This was an odd summer. We had 100 + scorchers and mild 72 degree mid day temps. We had very few bees this season but the butterflies have been abundant. This is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) on a Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). These plants are butterfly magnets. They have varying fragrance strengths but they all smell like sweet sugary cotton candy (if that really has an odor).
Another Eastern Tiger on a mystery plant that just goes nuts every year in the back garden. We see it growing on the side of the road but ours reaches 10 feet or more. This one flopped over during a rain storm so I was able to get a good picture of the blooms.
This is a male Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) on a Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). The females have a larger vivid blue tail region. Max ate one of these last year. The wings were a little problematic for him.
A huge Caster Bean pod (Ricinus communis) on a 10 foot plant.
I believe this is a Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) on a Butterfly Bush. Its possible that its a standard Black but the orange/blue/white pattern on the tail makes me think Spicebush.
