Recognize me?

jujucaps Silver Spring, MD(Zone 6b) Jul 29, 2006

Hi -
I don't know much about butterflies so I'm hoping someone here can identify this visitor to my yard. I haven't been able to locate an ID online, since there are so many different types of butterflies.
Thank you!

Post #2564278

Quote

konkreteblond Burleson, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 29, 2006

Well, it's definitely a swallowtail but not sure which. Dark form Tiger? I have never seen one of these in person but I imagine that you have them in your area. See the darker stripes on it's wings? (going down, not across) Normally they are dark and the other area is yellow.

Next guess...

Post #2564304

Quote

LindaTX8 NE Medina Co., TX(Zone 8a) Jul 30, 2006

For some reason, it doesn't look that much like anything...but I'll say it could be a Black Swallowtail!

Post #2566467

Quote

jujucaps Silver Spring, MD(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2006

You guys are GOOD!
Yep, it looks like a black swallowtail. There's a slight variation in "mine" (two white splotches) but otherwise the same.

http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/common/images/cd-43-c-txt/cimg266.html

Post #2566575

Quote

konkreteblond Burleson, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 30, 2006

It's not just a Black Swallowtail. I'm sticking with the dark form female Tiger but I'll have to Google some pics of it for you. See the 2 yellow spots on the top? Those aren't there in a BST. I barely see the black stripes on the wings. Going to Google now...

Here ya go:

http://www.fcps.edu/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/eastern_tiger_swallowtail.htm

This message was edited Jul 30, 2006 3:20 PM

Post #2567529

Quote

jujucaps Silver Spring, MD(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2006

Thanks for the link, konkrete. Amazing! As it happens, I have a lot of the yellow Eastern Tiger Swallowtail in my yard, and I never though the black butterfly would be an ETS as well. I have a lot to learn!

Post #2567997

Quote

DonnaB Vancleave, MS(Zone 8b) Jul 30, 2006

It is a Dark TIger. See the black stripes through the wings of yours??