Giant Swallowtail
This dude is big! The Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is the largest North American butterfly. The second pose (dark wings), with the wings open and viewed from above, is the view usually seen in reference books. This pose (cream-yellow) shows the wings when closed. Many, if not most, butterflies have different colorations and patterns on it's upper and lower wing surfaces. Look closely at this picture and you will note the spiracles (for breathing) on each segment of the abdomen. This individual had a wingspan of about 5 inches, and is seen on Bull Thistle at Stony Creek Metropark.
Giant Swallowtail
This dude is big! The Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is the largest North American butterfly. The second pose (dark wings), with the wings open and viewed from above, is the view usually seen in reference books. This pose (cream-yellow) shows the wings when closed. Many, if not most, butterflies have different colorations and patterns on it's upper and lower wing surfaces. Look closely at this picture and you will note the spiracles (for breathing) on each segment of the abdomen. This individual had a wingspan of about 5 inches, and is seen on Bull Thistle at Stony Creek Metropark.