This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is resting amidst stiletto blades of beachgrass, allowing us to judge its beauty alone, without competition from colorful flowers.
The insect’s existence as a Swallowtail will last three or four weeks, but it already has led an interesting and dangerous life as an egg, caterpillar, and larva. During its brief passage as a butterfly, it will mate and subsist on nectar and water. It “dances” when it alights on something delicious and so would you if your taste buds were in the ends of your feet. (Brooklin, Maine)