Butterflies go wherever they please and please wherever they go. They are messengers of nature, not only adding brilliance to their surroundings but also pollinating flowers and revealing the healthiness of our communities. Historically, butterflies have been revered in art and lore but otherwise have been ignored. Today, however, we are beginning to realize the many benefits of these smaller wildlife forms. The Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes asterius Stoll Color: P. polyxenes has a black body with yellow spots along each side. The wings are black, dorsal side, with two bands of yellow markings running down laterally. On the lower wings, the female has a distinctive blue band of coloration between the two yellow bands, with a red spot near the tails, whereas the male has less blue with more distinctive red spots. On the ventral side, there are brilliant orange-red and blue markings located laterally, on the lower wings, and two rows of yellow markings located laterally on the upper wings (Klots, 172, 1979). Size: The Black Swallowtail is 2.75-3.5 inches in width (Klots, 172, 1979), and 3-3.5 inches in height. http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/black4.htm I have seen these huge butterflies several times but never got a good capture. I was walking in between rain showers and noticed this lady come for a touchdown landing. they look like stealth bombers. I was leaning over a stone ledge capturing her when the rain started again. I threw the camera in the bag just in time as it started pouring before I could get to my FJ one lake that was way below just 2 months ago is now 18'0" above normal