Beauty in Wings

Tiger Swallowtail

I have been following this beautiful Tiger Swallowtail about the garden for over a week trying to get a good shot, but he wouldn't cooperate...today he was intoxicated by the pickerel rush.

According to Gardens with Wings, this unique species of swallowtail is a quick and strong flier, gliding when able. The males are a bright yellow, while the females can exhibit two different color forms; yellow and black and black and blue. The darker form is more common in the southern states. The caterpillar is just as remarkable, it resembles a small snake with eyespots. This butterfly particularly enjoys pink, purple, and red flowers, and is a wonderful visitor to any garden.

Family: Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
Subfamily: Swallowtail (Papilioninae)
Average Wingspan: 3" - 6"
Habitat: Fields, parks, suburbs
Similar To: Western Tiger Swallowtail

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants
  Butterfly Bush, Dianthus Family, Petunia, Mexican Sunflowers, Chaste Tree
• Host Plants
  Sweet Bay, Willow

Common Buckeye

On the other hand, this Common Buckeye followed me around and posed for his pictures on a blue hardy ageratum.

According to Garden with Wings, this butterfly is a beautiful creature that is a must-have in all butterfly gardens. It is a fabulous chestnut brown with 6 bright colorful eye spots. These smaller butterflies are quick, energetic fliers that are entertaining to watch as they flutter close to the ground. Buckeyes can be hard to see when hiding because they are very well camouflaged when they have their wings folded up, appearing as a dull brown leaf. Luckily, more times than not they will be basking in the sun showing off their colors.

Family: Brush-footed Butterfly (Nymphalidae)
Subfamily: True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae)
Average Wingspan: 1 5/8" - 2 3/4"
Habitat: Open areas, fields, meadows

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants
  Aster, Coreopsis, Swamp Milkweed , Tall Verbena
• Host Plants
  Snapdragon, Tall Verbena, Ruellia*, Swamp Verbena*