Tiger Swallowtail


A rare spectacle took my eyes hostage as I looked outside my window.  There were four butterflies fluttering around during a brief thunderstorm. Usually I only see one or two butterflies in a summer, not four in a day. They continued to flutter above a mud puddle giving me time to grab my camera. When I stepped outside into the on again, off again rain this tiger swallowtail was the only one braving the elements. The others had flown away. If you look closely enough you'll see that the picture below reveals some raindrops atop the swallowtail's body. It seemed  to be enjoying a cool evening after all the heat we'd endured.


Rushing winds couldn't keep this swallowtail from taking flight over the barbed wire fence, across the open field and out of my sight. This tiny specimen seemed to float away into the distance, untethered.

15 comments:

Carver said...

These are fantastic shots. I've never heard of butterflies playing in mud puddles before. I guess they need cooling water in summer like the birds do.

Carver said...

PS I was going to email in response to your comment about my watertower but realized I didn't have your email. Below is what I wrote in that email -

Since you like old ones you might like the 1887 one which was the first in Raleigh. I posted about that on Carver Cards for a monochrome post some time ago and here's the link

Raleigh First Water Tower

I also did a post on my other blog with that water tower in color as well as featuring other water towers too some years ago. That link is

OtherWater Tower Post

If you're busy don't feel like you have to go to the links but since you mentioned old ones I thought you might like the 1887 one. I hope you have a pleasant day. Cheers, Carver

Anonymous said...

I did look close, and you are right. Someone commented on one of my butterfly posts that they were getting minerals from the soil. That is a good looking tiger swallowtail. Every one that I saw this year was tattered and torn.

Caroline Gill said...

REALLY exciting, Naquillity!

Al said...

Great shot - you really captured it clearly in that second shot. I've never gotten a picture of a butterfly like that.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Like Carver, I have never seen butterflies enjoying mudpuddles! These shots are delightful!

Still no feed from your blog, so I'll just have to keep checking!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Back again! You won't believe this! I just deleted your blog link yet again and then added it! IT WORKS!

Quiet Paths said...

Just really neat. These are probably my favorite mostly because we get them in our yard.

Unknown said...

He's quite lovely! Glad he waited for you! :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

Excellent captures! Weldone!!

Crafty Green Poet said...

beautiful photos of a beautiful butterfly, I'd love to see a swallowtail in the wild, no chance in Scotland!

Geraldine said...

How beautiful. Butterflies have a special significance for me. I loved seeing these here. Thanks for sharing.

Hugs, G

Ryan said...

Beautiful shot of such a fine specimen, even this little guy enjoys a cool paddle on a hot day.

Rambling Woods said...

What a treat...beautiful... The mud puddles have nutrients that the butterflies need and males in some cases need that to produce sperm....

Mary said...

These are great shots! Butterflies do seem to like mud and wet places. Fun to see them. Makes you wonder what they find so tasty there...some mineral.