Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

I’ve had a couple of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies in the yard the last few days.

I didn’t realize how much of this butterflies wings was missing until I saw the photos.066cs

What really caught my eye was it was feeding on my Bougainvillea. The color is striking with the butterflies colors. Normally I don’t see many butterflies other than skippers on it.

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This one’s wings were in much better condition.

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Their wing span is about 5”…they are a very big butterfly.  I love their bodies…they look so soft and are beautifully marked.11.3.10 010cs

There must be larval trees in the area……My neighbor, Patti, had an extra Magnolia, a small one, and I’ve planted that in the butterfly area. So ….maybe one day I will find a few Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars on it, that is one of their larval plants.

7 comments:

  1. Butterflies are so amazing. I hope you can raise some of these next year. Your captures are outstanding, especially the last one. I just want to reach out and gently touch their soft fuzzy bodies and wings.

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  2. That is one big beauty! 5" wingspan! That must be the biggest I've ever seen.

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  3. Beautiful shots! The colors are lovely with all the flowers. I've had the same experience with looking at the photo I've taken of a swallowtail and only then realizing how much of their wings are missing. One can only imagine the trauma that must have caused that.

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  4. Gorgeous capture Caroll. We have it also in France!

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  5. Beautiful butterfly, Carol.. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly --and very pretty... I love seeing the butterflies since ours are long-gone --and winter is creeping in, in our area.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. Hi! I just found your site from a link on Canyon Girl's blog. Glad I did! I love nature photography so will truly enjoy seeing what you have to share! :)

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