I have been noticing more Giant Swallowtail butterflies this year than last year. They are the largest butterfly in North America. While the butterfly is pretty, the larval is sometimes considered a pest due to it feeding on the foliage of most citrus species, causing significant defoliate damage to younger trees.
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
The morning rain created some water puddles and I watched a big crow enjoying a temporary water bath. The butterflies, like this Giant Swallowtail, also seem to like the moist soil after a long dry spell.
Giant Swallowtail
Yesterday when I was mowing lawn, I spotted a Giant Swallowtail butterfly checking out the flowers. With a wing span of 4 to 6.25 inches and even up to 7.4 inches, this is the largest of all North American butterflies.
Giant Swallowtail
The winds today was blowing the snow around, causing some drifting like at the end of my driveway. Summertime would have butterflies floating by instead of the cold snowflakes and after being outside in very cold wind chills, I would like some summertime temperatures.
Summertime Swallowtail
The fall flowers are attracting a lot of butterflies on these warm, sunny days but the butterflies might want to head to warmer places before the first frost. The Giant Swallowtail is easier to spot than other butterflies since it has a wingspan of five inches or more.
Spotting a Giant Swallowtail
The majestic, yet delicate giant swallowtail feeding on beautiful, colorful flowers seem like the appropriate picture for a Sunday.
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
