Post by trehopr1 on Oct 14, 2021 3:06:48 GMT -8
The Laurel Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) is a large
and striking native species of the U.S. which seems to
get the LEAST amount of notice by collectors.
It is truly a species of our "deep south" or Gulf coast
states (including Florida, E Texas, and the Carolinas).
Here is a picture of its approximate range:
The species was first described by (Drury, 1773); about 3 years
BEFORE our country gained its independence. So, little wonder
given its striking appearance, size, and association with our
southern states.
Here is a splendid example of the male:
And his beautiful lady:
Though the sexes may look similar in appearance
they remain pleasantly magnificent in their own
ways.
Males are quite bold in their markings and bands
of yellow and really "pop" on fresh caught examples.
Females though more subdued in their colors sport
"lesser" yellow and yet present more blue spotting
on the hind wings.
This species is said to be common (at times) in and
near swampy woods. This really is a species of
"bottom-land" haunts and as such has a primary
host plant preference for Red bay and Swamp bay.
In Florida, the species has 3 broods throughout the
year however, elsewhere 2 broods is typical. Strangely,
P. palamedes is (rare) in the Florida Keys, and records
from the Keys are considered to be strays from the
mainland (Minno and Emmel 1993).
Quite recently, I received several very nice examples
from our forum member (58chevy) David Kent. He
offered to collect some for me in Harris Co., Texas near
a recently discovered lantana patch.
These are 2 of the 4 really "stellar" examples which he
sent and for which I shall ALWAYS be eternally grateful !
and striking native species of the U.S. which seems to
get the LEAST amount of notice by collectors.
It is truly a species of our "deep south" or Gulf coast
states (including Florida, E Texas, and the Carolinas).
Here is a picture of its approximate range:
The species was first described by (Drury, 1773); about 3 years
BEFORE our country gained its independence. So, little wonder
given its striking appearance, size, and association with our
southern states.
Here is a splendid example of the male:
And his beautiful lady:
Though the sexes may look similar in appearance
they remain pleasantly magnificent in their own
ways.
Males are quite bold in their markings and bands
of yellow and really "pop" on fresh caught examples.
Females though more subdued in their colors sport
"lesser" yellow and yet present more blue spotting
on the hind wings.
This species is said to be common (at times) in and
near swampy woods. This really is a species of
"bottom-land" haunts and as such has a primary
host plant preference for Red bay and Swamp bay.
In Florida, the species has 3 broods throughout the
year however, elsewhere 2 broods is typical. Strangely,
P. palamedes is (rare) in the Florida Keys, and records
from the Keys are considered to be strays from the
mainland (Minno and Emmel 1993).
Quite recently, I received several very nice examples
from our forum member (58chevy) David Kent. He
offered to collect some for me in Harris Co., Texas near
a recently discovered lantana patch.
These are 2 of the 4 really "stellar" examples which he
sent and for which I shall ALWAYS be eternally grateful !
