Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes

The giant swallowtail can be found from Central America up through the southern portions of Canada. While adults may be present year round far south, generally there are two generations per year. This large butterfly has an average wing span of 10 to 16 cm (4 to 6 in) with females on average being slightly larger. Host plants for the caterpillars are trees and herbs within the citrus family including common rue, prickly ash, and hoptree. The adults feed on the nectar of a variety of plants including lantana, azalea, goldenrod, Japanese honeysuckle, and swamp milkweed.

A few additionally images of this newly emerged beauty can be found on this Google+ post.