Finally!!!

13 years ago

I have waited 6 years to see this butterfly in my backyard, and today was the day! A Zebra Swallowtail was caught nectaring on the buddleias. It wasn't staying put, and my new camera battery is dead--so I did the best I could at catching an image.

This butterfly is being seen more and more often in the suburbs and city of Tulsa. Seems to be expanding its range. I got to share the experience with two new butterfly gardeners--think it will spur them on!

Sandy

Here is a link that might be useful: Zebra Swallowtail - Eurytides marcellus

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

susanlynne48
13 years ago
Sandy, oh my! Congratulations! Is it nectaring on your bi-color? Could you tell if it was a male or female?

Wow what a beauty!

Susan
butterflymomok
Original Author
13 years ago
Susan,

In this picture it was nectaring on a new buddleia that came up between my Dark Knight and White Profusion. It's very lavender. It worked its way around the buddleias visiting almost everyone of them. And it also visited the liatris and coneflower. It was flitting from one flower to another like a kid in a candy store!

I don't know the sex. But I've got lots of Pawpaw trees setting around waiting to be sold. I read they like the young tender plants. Plus, I've got my 5 footer out on the other side of the yard. Hopefully, it will come back and maybe some friends will show up also.

Thanks, Susan!

Sandy
Related Professionals
Cary Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Clark Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Davis Landscape Contractors · North Plainfield Landscape Contractors · Vermilion Landscape Contractors · Bellevue Fence Contractors · Brushy Creek Fence Contractors · Columbia Fence Contractors · Owings Mills Fence Contractors · Rockville Fence Contractors · Sun City Fence Contractors · Torrance Fence Contractors · Kingsburg Fence Contractors · San Lorenzo Fence Contractors
christie_sw_mo
13 years ago
Beautiful!
I still have never seen one. I planted two pawpaw seedlings last fall. Only one made it through the winter and now it's gone. I have two more seedlings to plant this fall. I hope they do better.
MissSherry
13 years ago
Congratulations, Sandy!
They're rare around here too - when I see one, I nearly pass out!
Sherry
jrcagle
13 years ago
Cool! My wife's favorite.
annainok
13 years ago
Yay! You must be so pleased! Patience is a virtue that has its own rewards.

Anna
bernergrrl
13 years ago
Very exciting, Sandy! Happy for you!
butterflymomok
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, everyone!
susanlynne48
13 years ago
Sandy, have the Gulf Frits made it up your way yet? I saw my first today. But, there is no food for it alas. I just planted my P. incarnata in the yard. It really started to take off just last week, but it's not too big yet. It started to send out the tendrils, so I thought I best get it planted. My other passi is gone, I guess. No sign of it or the Lantana.

Anyway, just wanted you to be on the lookout for the GFs in case you hadn't seen any yet.

Susan
Mary Leek
13 years ago
Congratulations, Sandy! It is so exciting to see a 'new' butterfly, isn't it. Makes all the planting and work sooooo worthwhile.

Hope it comes back and you're able to get a photo.

Mary
butterflymomok
Original Author
13 years ago
Susan,

No Gulf Fritillaries yet. I don't usually see them until later in the summer. It kind of depends on the winds blowing them up here. So far, seem to be getting butterflies from the east.

I collected over 40 Monarch eggs today. Haven't checked all the plants, but will try to get to the others later. Guess I'm back in the Monarch raisin' bizness!

Sandy