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Large numbers of Eastern Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) noted in easter Minnesota, USA (1 Viewer)

ibirdeverywhere

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We have observed a much higher than average number of Eastern Swallowtails in and around our yard in western Hennepin county, Minnesota, USA.At times, we have observed 8+ adults, mostly males, in our small prairie restoration in our back yard. They seem to favor Sweet Joe Pye Weed, Eupatorium purpureum, that is now in full bloom.

We have noticed both light and dark phase females. It is fun to watch them dance together while in flight.

Never in almost 20 years of nature observation in our yard have we seen such large numbers of these swallowtails.

Here is a link to the specific species:

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-glaucus

I have attached a photo taken from our deck with a Canon 40Dand a 200 mm lens of a wonderful example of the light phase female. Note the blue on the wings.

Thanks for looking.
 

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Small edit- The title of the thread should read:

Large numbers of Eastern Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) noted in eastern Minnesota, USA
 
Nice capture and observation. We had a large number of males here early in June they were "puddling" near a shoreline. This year has been rather poor for sighting butterflies/moths especially in our flower garden where there would always be a great variety to observe and take pix of. We did have a rather long cold winter but not sure if that was any cause for lack of numbers.

phil
 
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