Swallowtail butterfly sups at 'Pink Ruffles' azalea
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) often seen in this part of Central Texas. I had a very hard time getting this fellow. He didn't want to land (apparently azaleas aren't his first choice of nourishment but, after flying around, they were apparently the best that he could find -- I'll have to find out what they like). When he finally landed I made several quick shots and was glad I had because just as I was repositioning to get my "best shot" the battery went out. I knew he wouldn't be around by the time I replaced the batteries and got back outside. He wasn't. I'd like these to be better photos but I'm happy to have what I was able to get. There'll be more chances this season (I hope).
ID Update: My dear Flickr friend, Nature's Poetry (Roberta), tells me that this is not a Giant Swallowtail but is, instead, an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). She says she has had the good fortune to actually photograph the first Giant Swallowtail seen in her county. I'm delighted to have the identification corrected. Thanks, Roberta!
Swallowtail butterfly sups at 'Pink Ruffles' azalea
Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) often seen in this part of Central Texas. I had a very hard time getting this fellow. He didn't want to land (apparently azaleas aren't his first choice of nourishment but, after flying around, they were apparently the best that he could find -- I'll have to find out what they like). When he finally landed I made several quick shots and was glad I had because just as I was repositioning to get my "best shot" the battery went out. I knew he wouldn't be around by the time I replaced the batteries and got back outside. He wasn't. I'd like these to be better photos but I'm happy to have what I was able to get. There'll be more chances this season (I hope).
ID Update: My dear Flickr friend, Nature's Poetry (Roberta), tells me that this is not a Giant Swallowtail but is, instead, an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). She says she has had the good fortune to actually photograph the first Giant Swallowtail seen in her county. I'm delighted to have the identification corrected. Thanks, Roberta!