Giant Swallowtail..First Time!

Finally!  I’ve never been able to get a clear picture of a Giant Swallowtail up close.  I’ve seen them around over the years and I’ve photographed the Caterpillars, but never was successful with an adult.

These Butterflies are absolutely huge, and beautiful.  Previously we’ve seen them lay eggs on our Improved Meyer Lemon, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Republic of Texas Orange trees.  Only rarely have we seen them venture to our front yard to lay eggs on our Mock Orange Lakeview Jasmine shrub, and we’ve never seen any large Caterpillars out there.

Giant Swallowtail On Lakeview Jasmine

Here she is laying eggs

Giant Swallowtail Laying Eggs

Update: March 19, 2010.  Lakeview Jasmine is poisonous to Giant Swallowtail Caterpillars!