My nursing skills have definitely gotten a workout these past 2 months. Kayla's been sick which means I've been other-oriented, still. She's recuperating and I'm taking a moment to breathe. Dreaming of springtime, dreaming of butterflies and what to plant this year to attract them. I've always gone with lantana - the Dallas Red has been stellar here, and seems to be a favorite along with my old fashioned asters. However, I'm considering changing (gasp!) and planting Butterfly Weed. Anyone had any experience with Butterfly Weed that they can share? The butterfly above is my all-time favorite....as of today...the dark form Tiger Swallowtail. At least I think that's what it is. If you know it to be something else please enlighten me.
...back to the teen...
13 comments:
Debi,
I have no idea what kind it is but it is a really beautiful shot and a beautiful little creature.
RJ
Hey, that's the butterfly on my blogpage. Of course it's a 'different' one, but a similar shot. Did you take it? I took mine last summer. I have several butterfly bushes (don't know about'weed') but the buddleia is very nice for attracting butterflies and other pleasant insects and birds. Perhaps you are talking about something different.
Hope Kayla gets well soon:)
So sorry to hear that Kayla is not well -- quick recovery to her!
Even as an avid gardener, I have never grown butterfly weed (it doesn't grow here) but I know from reading and watching Canadian gardening magazines/programs that it seems to really draw butterflies alright. I've even seen photos from those in the flight path of the Monarch butterfly who have taken pictures of huge masses of them on their butterfly weed. Such a shame they call it "weed" ... just like Joe Pye Weed -- I love that plant but sure don't consider it a weed :)
Cheers,
Diane
my one-a-day photos
I'm not sure it's a "Tiger" Swallowtail, but rather a "Black" Swallowtail.
Jan
Hi Debbie,After some research on google, it seems possible that it IS the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail!!! That might even be what I have on my Blog header and I've incorrectly identified it! Oh well, I'll check further and I'll just have to fix it.
I had so much luck getting pretty pics of butterflies last year. Can't wait for spring! I'm planning a butterfly garden. Will probably try some butterfly weed, but what I had so much luck with last year was with my...and my neighbor's...butterfly bushes. The swallowtails and Diana Fritillaries love them.
Your swallowtail pic does look like a female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. But then it might also be a Spicebush Swallowtail. They're all beautiful!
What a gorgeous butterfly and an equally lovely flower...love the combo!
Very nice blog! Just passing through.
blessings..
Almost had this picture yesterday...the butterflies are definitely enjoying my lantana! But I was enjoying the quiet time with my hubby beside the lantana and didn't grab my camera fast enough...maybe next time!! Love from here!
It seems amazing that you and so many of your readers are dreaming of spring. Yesterday, I tramped through a full foot of fresh light snow to 'set' my snowshoe trail.
By setting it well after each snowfall, I maintain a good solid base, so that in March and April, as things begin to warm up here, I will be walking on solid snow without breaking through!
Such is life in Atlantic Canada.
That's a Spicebush Swallowtail.
Butterfly Weed is great for attracting bees and butterflies. The plants that I have that attract the most butterflies are Butterfly Bush, Joe Pye Weed, and zinnias.
I like your blog-great photos and musings! I call that butterfly Spicebush swallowtail. Not sure how accurate that is, but I've always called them by that name.
This butterfly is a rare one sort of. It is an intermediate Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The term intermediate means in is between a yellow form and dark form female. Usually if you see a thousand Eastern Tiger Swallowtails you might see one of these. Usually I see 2-3 in a year every few years. Check out my page at http://www.rlephoto.com/swallowtails/swallowtail_ET01.html
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