Giant Swallowtail

[Mona Miller]

The coolest thing that happened on our butterfly count in Waterford, Virginia is that we saw a very beautiful, huge Giant Swallowtail. The owner of the place (it was a farm called Butterfly Hill) encouraged us to go down into this grassy area. There was a huge section of teasel growing and in bloom. We saw this huge butterfly nectaring. At first, I thought it was a Tiger Swallowtail. But, as we got closer, I saw that it was a Giant Swallowtail.

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1366
Here's some species info.

I had these laying naturally in my yard in 2005. She laid on the herb Rue. Since then, I have had to move and am trying to attract them again.

Teasel is unfortunately, an invastive plant, but it was growing in my other yard when she showed up.

So far, I have added Prickley Ash, Hop Tree, Myers Lemon, Wild Lime, and Rue to my garden as host plants for them. One day, I hope to see them again.

[laurel]

Giant Swallowtails love my wild lime tree. I've noticed there are times when they lay eggs in abundance, and then spells when I don't see them for months on end.

A variety of wasps and spiders have staked out claims in the wild lime, so when I see an egg I bring it inside to raise it. As far as I know, no caterpillars left on the plant lately have been around long enough to pupate.

Look for Giant Swallowtail eggs on new growth. Giants are light eaters as compared to Monarchs, much less demanding. I never have to worry about running out of food for them

[Mona Miller]

Beautiful. Do you ever see the Palamedes Swallowtail?

[laurel]

No. But I saw a Polydamas today nectaring in my lawn. I always get those two confused because their names are so close.

[Mona Miller]

The Polydamas uses Pipevine. We have the Pipevine Swallowtail here in Virginia. I've seen the Polydamas at the butterfly exhibit, but not in the wild.