Zebra Swallowtail

Yeah, I know; I need to lay off the butterfly posts. More on that later. Well, maybe.

Zebra Swallowtails have been *so* difficult to photograph: the ones I have followed hardly ever rest their wings. That’s why I chose this to post, even though its body is partially obscured. No one seems to have tagged a good shot of the underside of a Zebra Swallowtail’s wings. (I looked at the tags for “zebra swallowtail”, “eurytides marcellus”, and “swallowtail butterfly”.) I also followed a Spicebush Swallowtail, but it seems likely I will get good shots of that species again. So here is good look at the underside of a Zebra Swallowtail’s wings. Note how nicely the “zebra stripes” continue from the forewing to the hindwing. Amazing.

Photo taken in the garden adjacent to the SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

One year ago (“‘Hey, it’s not an Eastern Amberwing!’*”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-07-23
Two years ago (“In the shade of an old, oak tree II”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-07-23

[Danette Thompson]

Swallowtails are so beautiful. I am thrilled on the very rare occasion I see one in my yard.

[Ellen E]

Fabulous!

[Lisa Pouncy]

If I was able to get amazing shots of butterflies like yours I think I'd be inclined to upload as many as possible! Fabulous shot xx

[dave bennett]

beautiful

[Michelle]

Oh Wow, it is just like a swallow's tail.. can certainly see why it was given that name :)

[MaryBeth Dailey]

These are STUNNING, aren't they? I like the angle and crop..how the tails curve up!

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette I don't get all the beautiful blues in sky & ocean that you get. Perhaps swallowtails is what I can get in compensation! Lots of swallowtails *this* year!