Black Swallowtail Butterfly With Gloriosa Daisies
by Kay Novy
Title
Black Swallowtail Butterfly With Gloriosa Daisies
Artist
Kay Novy
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Honored to be SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTED ARTIST FOR THE WEEK IN "WISCONSIN FLOWERS AND SCENERY" GROUP!
The (Eastern) Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), also called the American Swallowtail or Parsnip Swallowtail, is a butterfly found throughout much of North America. It is the state butterfly of Oklahoma. An extremely similar-appearing species, Papilio joanae, occurs in the Ozark Mountains region, but it appears to be closely related to Papilio machaon, rather than P. polyxenes. The species is named after the figure in Greek mythology, Polyxena (pron.: /pəˈlɪksɨnÉ™/; Greek: ΠολυξÎνη), who was the youngest daughter of King Priam of Troy.
The Papilio polyxenes demonstrates polyandry and a lek mating system, showing no male parental care and display sites. Females are therefore able to choose males based on these sites and males are the only resource the females find at these sites.
The Black Swallowtail has a wingspan of 6.9�8.4 cm, and females are typically larger than males.] The upper wing surface is black with two rows of yellow spots � these spots are large and bright in males and smaller and lighter in females. Females have a prominent blue area between these two rows, while males have a much less prominent blue area. These differences give rise to effective Batesian mimicry seen in females.
Both sexes show a red spot with a black bulls-eye on the inner hind margin of the hind wings and an isolated yellow spot on the front edge of the wings. The ventral side of wings of males and females are essentially identical: front wings have two rows of pale yellow spots, and hind wings have rows of bring orange spots separated by areas of powdery blue. The ventral side also acts as an effective mimic for both males and females for protection against predators.
Members of the Black Swallowtail are long-lived compared to other butterflies that inhabit temperate zones. They encounter little predation and are quick and agile if they are disturbed. However, mortality from predators will occur during roosting and during unfavorable weather due to the associated increase in predation. Adult butterflies are at the highest risk for predation when they are incapable of flight or are starved from poor weather.
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Uploaded
September 7th, 2014
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Viewed 2,548 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/27/2024 at 7:03 AM
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Comments (60)
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #6 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Kay Novy
Thanks so very much, Geraldine Scull for the SPECIAL NOMINATION in "1000 Views" group promo. #6! Much appreciated! Kay
Brian Tada
Magnificent image of beautiful butterfly and flowers! Congratulations, Kay, on your homepage feature in the 1000 Views group! F/L
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/p