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Papilio multicaudata
Its appearance is similar to the Giant Swallowtail, Western, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, but has thinner and fewer black stripes on the wings and the hind wing has two tails. The Two-tailed Swallowtail has distinctive yellow wings with a black tiger striping. Each hindwing has several blue markings (top and bottom). The eyespots can fool predators into attacking the rear of the butterfly instead of the head, giving the butterfly a chance to escape. The wingspan of this particular species is 68 to 104 mm (2.7 to 4.1 in) making it the largest swallowtail in western North America.[1][
The butterfly can be seen from Guatemala, through Mexico, the western United States to southern Canada in southern British Columbia, Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. It typically lives near streams and in moist valleys but also in canyons and cities at lower elevations lower elevations.[1][3]
Thank you for updating this spotting Sharon, and also for the extra pictures. Now I know it can all be very confusing when you start here, but the actual correct ID is the one provided by Keith and bayucca. Look at the description provided by them, and at the links they provided together with their suggestion.
Thank you for all your help in identifying correctly. I added more photos and corrected the name.
Uups... Since I am usually on and off during the day, Keith was quickier with the ID, at least we have the same...
Definitely Papilio multicaudata. There are 2 tails and the markings/lines in Glaucus and Rutulus are much stronger than in yours and Multicaudata. It is Papilio multicaudata pusillus: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/papilio_...
I think Laura may be correct. Based on your location, it is likely to be P. rutulus. The two species are very similar.
This is a kind of tiger swallowtail. I think it's most likely a Western Swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, as only very rarely do you find the Eastern as far west as Washington. Check out this page: http://www.kimandmikeontheroad.com/weste...
You're welcome Sharon. To get the right ID it'll help if you can edit the spotting, remove the common name and tick the box asking for ID help.
Thank you Daniele, I always thought they were Monarchs. They are all over my Butterfly Bush. I would love to know the exact species.
Hi Sharon! This is not a Monarch, but a swallowtail butterfly. One of our experts will be able to indicate the exact species to you.
Spotted on Aug 19, 2012
Submitted on Sep 19, 2012
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