The Broad-Banded Swallowtail has been recorded in Arizona, New Mexico and of course, Texas. Looks very much like a GST but has a broader yellow band crossing the wings. The Ornythion has recorded sightings in Kansas, New Mexico and varous counties in Texas. Looks just like a GST but lacks the yellow spots on the tails. ~ Cat Ornythion Swallowtail: Broad-Banded Swallowtail:

GSTs have been known (CalSherry, I think) to eat another cat when big cats are kept in the cage with little ones - it appears to be more of an accident than on purpose, you know, it's eating the leaf and doesn't realize the little one's on it. I keep mine separated by size, and since you get a lot that hatch on or close to the same day, it isn't a problem. There's absolutely no need for each cat to have its own container. All early instar GST cats have those funny projections near their head - they disappear later. Congrats on your GSTs, Cathy - you'll love raising them! Sherry

fighting8r, Yes, the Giant Swallowtails definitely are wonderful and so enjoyable to raise. Congratulations on your first eclosure in awhile! Mary, Some might come out this year yet, but I suspect that most of mine will overwinter. I honestly don't know if it would matter or not if you keep them inside or outside, but I keep mine outside from about this time of the year until they come out next year for the reason that you mentioned, so they sense the changing temps and don't come out too early when they shouldn't. Maybe they'd be okay this year yet, but I'd really rather that they wait until next year to eclose if possible. I'd probably raise those two tiny ones inside though until they pupate and then also put them outside. If they're inside in the warm, I think that speeds their growing process...unless you really want them to join you for Christmas. ;-) Cathy

Hmmm. maybe I should check my hibiscus. The only time I've seen this is when the plants are up against each other, and she misses her mark. Although the GSTs lay eggs on my lakeview jasmine and the cats can't live on it (though it does appear in host plant lists in the rutacae family). But mostly the answer is no, unless the plants are very close together or entwined. In my experience anyway. Oh well, off to check the hibiscus. a couple of which are pretty near to some citrus.. Good luck with all those cats! kelly