Asian Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus) on Yellow Wildflowers

A striking Asian swallowtail (Papilio xuthus) pauses mid-feed on a sunlit patch of yellow wildflowers. Native to East Asia but present in introduced populations elsewhere, these butterflies are easily recognized by their black-and-white wings, dappled with hints of orange and blue. Even at rest, their posture carries the motion of flight — a fleeting moment of grace against a warm, blurred backdrop.