Giant Swallowtail status---for what it's worth

[Michael Gochfeld]

Giant Swallowtails were apparently formerly resident in northern NJ,
southern NY, southwest New England. Their host, Prickly Ash, is not
uncommon.  Why would they have experienced a range retraction.  Some of
our forest species suffered during Gypsy Moth spray campaigns.  Some of
our open country species suffered from mosquito control activities.  In
any rate, we have only about two NJ records in the past decade. 

"The larvae and pupae of this species are sold commercially and the
resulting adults are often released rendering suspect any sighting of
this species in New Jersey" (Butterflies of NJ p. 123).  

This refers to the sale of larvae and pupae to schools and nature camps
so that children can observe the metamorphosis.  The emerging adults are
usually released (according to my discussions with school teachers). 

Mike Gochfeld

"Grkovich, Alex" wrote:
> 
> Authentic Giant Swallowtails are certainly possible in New York...while it
> seems to me that the species is less common along the east coast than it is
> in the upper midwest, they are quite common (at least in some years if not
> consistently) even in Essex Co. (extreme southwestern) Ontario and can be
> very common around Dayton, Ohio...
> 
> In almost 20 years in eastern Mass., I have definitely seen one specimen (at
> Lynn in July 1991) and possibly another near Peabody in August 1998...
> 
> So, while I would sort of pooh-pooh at a Queen sighting (especially if it's
> the southwestern subpecies) in the northeast, a Giant (or a couple/few of
> them) is certainly possible...
> 
> Alex
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Anne Kilmer [SMTP:viceroy at gate.net]
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 1:39 AM
> > To:   Michael Gochfeld
> > Cc:   tils-leps-talk at yahoogroups.com; leps-l at lists.yale.edu
> > Subject:      Re: [leps-talk] More on Rare Butterflies in Brooklyn NY
> >
> > Michael Gochfeld wrote:
> > >>
> > >>Subject: Rare Butterflies saga at Prospect's Butterfly Meadow 8/11
> > >>Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2003 22:54:46 EDT
> > >>From: ProsBird at aol.com
> > >>To: benc at nac.net
> > >>
> > >>Period 8/9-8/11/03
> > >>
> > >> The appearance of a GIANT SWALLOWTAIL species first spotted last
> > >>Saturday the 9th has two additional astounding twists on Lookout
> > >>Hill's Butterfly Meadow.
> > >>
> > >>  Today, as reported by butterfly expert Jerry Layton, A SECOND GIANT
> > >>SWALLOWTAIL Butterfly has joined the first, now seen as the male. The
> > >>second unworn Giant Swallowtail is larger, indicating the female, and
> > >>has two of its tails intact whereas the first is missing the tails
> > >>plus a small corner of the left lower hindwing. Both Giants were seen
> > >>chasing each other, experiencing spirals with each other as well above
> > >>the Buddleia bushes, especially the one Buddleia outside the meadow. I
> > >>saw the two together on the latter Budleia at 3:45 PM after Jerry's
> > >>report left at my office.
> > >>
> > >> Now, another astounding twist that has me wondering the legitimacy of
> > >>the rare possibly southern strays sightings.
> > >>
> > >> While viewing the bountiful wildflower array inside the meadow after
> > >>his 2nd Giant Swallowtail find, Jerry sees a low flying darkened type
> > >>of Monarch that he got very close to. It's a QUEEN BUTTERFLY. It
> > >>stayed perched upon Wooded Sunflowers for quite a while.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>If you like to ask Jerry more details or engage in discussion, he can
> > >>be contacted at Lsparrow41 at aol.com
> > >>
> > >>Peter
> > >>
> > >>PS.  For those who missed the link, the photos of the first Giant
> > >>Swallowtail can be seen on www.stevenanz.com  "new photos"
> > >>
> > >
> > Both of these butterflies are used in traveling exhibits; screened tents
> > where people can observe the wonders of nature. Escapes are not
> > uncommon. Three? Too many to have come there naturally unless there's
> > been a hurricane, IMHO. I'm with you, Michael.
> > They could have traveled north as larvae on potted plants, although the
> > USDA is pretty strict about that, but I'd look for that tent.
> > These traveling exhibits are well regulated, too; nothing is going to
> > escape and trouble anyone but us.
> > Anne Kilmer
> > Mayo, Ireland
> >
> >
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