(or possibly Anise Swallowtail)
Papilio machaon
I chased this little beauty around the marsh at Garr Ranch on Antelope Island but it refused to fully open
its wings for a good shot.
According to Butterflies and Moths of North America, on Papilio machaon the "upperside of hindwing near tail
has reddish-orange eyespot with black along lower border touching inner edge of hindwing or at least not a
centered eyespot." I think this one fits that description since the black spot is not centered and in the first
photo you can see that the spot touches the inner edge. The only other butterfly that looks like this one
is the Anise Swallowtail and since I'm no butterfly expert, I'm guessing on this ID. Take your pick.
Both of these butterflies are found in Utah . If you have reason to believe I'm wrong, email me, please.
© Carol Davis, 4-18-2010
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