There Be Giants

At first glance I thought this was a Zebra Swallowtail. Upon closer observation and referring to my trusty Florida Butterfly app, I'll now call it a Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes.  It was happily sampling Red Penta nectar in our backyard. The Giant Swallowtail is the largest butterfly found in North America! It's abundant in many areas of eastern North America. In it's butterfly stage, this beauty typically lives 6 to 14 days. 

***Tara Update...our Sweet Girl is finally home and resting comfortably! :)