Astyalus Swallowtail Heraclides astyalus

Photo of Astyalus Swallowtail (Heraclides astyalus)

(c) Pablo G. Fernández, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderButterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)
FamilySwallowtails and Parnassians (Papilionidae)
GenusNew World Giant Swallowtails and Allies (Heraclides)

This broad-banded swallowtail boasts one of the most impressive ranges of any tropical butterfly: stretching from Mexico all the way down to Argentina. Most of the time it stays in the south, but occasionally rare strays venture north into Arizona and Texas—wanderers far from home. The distinctive broad bands on its wings make it unmistakable when spotted. Keep watch during migration; a southern visitor might be heading your way.

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