Giant Swallowtail in Riverdale

[Don Baxter]

I have just photographed a Giant Swallowtail in my backyard.  I plant lantana and heliotrope as butterfly magnets, and this one was taking advantage of them.  I don't know how special this sighting is in Toronto, but it's a first for me.

[Kris Ito]

Lucky you! A couple were seen at the Rosetta McClain hawk watch this past week. I don't know how rare they are in Toronto either, but my friends at Rosetta were very excited to see them, so if not rare, at least uncommon. I had a brief glimpse while I was there as one zoomed past. I live in Riverdale too and will have to pay more attention to the local gardens!

-kris  

[Howieh]

We've lived here (Bayview / Steeles area) for over forty years and last week, for the first time ever, I saw a giant swallowtail in my back yard, and of course, because I am always 'shooting' my hummingbirds it was one of the few times this summer I was in the yard without a camera. The butterfly never landed but I still could have taken a video had I been ready. Boo Hoo! While not nearly as common as tiger and black swallowtails they are being reported much more in the Toronto area than in past years.

[Bird Brain]

Some sightings listed on Ontario Butterflies (Google group).  

[thouc]

I saw a Giant Swallowtail at the CNE today. They are huge!

[Molebird]

We saw a large giant swallowtail at Sam Smith's yesterday.  Took several good pics of it - got very close - could have touched it.  The largest butterfly we have ever seen.  Sorry - don't know how to post pics HERE.