Very rare
The Papilio astyalus bajensis, commonly known as the Baja Giant Swallowtail, is a subspecies of Papilio astyalus, one of the largest swallowtail butterflies in the Americas. The female of this subspecies is particularly striking, showcasing broad wings with a strong contrast between its dark brown to black base color and prominent yellow bands that run across the forewings and hindwings. These bands are typically more pronounced in females, and the hindwings also feature tails characteristic of the Papilio genus. The underside of the wings is lighter, with warm golden and brown tones accented by subtle spots. Females tend to be slightly larger than males and display more rounded wings, enhancing their elegant appearance.
Papilio astyalus bajensis is geographically restricted to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, hence the name "bajensis." It inhabits warm, semi-arid to tropical environments where citrus and other Rutaceae host plants are available for its larvae. While the broader species, Papilio astyalus, ranges from the southern United States to South America, the bajensis subspecies is localized and adapted to the unique ecological conditions of Baja California. This regional distribution, along with slight morphological distinctions, makes it of particular interest to collectors and lepidopterists focused on geographic variation within butterfly species.
We firmly support the sustainable tropical butterfly collections as long as they take care of conserving the rainforest where they fly and developing responsible conscious trading.
This allows us to support local ranching farms with ethically sourced material and help at the same time collectors and enthusiasts to contribute to understanding and treasuring those species.
Please consider that the specimen you will receive may slightly differ in size, shape or colour from the picture shown as you are purchasing a natural product.
All our items are carefully delivered to prevent damages on transport, papered items are packaged in glassine envelopes specifying capture/breeding data and location available. CITES certificate will be provided in the specimens required.
HOW WE GRADE OUR LISTINGS (SPECIMENS)
As Insect specimens are natural products, some are bred and some others caught in wild, the quality can vary greatly.
The guide below explains the grading used for specimens in our listings.
A1 No visible imperfections, both antennas, no tearing, scratches or missing part of the wings (or as perfect as you could expect from wild caught specimens), with exception of some leg damage.
A1- Very minor damage, normally restricted to antenna damage or antennae attached separately in the envelope.
A- These specimens have minor damage, such as antenna damage, or minor flight wear such as small scratches, minor sale damage, some minor fraying/chipping around the edges of the wings.
A2 More significant damage, such as major flight wear, small rips, small pieces missing from the wings, damage to the thorax or abdomen.
B or Second Grade These specimens have similar damage to A2 specimens, but to a more significant degree. Usually used as parts replacement or art work material
| SPECIMEN | |
|---|---|
| Country | Mexico |
| Locality | Baja California Sur |
| Collection type | Wild collected |
| Bio-zone | Neotropical |
We supply both rare and common species from all parts of the world.
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