Swallowtail

nectaring on Queen Anne's Lace

I'm not certain if this is a pipevine or black swallowtail. From reading the description in my butterfly field guide I'm led to believe it's the pipevine. When I look online at images it's matching the black. Can anyone tell me which butterfly this is? Isn't it gorgeous. I'm surprised the photo turned out as well as it did because the wind was blowing hard yesterday. 

I also stole shots of a squirrel across the road from our house. He was having fun scurrying across those branches like a gymnast on a balance beam. Such precision. I guess they have to perfect their balance because one misstep could lead to a crash. I'll share him with you tomorrow.

9 comments:

Crafty Green Poet said...

I don't know what kind of swallowtail it is but it's stunning whichever!

Anonymous said...

This is the first year that I haven't seen a black swallowtail. You got a nice shot.

Caroline Gill said...

The detail and blue iridescence is wonderful - esp. if you click to enlarge.

Al said...

Great photo! I also love the snake below, I always enjoying shots of snakes in the wild.

Max-e said...

Sorry, can't help you with this one, but it is a beauty

Carver said...

Beautiful shot. That looks like what I think is the black form of the eastern tiger swallowtail but I could be wrong.

Kateri said...

Wow, you captured this swallowtail perfectly. What a beautiul butterfly.

Travis Cody said...

Whatever species it is, it's beautiful.

gel said...

Don't know, but what a lovely shot! I love butterflies.