Eastern Black Swallowtail - Papilio polyxenesThe days are getting warmer and sunnier in Toronto whic

Eastern Black Swallowtail - Papilio polyxenes

The days are getting warmer and sunnier in Toronto which gives me some hope that spring weather will be upon us soon. Well, as soon as it can get, as the cold like to stick around in Canada, but eventually gives way to a rejuvenating spring and then a warm summer! When the warmth returns, these giant-winged beauties will flutter into the wilderness to search for suitable places to lay their eggs. Specifically, a spring brood will emerge from their Chrysalids following an overwinter (inside their pupal casing) from the winter year. Depending on region and temperature, this overwintering generation could come from either a summer brood or an autumn brood. In Canada, you will only find spring and summer broods, the latter of which are on showcase in this post. At the height of summer, these wonderful Butterflies frolic from flower to flower and share their majestic wings to all manner of photographers and collectors. Swallowtails are appreciated and renowned for their large wings! They require powerful veins and muscles to fly with strength and agility: both of the former are on full display here when looking at the underside of the wings. They also use their wings (and abdomen) to regulate their body heat as they remain in the sunlight.

With a tendency to fly away if disturbed, approach them slowly and carefully. Capture any pictures you can while you have the opportunity. Flowers from root vegetables, herbs and citrus plants are expected be a good place to find them, but it seems that echinacea flowers will do the trick too. Well, as long as the nectar is fulfilling. If you see one flitting around between plants in an area, you’ve likely found a male patrolling their territory, which he guards from rivals furiously. It’s a strange concept to think of Butterflies as being aggressive despite lacking tools such as claws, fangs or stingers, but they can display fierce territoriality by charging their rivals. The males have to be bold as holding suitable territory is how mate selection works in this specie. Fortunately, since male Eastern Black Swallowtails emerge before the females, they get a head start in claiming an area and getting ready for the female emergence. While better territory can be claimed and defended early, emerging from pupation early is risky as they can emerge too early and miss their chance. Keep an eye out for these bird-wings this summer, but especially this spring. If you’re a photographer, maybe this territoriality can be used to your advantage by getting the Butterfly to come to you. It’s worth a try, even if the Butterfly is more likely to be scared.

Pictures were taken on July 21, 29 and 30, 2020 with a Google Pixel 4. Can you tell which individuals in these pictures are male and female? Hint: there are 5 of each.