Saturday, June 07, 2008

Pipevine Swallowtail

I was caught outside weeding with a short lens on the camera
when the Pipevine Swallowtail flew into the backyard.

I am growing one of her host plants,
Dutchman's Pipevine and Anise Hyssop for nectaring.

She also will use Virginia Snakeroot for her eggs.

I do hope she returns when I am outside with a longer lens.

For today I am pleased she has found my backyard.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Even with the short lens you did awesome with this butterfly! Bravo

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I know she will be back Sherry. How could she not return when there is a spa for her in your garden. Where did you purchase your Dutchmans Pipevine? I have always been curious about these plants.

Jeanne said...

Oh how beautiful.
I love butterflies.
Love you

Mary said...

She'll be there, Sherry. She'll pose for your long "weight bearing" lens :o)

kkryno said...

Stunning! I hope you don't mind if I share your blog with my kids. They will be so amazed! Love, Vikki

smilnsigh said...

A lovely brown butterfly...

~Smilnsigh~

Cheryl said...

What a beautiful butterfly....your photography is always stunning anyway Sherry.

Shelley said...

Great photo - I love how you can see the butterfly's shadow!

meggie said...

Lovely to see!

Q said...

Hi Tom,
Thanks! The Pipevine Swallowtail and the Spicebush Swallowtail are two butterflies I am planting specifically for. I was very pleased to see the female Pipevine!
I would like to establish colonies of both of these species.
Maybe next time I will be out with the long lens and ready for some close ups!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I sure hope so!
I bought my Dutchman's Pipevine at a nursery near by that grows native palnts for my area. This is my second year growing this vine so I hope to see some blooms. It is hardy here and I hope will become a vigorous vine. The leaves are charming, big hearts. When It does bloom I will take some pictures. There are other Pipevines. I would like to see them too.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Jeanne,
I too love the butterflies. By planting native I hope to be providing much needed habitat.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Hope so! I still have a few months so maybe one of these days I will get those up close photos I so dearly love! I need a butterfly posing event.
As it is I went with artsy!
LOL
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Vikki,
Please do share! Thank you...
There are butterflies in every area of the country all we need to do is plant native to our area and they will find us.
I think the bugs are great! I like bees too. LOL
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mari-Nanci,
She does look brown but really is a matt finish black. She has a wee bit of iridescent blue on her hindwings. The male has a very bright iridescent blue wash on his hindwings. They are beautiful butterflies. If I can get close up you will be able to see the blue.
Fingers crossed I will get some great pictures this summer.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Thank you!
I went with "arsty" since I was concerned the butterfly would be gone if I went inside for the long telephoto lens. I do hope she returns and lays her eggs on my Pipevine.
I do like to take pictures...
These are pretty and I was pleased...just not the up close I love with all the details.
Maybe next time.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Shellmo,
I liked the butterfly's shadow too.
Next time iridescent blue and good id photos...LOL
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Meggie,
I read in Victorian times, 1850-1870, the Pipevine extended its range because it became popular to plant the Pipevines on porch railings. Once again the Pipevine Swallowtails are returning with the awareness of the need of the pipevines as host plants. As more people plant butterfly gardens more Pipevine Swallowtails!
I love that!
Sherry