Tiger Swallowtails (above) Dark form of Tiger on top flower with male and female regular tigers on the other flowers of a Buttonbush shrub

Swallowtail butterflies are well in season when they are seen gathering closely together on a moist, sandy spot. Our naturalist friend, Mr. Westbrook, said that these butterflies were probably sipping moisture while their wings developed more strength. However, Johnny wasn’t sure about this theory— perhaps they were feeding on some soiled substance on the damp sand. These tiger swallowtails are feeding on one of their favorite native plants. This Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a shrub that thrives in swampy borders of ponds and creeks.

Pipevine Swallowtail -The Pipe-Vine Swallowtail is rare in our trail area. It is found mostly in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few straggle into the Piedmont and feed on various milkweeds. Our picture shows the male pipe-vine with it iridescent blue-green lower wings. Older butterfly books listed this butterfly as "The Green Swallowtail."

The Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) female, dark form is most commonly seen clinging on spring lilac bushes. However, the summer brood oftentimes is seen swarming about flower gardens along with male tiger swallowtail and other species. Our trails occasionally pass aside local flower gardens as seen in this picture with red zinnias. Late summer tiger swallowtails are quite common clinging on the Joe-pie-weed, a tall Eupatorium six feet or more in height. Flowers in the sunflower group are also visited by these tiger swallowtails as well as other swallowtails.