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BugGuide Gathering
Smoky Mountains
University of Tennessee Biological Field Station
August 8-10, 2008
 
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Photos from the 2007 gathering in Minnesota

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Photo#104012
Giant Swallowtail for California in April - Papilio cresphontes

Giant Swallowtail for California in April - Papilio cresphontes
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, California, USA
April 18, 2007
They're scarce here, and this is the first I've seen in the spring*. Giants are tough to photograph. While I did get close to this one - unusual in itself - the creature never stopped flapping its wings, even while nectaring. Much of a wing was missing, which may account for some of its caution about setting down.

*March is the first month they're supposed to be aloft, according to a couple books.

Images of this individual: tag all
Giant Swallowtail for California in April - Papilio cresphontes Giant Swallowtail for California in April - Papilio cresphontes