An incredibly beautiful Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) on the aptly named Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) which provides nectar to many pollinators. Native to much of the United States, from Maine to South Dakota to the desert southwest to Florida.
Another pollinator that nearly matches the color of the Butterfly Weed, Great Spangled Fritilary (Speyeria cybele). Along with butterflies, bees and wasps are common pollinators.
Butterfly Weed is the larval host plant of Queen and Monarch butterflies, and Dogbane Tiger Moth, Milkweed Tussock Moth, and Unexpected Cycnia Moth.
Caution: Butterfly Weed is toxic to humans and animals.
