Butterfly (possibly a Swallowtail species)
Scientific Name: Due to the image resolution, exact species identification is difficult, but it strongly resembles a butterfly from the Papilionidae family. Examples within this family include Papilio glaucus (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail) or Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail), which can have similar markings.
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Papilionidae (Swallowtail Butterflies) or Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) given the general appearance in the image.
Size: Typically, butterflies of this apparent size range (e.g., Swallowtails) can have wingspans from 5 cm to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) depending on the specific species.
Natural Habitat
Butterflies are found in a wide range of habitats including gardens, meadows, forests, grasslands, and wetlands, anywhere flowering plants are present to provide nectar sources and host plants for larvae.
Diet & Feeding
Adult butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of specific host plants. Some species also consume tree sap, rotting fruit, or dissolved minerals from damp soil (puddling).
Behavior Patterns
Butterflies are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They exhibit nectaring behavior, using their proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult stages. Females lay eggs on specific host plants for their larvae. This butterfly is likely sunning to warm its body for flight.
Risks & Benefits
Butterflies are crucial pollinators, benefiting ecosystems by helping plants reproduce, including many food crops. They are also indicators of environmental health. There are typically no direct risks to humans from butterflies, and they are generally beneficial.
Identified on: 8/9/2025