Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly
native to eastern North America eastern coast from Ontario to Florida (sometimes found in Turkey)
it is the state butterfly of 6 states - Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas
it's new to me - I have never seen one until last weekend
the male is yellow with black stripes and the female is black with yellow stripes with a blue band on the hind wing
their wing span is 7.9 to 14 cm (3.1 to 5.5 in)
in caterpillar stage they have an amazing defence against predators - hawks, crows and other black birds, owls, squirrels, oposums, raccoons, hornets to name a few.
the caterpillar mimics the shape and color of bird droppings - they also have a gland that secrets a foul smelling substance to repel their enemies
some adult females can imitate the sound/cry of the poisonous blue swallowtail
their life span is only one month
Butterflies of Canada
Bright Hub
Animal Spot
I am going to be taking some time away from Steemit for the summer. My plan is to travel - I have two places in mind. Also I have several small road trips planned to small towns in Ontario.
Enjoy your summer everyone and be well.
