8-2-07. Falcon Heights, TX.
©Berry Nall or as stated
This species was only identified as distinct from Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes, in 2014. Only the Western Giant Swallowtail is known to fly in this area. Neck markings can distinguish the two. See the article describing this species (and giving distinguishing marks) here.

Life History of Western Giant Swallowtail

Host plants recorded
in Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley:

  • Barreta, Helietta parviflora
  • Lime Prickly-Ash/Colima, Zanthoxylum fagara
  • Mexican Lime, Citrus aurantifolia
  • Texas Torchwood, Amyris texana
Sightings by Month
 
 
#
 
Y
e
a
r
s
 
10
8
6
4
2
0
(in Starr Co, 2010-2019)
  • 1
  • 2
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • 1
  • *
  • *
  • 1
  • 2
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • 1
  • 2
  • *
 
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Month
Per month: 
1 seen
 
2 seen
 
>2 seen

Explanation of sightings data
Click thumbnails to view below. Pictures with the same date are different views of the same individual unless specified otherwise.