Last week I had a picture of a dark form of the eastern tiger swallowtail with my column. The obvious question about any species with more than one color form is: What is the advantage? The advantage ...

We have a large patch of bronze fennel growing out back — this is unfortunate because it can be an aggressive invasive plant and is currently attempting to overrun my blueberry patch, but, on the ...

North Carolina’s state butterfly is hard to miss — and also easy to attract to backyards by planting a variety of native plants. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) can be bright yellow ...

The first time I saw a giant swallowtail butterfly years ago, I just happened to walk out to get the mail and saw it nectaring on lantana in my flower bed by the road. What a surprise! This huge pale ...

About 170 butterfly species occur in North Carolina as permanent residents, regular visitors, or rare strays. Some of these are restricted to either the coastal or mountain regions. I'd estimate that ...

LANSING, MI - Michigan Garden Clubs President Carol Brodbeck believes Michigan should recognize the value of butterflies by naming the black swallowtail as its official state butterfly. Naming a state ...

There was an absolutely wonderful change in the weather two weeks ago. Gone were the days of oppressive humidity and scorching temperatures. In their place came days with highs near 80 F, lower ...

If there is one critter in the animal kingdom that stakes claim as being the master of disguise, it's the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. And talk about having a bag of tricks up its sleeve with ...

Black swallowtail caterpillars eat plants like fennel, parsley and dill, absorbing toxins for protection from predators. When threatened, the caterpillar uses a forked tongue-like gland called ...

While perusing the Pacific Island of Vanua Levu in Fiji last year, researchers happened upon a precellular butterfly that captivated their attention. Given the mysteriousness surrounding its identity, ...

The swallowtail moth is beautiful for some, frightening for others. Recently, the moths have been spotted throughout the city, from office buildings in Pasay to high-rises in Makati. As the flying ...