Eastern Black Swallowtail

Description:

The upper surface of the wings is black with two rows of yellow spots—large and bright in males and smaller and lighter in females. The area between the rows of spots on the hind wings of females is powdery iridescent blue. The blue area in males is much less prominent. There is a conspicuous red spot with a black bull's-eye on the inner-hind margin of the hind wings and an isolated yellow spot on the costa of the front wings.

Habitat:

It is at home in open fields, meadows, vacant lots, cultivated farmland, backyards and along roadsides. This specimen was observed at a County nature Preserve flying from one Purple Thistle to another.