Mrs. Giant, Pt. 2 - _TNY_7266
The giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is the largest butterfly in North America.
I spotted this one yesterday at the Haga Ocean butterfly house and couldn't figure out which species it was as it wasn't giant at all.
As oftern is, the size varies between sexes and here it is the male which can have the larger wingspan and reach almost 20 cm / 7.9", a smallish female can have one just 14 cm / 5.5" so I am leaning towards this one being a girl.
Her wings were still a bit wet and soft, but here she landed with the "tails" not folded which I am thankful for as they really are a nice feature.
Part 1 showing the entire butterfly here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53754292392/
Mrs. Giant, Pt. 2 - _TNY_7266
The giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is the largest butterfly in North America.
I spotted this one yesterday at the Haga Ocean butterfly house and couldn't figure out which species it was as it wasn't giant at all.
As oftern is, the size varies between sexes and here it is the male which can have the larger wingspan and reach almost 20 cm / 7.9", a smallish female can have one just 14 cm / 5.5" so I am leaning towards this one being a girl.
Her wings were still a bit wet and soft, but here she landed with the "tails" not folded which I am thankful for as they really are a nice feature.
Part 1 showing the entire butterfly here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/53754292392/