It is a medium sized swallowtail butterfly in the genus, (Battus). The genus Battus are found in North America to South America. This species is found in the eastern and central and western United states and the sub-species in California, also known scientifically known as, (Battus philenor hirsuta) which is also an endangered species due to urbanization. The butterfly has black wings and blue metallic scales on the underside of the hindwings decorated in bright orange and white spots.
Almost 5cm.wingspan.
Perennial herbs with week stems, slightly creeping behavior. Opposite leaves ovate, 2-6cm.long and 1-3cm.wide having 6-10mm.stalks,both sides are rough. Flowers occur terminally on branches, 2-5cm.long stalks, having disc and ray florets. In this plant, I saw 6-11 seeds at a flower head which are oval shaped of1-2mm.in diameter.
Smaragdina is a genus of short-horned leaf beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Clytrinae.
Common name: Old World Swallowtail
Scientific name: Papilio machaon
Wikipedia: Papilio machaon - Wikipedia
Wildlife
