Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Female - Papilio troilus troilus is a photograph by Carol Senske which was uploaded on June 7th, 2011.
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Female - Papilio troilus troilus
We are fortunate to have a fair number of these butterflies in our area (Green Lane, PA). The caterpillars feed on spicebush shrubs, sassafras, and... more
by Carol Senske
Title
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly Female - Papilio troilus troilus
Artist
Carol Senske
Medium
Photograph
Description
We are fortunate to have a fair number of these butterflies in our area (Green Lane, PA). The caterpillars feed on spicebush shrubs, sassafras, and tulip poplar which are numerous here. The wingspan of these beauties is 3 to 4 inches. As adults, they readily visit flowers and we often see them buried inside daylilies with only the wing tips showing.
Their range covers most of the mid to eastern lower 48 states, and our sub-species prefers shaded woods and the margins of the woods. This pretty girl is identified by her blue iridescence; the males shine greenish.
This picture was taken June 7, 2011.
You can find more detailed information at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spicebush_Swallowtail
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/construct-species-page.asp?sp=Papilio-troilus
Uploaded
June 7th, 2011
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Comments (4)
Randy Rosenberger
What a great capture, Carol! I love butterflies, and this photo is special, as they always appear to be on flowers, but this unique background makes it stand out even more, with it beautiful delicacy! Very nice job!
Carol Senske replied:
Hi, Randy:>). You've been a busy guy! The butterfly was, I think, a fresh hatch and she was letting her wings expand and gain strength on a boulder.
Doris Potter
Nice capture of a beautiful creature!
Carol Senske replied:
Thanks, Doris! Hope your weather is behaving:>). You seem to be sending us some of your nice, cool, Canadian air - double thanks!!!