Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1383190

Anise Swallowtail
Papilio zelicaon

Observation date: June 20, 2024
Submitted by: Zencoyote
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Seen patrolling the foliage at the edge of the trail over a fairly short section, maybe for 20-30 yards. At first I thought it was an Anise Swallowtail, but it was much darker than a typical Anise, observing closely. No Anise host plants in the area. The forewing margin spots were definitely rounded, though I leave it to the experts to make the final decision. Warm day, slight breeze, and very sunny.
Status: Unknown
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: June 22, 2024
Coordinator notes: The problem here is that that banding on the forewings are rectangular, not occelate and a broad yellow stripe is on the abdomen. The borderiing spots on the forewing might be questionable, but without an actual specimen, I am going the conservative route.-Ken Davenport
Checklist region(s): United States, California, San Diego County