Last August I kept an eye out for a Giant Swallowtail butterfly whenever I
was in appropriate habitat, and among the masses that move through Stratford
Point in what is probably the best month of the year for the site for Lepidoptera.
Several people had seen this spectacular (and large, wonder where they got the
name from) insect flying around our state in multiple regions. It is a rarity
that seems to be exhibiting a predictable pattern in the short-term, as once
again as we enter this August we have been witness to a number of sightings
across the state. Only in the last few days, the Connecticut Lepidoptera
Listserver had reports from Branford, Sharon, Guilford (two separate ones!),
New Haven, Old Lyme, and Stratford.
The last report was from our friends Frank and Linda Mantlik who were
fortunate enough to have one in their yard. It was drawn to their Buddleia
butterfly bushes along with some other species. He snapped off some great
photos that can be seen below.
In the last shot, you can see the butterfly in the foreground out of focus
as Frank made sure to get a clear look at two other swallowtails, Eastern Tiger
and Black, also feeding on the bush. What more can you ask for? Thanks for the
awesome views, Frank!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation Technician
Photo © Frank Mantlik and not to be reproduced without explicit permission
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