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Mothra Psychydelica
updated: Oct 13, 2012, 11:00 PM
By Edhat Subscriber
My friend on Angel Island, SF Bay, shot this beauty which looked to cool to be real.
Please to identify this exotic beautifly....
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Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)
COMMENT 331106P
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2012-10-14 02:58 AM |
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Pipevine swallowtail.
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COMMENT 331107P
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2012-10-14 03:28 AM |
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Yep. Battus philenor. Looks to be a female. 3 1/2" wingspan. Poisonous to birds and other butterfly-eaters, due to feeding on pipevine plants (Dutchman's Pipe, Virginia Snakeroot, etc.). Pipevine plants all contain toxic chemicals.
Several other butterflies have evolved that mimic this Pipevine swallowtail. Birds, et al, soon learn to avoid the lot, true Pipevines and mimics. Found in meadows, backyards, parks, and wherever the Pipevine grows. Mainly in Southern U.S., but also other areas, such as San Francisco, in small populations. Gorgeous. I'd love to see one. In the wild. Not captive.
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FLICKA
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2012-10-14 08:10 AM |
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This is one of the coolest things about edhat; question answered and an education for us. Thanks poster and commenters. Nice picture, beautiful butterfly.
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