Rector, Pennsylvania is in one of Pennsylvania most beautiful regions, the Laurel Higlands. It’s morning and our Papilio troilus is feeding on the sugars needed for today’s flights.

July 28th for this winged beauty offers the very same objectives needed each and every day, remain active and healthy, securing the abundant nutrition produced by Bull thistle and other suitable wildflowers.

Bull thistle habitat is perfect for Spicebush swallowtails, pastures, and disturbed ground along roadsides and trails. Cirsium vulgar is a bonafide nectar pumper. Post yourself between 8:45 and 9:45 A.M. at a Bull thistle in peak bloom and you’ll expect to enjoy several species swallowtail, skippers galore, fritillaries, bees, many fly species and another treat, Ruby throated hummingbirds.

Do a little reading to learn the complex behaviors of Spicebush swallowtail caterpillars and pupae. Very impressive.

The orange spots and blue fields become easily recognizable. They are easily enjoyed for their beauty.

A summer butterfly and another that you intercept as you hike trails through the forest undergrowth.

Jeffrey