"Butterflies are self propelled flowers."
~ R.H. Heinlein
"The fluttering of a butterfly's wings can effect climate changes on the other side of the planet."
~ Paul Erlich
"Not quite birds, as they were not quite flowers, mysterious and fascinating as are all indeterminate creatures."
~ Elizabeth Goudge
"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
~ Maya Angelou
"We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever."
~ Carl Sagan
TIGER SWALLOWTAIL
(Papilio glaucus)
"Swallowtails epitomize the beauty, vibrant color, and grace of butterflies. Their large size makes them conspicuous visitors to any garden, ant their gorgeous colors make them prized additions to any scene." (The Butterfly Book)
Caterpillar: Leaf green and plump ... excellently camouflaged. Feeds on trees, particularly cherry, willow and ash.
Wingspan: 3 1/2 - 6 3/4 inches
Habitat: Woodland, wooded gardens and parks.
Range: Across North American continent, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico
Status: Widespread and common
"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
Comments
Eileen
Thank you, Eileen. While tweaking the garden after my long absence, I so enjoyed a moment watching and shooting ...
Thanks, dear Monica. Being away so much, I have missed many summer garden favorites. As much as I love lake living, it's always a joy to be back in my garden. The summer is sure flying ... way too fast for me! Do hope your summer is grand!
Love 'em too, Nell Jean. Happy August :)
What a super post Joey.
Dear Freda, you are too kind! My camera/cameras and I have been friends since I was a child. Among other pleasures, I simply love life behind the lens.
Ah yes, Michelle ... summer in Michigan is grand!
Thank you, Hamilton's. Totally agree, Swallowtail blue is amazing!
You have some exceptional photos of the Swallowtail Joey. I've been lucky enough to see more in my garden this year than in previous years. Maybe I'm finally getting some blooms they love??
I especialy love the short quote from Carl Sagan .. so very true !
Joy : )
Agree, Sweetbay, and thank you. Truly summer at it finest!
Wishing you a butterfly sighting, dear Joy! Thank you.
Dear Dee, I think of you daily when I see the heat index! Yes, thankful you went to Seattle that looked like an amazing time for all. Wish I could whisk you up north to the cooling lake!
Thanks Rose. Yes, the coneflowers seem to be the tastiest! Hope you can capture one ... they are fun to photograph. Happy August :)
Welcome, La Vie, and thank you. Vibrant swallowtails are my favorite too. Do hope you return. (I sure loved your red mailbox!)
Thx Skeeter!
Thanks, Clare. In ecstatic euphoria, oblivious to my nearness, it was a joy shooting ...
You know, Joey, the Tiger Swallowtail is my favorite butterfly. And a few weeks ago, I was finally honored with its lovely presence, right in my own backyard.
The magnificent winged creature hovered over me for a brief moment, just to disappear as quickly as it came. One of the highlights of my summer.