June 11, 2026
The Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is finally blooming up here. I’ve really been watching and waiting. Looking forward to its brilliant orange flowers. Looks like others have been watching and waiting too.
This is a Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) drinking nectar from the blossoms which provide the butterfly with energy and carbohydrates.
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June 12, 2025
I love rich bright colors. This certainly fills the bill.
A Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus), with its wonderful contrast of bold black stripes against crisp pure white, sipping nectar from the brilliant orange blooms of Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
Pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) are the primary host plant for Zebra Swallowtails. These trees create the perfect environment and provide nutrients that are needed for proper development of the larvae of these butterflies.
A butterfly I love to see, which surely makes me happy that there are so many Pawpaw trees up here!
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