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Butterfly Garden

Eastern Black Swallowtail Question

10 years ago

Hi All~

Just curious...
Does anyone have any input on the flying behavior of these butterflies?
The ones I have released, fly gracefully when released, maybe testing their wings?
The ones I've noticed lately are flying in a frenzy, occasionally landing on my phlox or other flowers. I keep waiting for one to land on my fennel, but have yet to witness that. Do males and females have different habits, once they get "their wings"? What time of the day do females usually lay their eggs?
Thanks for any info~
Jo

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Comment (1)

Leafhead
10 years ago
Sounds like nectaring behavior. Most Swallowtails will almost hover on their nectar source as they extend their proboscis
Males will patrol an area around Fennel, Dill or Parsley for females, nectaring occasionally. Any approaching receptive female is mated. A female will usually nectar up for a day or two before she begins laying.
A mated female will return as an ELF and lay eggs on your host plants.
Females can lay at any time of day when it is warm enough.
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