Our entomologist, Bill Reynolds just alerted us to a Eastern Black Swallowtail that had just emerged from its chrysalis. The wings emerge folded and damp, needing to be hung out to dry before attempting flight. Bill placed it on a nearby dwarf crape myrtle, while we all gathered to watch the wings dry. These fascinating creatures have a short life span that ranges from 2-5 weeks, when the regeneration process begins again. Plant diversity and moisture are the two keys to having a garden full of amazing butterflies.
