Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly at Pt. Molate, Richmond, Ca

Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor

The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly is RARE at Pt. Molate in Richmond, Ca (northern California)
This species is somewhat common in the mountains yet found in small numbers anywhere else in the region. They tend to fly in from the woods and make quick visits to the garden and disappear back into the woods. Although Pt. Molate is on the coast the point is extremely overgrown which gives this butterfly the opportunity to thrive.

Males usually have reduced pale spots and sometimes no spots.
Wingspan: 2 1/2 - 4 1/4 inches Flight: Early April until mid September