Which is Which?

  A couple of weeks ago, I posted a photo and tale of a gorgeous butterfly that almost met its demise under the feet of the old dog.  Mr. PJ had unknowingly knocked the (not yet flight ready) butterfly off of the gatepost then almost stepped right on it.  I quickly intervened and picked up the butterfly and let it rest on the begonia until it was ready to go.  The butterfly was identified as a Spicebush Swallowtail and I told how it is often misidentified as a Pipevine Swallowtail.  The colors are the same and the markings are very similar.  The Spicebush Swallowtail actually benefits from this likeness as the Pipevine Swallowtail is toxic.  The mimicking protects the Spicebush Swallowtail from being eaten by predators.  Predators know the Pipevine Swallowtail is toxic so steer clear of anything that is similar.

  This morning, I found the "real deal"!  A Pipevine Swallowtail was visiting the lantana in the back garden.  The butterfly was busy flitting about the place and I was worried that I may not be able to get a photo of it to be used as a comparison shot.  Happily, I did!   So, here are the two!  Notice that the Spicebush Swallowtail (top photo) has two rows of one orange spots on its hind wings and the Pipevine Swallowtail (bottom photo) has only one.