I’ve referred to this type of butterfly as a Black Swallowtail before, but have learned it is probably a Palamedes Swallowtail.
Either way, this one put on a nice show for me while he was getting some sustenance from statice growing at the edge of a pond.
I was able to shift a little and get a different background that was all vegetation.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, Green Pond, SC
August 27, 2023
Red was the favorite for this Palamedes Swallowtail as he zipped around the brilliant Lantana blossoms.
This garden area had some orange and pink zinnias and other annuals but this butterfly kept coming back to the red.
Head on images of wildlife rarely end up looking good, but I liked this view with the wings folded and antennae out.
The butterfly then turned a bit to the side showing off his long legs. If you zoom in you can see he’s picked up some pollen in his travels, too.
Click any image for a larger view.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, August 27, 2019.
