There is a new addition to the Vermont butterfly list. Ardys Fisher spotted a Giant Swallowtail in Addison on 7-30-2010 and her husband Lionel snapped some photos as it nectared. This species is known to stray north and we are not surprised to finally recorded this species in the state. This is the largest butterfly in North America, with plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae) as its larval hostplant.
This record will be added to the Butterflies and Moths of North American database (see http://www.
Of course, we are getting into that season in which southern vagrants come north, so keep your binos peeled....
5 comments:
I am a naturalist, a good friend of Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer. Several days ago (exact date not known, but end of July/early August) I observed a giant swallowtail in my flower garden in Charlotte. I KNEW it was unusual for Vermont, so ran to get the camera. Upon returning, the butterfly was gone. Tonight I just happened to type in "giant swallowtail vermont". Imagine my surprise to see the post that Vermont's FIRST giant swallowtail had been confirmed in Addison (about 10 miles south of here as the crow flies). I called the Fishers and spoke with them. Lionel remembers that there were strong southerly winds after his sighting, then then I see a giant swallowtail here just to the north. Just anecdotal, but what a coincidence!!
Hank Kaestner, Charlotte
I live in West Haven at the southern most point of Lake Champlain. I have been seeing Gaint Swallowtails in the yard all spring. They are lovely!
Elaine
6/3/2012
They are here in Waitsfield - a male and female pair.
They are here in Waitsfield as well - a male & female pair.
Just identified one today in Montpelier. We have a rather large potted orange tree outside for the summer that the butterfly was all over--I bet it was surprised to find a citrus tree so far north. I wonder if it laid any eggs on the tree--I hope so.
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