Spicebush. HTH.
Angie
monkeybelle
Original Author
10 years ago
Awesome tip, Angie! I think I see it on my pic. Well, hopefully that means more Spicebushes are on their way! I've seen very few, and I do love them.

Thanks!
bandjzmom
10 years ago
Welcome Sandy! Glad it helped. Yes, I can just see it on yours if I crane my neck to the right enough! :o) It's the first thing I look for when I am not sure.
Angie