Observation date: July 02, 2023
Submitted by: ccoll78
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: July 02, 2023
Coordinator notes: You'd suggested the ID as Papilio thaos. When I see Papilio cresphontes, rare in my area in central Kansas, I'm always hoping it to be P. thaos. When I saw your submitted photo I was excited at suggested ID and really wanted it to be P. thaos and looked thru my book collection but the identiification kept pointing to P. cresphontes. Every butterfly can be variable from specimen to specimen within it's own species & subspecies so kept that in thought. On your image the solid hindwing band is much narrower than P. thaos, as is the more richer yellow which would commonly be more subdued in P. thaos. Also the forewing band isn't in the typical ultra straight line of placement more common in P. tharos. In fact looking thru some pics on this sight to compare I found a few P. thaos I'd be tempted to label mis-identified and are possibly P. cresphontes. Still, you have a good sighting for NE Kansas. Thank you! JAMES STEEN
