Saturday Critters #601

 I raise Black Swallowtail Butterflies as a hobby because they are so interesting, beautiful,

and quite frankly, they need our help.

It is quite fulfilling...

I am drawn to butterflies because of their beauty in motion, the gorgeous colors they display,

while in flight and when still..

Their lifespan is so short, too short, most only live 1 -2 weeks.

If you have any interest in raising butterflies, you can read about the things you need to know at

- Butterfly Lady -

At the end of the summer of 2024, I had a 20 or more chrysalis in a butterfly cage.

They stayed in that form over the winter and in early spring, one by one, they emerged.

- these 2 emerged on may 6th -

- 2 on may 7th -

- may 8th -

- may 15th -

- these 2 on may 15th -

-  2 emerged on june 4th -

                       - and this one on june 6th -             

    Once they emerge from the cocoon, their wings need to dry.  

Drying can take 2 - 3 hours, 

then the butterfly becomes more active in the netted cage, and can be released.

Not everyone hangs around for pictures, some butterflies fly off quickly, others stay around a little longer.

I still have 5 more chrysalis from last year, 

it's late in their season but I am still hoping they emerge.

Right now, I have 7 caterpillars on the dill in my garden,

they are getting really big.

A lot more will come,

it's going to be a great butterfly season!

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters