The Travels of Tug 44


Giant Swallowtail Butterfly






The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly is a recent arrival to Fort Edward. Their range was previously limited to Maryland and points south, but recent warm winters have allowed this spectacular butterfly to expand his range northwards.   high-res



The adults spend their time collecting nectar from flowers, and breeding. They lay eggs on a plant and caterpillars hatch out. After some time, they close themselves up in a chrysalis, and then emerge as a buttterfly. In northern areas, they survive winter in the chrysalis and emerge as adults in the spring.   high-res



The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly is considered tasty by all sorts of predators, including birds, and praying mantises. This individual was likely attacked by a bird and escaped after a struggle .... notice the upper right wing is damaged and the entire wing surface is covered in scratches. He shows no sign of ill health and was doing just fine the day I saw him.   high-res

The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, a colorful addition to any swamp.




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