Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

Yesterday, this beautiful dark Swallowtail butterfly flitted and sailed around my hydrangea bushes landing here and there with slow wingbeats to sip nectar from the many flowers. I thought it would make a stunning painting because of the contrast between the while blossoms and the black butterfly.
Spicebush swallowtail caterpillars feed on spicebush plants, sassafras, and bays. The adult butterfly's markings are a protection. They are similar to the markings of the foul-tasting pipevine swallowtail, making predators hesitant to attack them.
  • This painting has been sold.

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