Lovely! I looked it up and the map I found-butterfliesandmoths.com- indicated it wasn't very widespread in the U.S. Is that correct?

It only occurs in extreme south Texas in the U.S., Bev, and only rarely and irregularly there.
It sure is beautiful, Siam! I wish we DID get them here!
Sherry

Never doubt Miss Sherry!
Very nice pics.

That is one gorgeous butterfly!

another eclosed today, and i still have about 15 cats eating away at orange leaves.

This was around 6am, i saw the butterfly in the cage, drying his/her wings, so i took it out into the garden and placed it on plant to finish drying.

Miss Sherry i forgot to tell you, i found the plant omphalea diandra!!!! I found it growing along a countryside road, the fruits were on it so i was sure, i took cuttings :)

{{gwi:529495}}

Siam.

Siam that's a beautiful swallowtail.

Fantastic, Siam!
Maybe you could take some seed pods when they're ripe, and try growing it from seed, since cuttings don't always work.
I don't know what your living arrangements are, but if you've got a yard you could have some type of citrus, plus omphalea and whatever plants host your favorite butterflies.
That swallowtail is so pretty!
Sherry

Gorgeous! You are so lucky! Thanks for posting so we can see these lovelies!
Cheers,
Elisabeth

Hiii Karyn... thanks :)

Miss Sherry, yes i have a small yard/garden, and i have started collecting butterfly/ hummingbird nectar/ host plants.
Ive noticed the ruby spotted swallowtails that i released have been staying around because of the nectar sources especially the porterweed plants.
Siam.

That is such a beautiful butterfly! Aren't you the lucky one and the smart one since you had the foresight and good sense to rescue the cats. and what a nice reward for your efforts. Beautiful winged "flowers".
kay