Butterflies

Butterflies have been revered by mankind since before the dawn of recorded history. They are among the most fascinating and beautiful animals; even people who care not for insects in general usually have an affection for these winged wonders. They live nearly everywhere -- from gardens and forests and mountains to acid bogs and frozen arctic tundra. Almost 700 of the world's 10 - 20,000 species live in North America north of Mexico.

The Painted Lady is found almost anywhere, but they tend to inhabit brightly lighted and open environments. They prefer clover fields, flowery meadows and hilly country. Marshes, dunes, and thorn scrubs also attract the Painted Lady.
Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui

Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui
This large butterfly has black wings with yellow markings and a wingspan of 8-11 cm. The male displays a row of bold yellow spots, while the female’s spots are faded shades of yellow and blue. The Black Swallowtail’s colors mimic those of other similar species, such as the Giant or Pipevine Swallowtails. To identify the Black Swallowtail, look for a pair of black dots centered in larger orange circles on the inner edge of the hind wings. The Black Swallowtail caterpillar changes appearance each time it molts. In the last few stages of growth, it is white and green, with black bands and yellow or orange spots.
The (Eastern) Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Papilio glaucusThe Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui
The (Eastern) Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) Butterflies on pink Azaleas
Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui

The Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucas) is a strong flier with distinctive yellow and black striped markings on its wings and body (some females are brown or black, mimicking the poisonous pipevine swallowtail). This relatively common butterfly has a wingspan of 3.5-6.5 inches (9-16.5 cm). Southern subspecies are larger than the northern ones. These butterflies are called swallowtails because they have long "tails" on their hindwings which look a bit like the long, pointed tails of swallows (a type of bird).
Painted Lady,Vanessa cardui
Papilio glaucusThe Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucusThe Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

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