There is no way to overstate how perfect, fresh and crisp this gorgeous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) looked while feeding on the Eastern Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) last week. This individual was meticulously designed and seemed hand-crafted for ultimate beauty.
It actually flew on to a flower for a drink within a couple feet of me while I was already photographing a skipper, showing no trepidation as I was swinging a big lens all over the place. I had to back up to be able to focus!
This dorsal view shows well that is a female with all of that blue along the outer parts of hind wings.
Dorsal, ventral – whatever side you want to view is the “good” side of this butterfly. Thanks for flying in, friend! Come back anytime.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
