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Field Notes

Description:

This butterfly looks very much like other ones I spotted before ( http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/16557053 and http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7232881 ), but this one has a purple head that the previous ones don't have. The butterfly's overall look is kind of weary, and that can explain the lack of the wing extensions. Any suggestions?

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

Cannot imagine another as Heraclides hectorides, covered with purple pollen.
I saw that the head and upper part of the thorax as possibly being covered with pollen. Both photos have the back of the head black. When butterflies search for and consume nectar on flowers, pollen frequently adheres to the proboscis, head, or other body parts. While most butterflies do not consume the nectar, they do pick it up and carry it about. Butterfly-pollinated flowers tend to be large and showy, pink or lavender in colour. Sorry I cannot find a better answer for you. Your photos, even of the more worn butterflies, are wonderful and I do enjoy seeing what is in your area. :)
Yes, Gatorfellows, I went through all the Hectorides (and many other swallowtails), and NO ONE has that purple head!!!
Did you compare this to the battered images of Heraclides hectorides on Butterflies of America? http://www.butterfliesofamerica.com/L/heraclides_hectorides_types.htm Your spotting has the right hind wing spots red spots. Cannot see the blue or tails, but that indeed could be wear.

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