




Heraclides rumiko
The Western Giant Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with big yellow and black wings. It loves to flutter around gardens and fields, bringing joy with its colorful presence.
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
The Western Giant Swallowtail is a very large butterfly, primarily yellow with bold, tiger-like black stripes and spots. Its hindwings feature blue and orange eyespots near the distinctive tail-like extensions. This striking pattern helps it stand out.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Adults love to 'puddle' by gathering in groups on wet soil to drink mineral-rich water.
Female Western Giant Swallowtails lay their eggs one by one on host plant leaves.
Their caterpillars have special 'suckers' on their legs to cling tightly to leaves, even in the wind.
These giant butterflies can sometimes be mistaken for birds because of their enormous size!
Western Giant Swallowtail caterpillars can pop out bright orange, foul-smelling 'horns' (osmeteria) from behind their head that helps them scare away predators.
Western Giant Swallowtails can soar powerfully on their large wings and glide long distances, helping them find food and mates across wide areas.
The adult Western Giant Swallowtail has intricate patterns on its underwings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark and leaves when resting.
Caterpillars munch on plant leaves, while adults sip sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of host plants, while adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers.
Citrus sinensis
Larvae feed on its leaves for growth and development.

Ptelea trifoliata
Caterpillars use its leaves as a primary food source.
.jpg&width=800)
Tyrannus verticalis
Adult butterflies can be prey for this bird.
Solidago canadensis
Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding in plant reproduction.
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.
100-160 mm
25-35 mm
30-270 days
20 km/h
Caterpillars munch on plant leaves, while adults sip sweet flower nectar.
Urban areas, Gardens
Foraging
6
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.