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Spicebush Swallowtail male and female courtship on Swamp Milkweed, Marion County, Illinois. (Editorial Use Only)
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Spicebush Swallowtail male and female courtship on Swamp Milkweed, Marion County, Illinois. (Editorial Use Only)
The Danita Delimont Collection offers adventurous journeys, unexpected horizons. Highly curated professional Nature and Travel photography
Media ID 36905621
© Richard and Susan Day / DanitaDelimont.com
Alighting Asclepias Incarnata Butterfly Courtship Illinois Marion County Papilio Troilus Richard And Susan Day Spicebush Swallowtail Swamp Milkweed
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this image, a Spicebush Swallowtail male and female engage in a delicate courtship dance on a vibrant swath of Swamp Milkweed in Marion County, Illinois. The Spicebush Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio troilus, is a striking butterfly with a wingspan of up to five inches. The male, with its black wings edged in yellow and orange, can be seen alighting on the milkweed, displaying its vibrant coloration to attract the attention of the female. The female, with her wings adorned with intricate patterns of brown, green, and orange, hovers nearby, assessing the male's worthiness. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), a native wildflower, provides the perfect backdrop for this romantic encounter. The milkweed's bright pink and white flowers attract a variety of pollinators, making it an essential component of the ecosystem in Marion County and throughout the United States. The Spicebush Swallowtail's courtship ritual involves the male performing a series of aerial displays, during which he raises and lowers his wings, creating a flash of color. The female, intrigued by the display, will eventually allow the male to mate with her. Once mated, the female will lay her eggs on the leaves of the Swamp Milkweed, ensuring the next generation of these beautiful butterflies. This image, captured by Danita Delimont, showcases the intricate relationship between the Spicebush Swallowtail and Swamp Milkweed, highlighting the importance of preserving these native species and their habitats. The ethereal beauty of this moment in nature serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists within our natural world.
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