A striking male Black Swallowtail . . . the first of its kind to emerge in my barn studio last year.
I was lucky early May to see this female attaching an egg to a Bishop’s weed leaf along the garden path. She may well have overwintered here in her pupa state.
After she flies away I discover this egg!
Enjoying her first meal.
Second or third instar.
Final caterpillar molt.
Releasing a perfect female . . . perhaps she will meet up with the male (below) out in the gardens enjoying the milkweed. This is only the second Black Swallowtail I have had the privilege to raise.
If you would like to learn more about the life cycle of the Black Swallowtail check out my article over at
Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens
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Carol Duke
Carol Duke is an artist and farmer who has worked with the land on a Western Massachusetts hillside for over thirty years. During this time her land has evolved into a diverse wildlife habitat. Carol features the flora and fauna that live and visit her farm on her blog http://flowerhillfarm.blogspot.com/ As vital wildlife habitats are destroyed daily, Carol hopes to inspire others to garden for wildlife, while becoming activists for wild places the world over. Her nature photography has appeared in magazines, books and newspapers.
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