Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1373332

Western Giant Swallowtail
Papilio rumiko

Observation date: October 22, 2023
Submitted by: Zencoyote
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Noticed some flight activity overhead in a glen of Lemonadeberry and Eucalyptus, and was treated to a brief view of three individuals perched about 8 feet off the ground in a Lemonadeberry. The third individual landed on the far side of the plant and I could not get a shot. But for Giants they were quite quiescent. It was a cool day, somewhat breezy near the coast, and it was late in the day. Also somewhat late season for these guys. Never seen them hanging around each other like this either. Both the individuals I was able to photograph seemed somewhat battle-scared.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: October 23, 2023
Coordinator notes: Recently found to be a sibling species of the eastern Giant Swallowtail-Ken Davenport
Checklist region(s): United States, California, San Diego County