This afternoon we had number 17 polydamas swallowtail emerge in our butterfly house. It was super eager to be let go . . . did not hang around for a photograph on my finger as many other species do. Their wings flutter so fast, giving me quite a challenge to capture its beauty.

I love the photograph below, as another polydamas chrysalis is in the background. They are easiest to photograph, at least through my experience, shortly after they hatch.

With many other species the female is larger in size. The wingspan for this species is 9.2 to 11.6 centimeters. The coloration is very different from the underside of the wings, as shown below, to that of when the wings are completely open. The black and yellow is very pretty, as well as the splash of red on the underside.