Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly And Field Daisy

by Linda K Powell

Title

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly And Field Daisy

Artist

Linda K Powell

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Hot Press Illustration Board

Description

Of all the resplendent butterflies of North America, few surpass the memorable beauty of the Spicebush Swallowtail. The butterfly's forewings of deep brown are edged with cream-white dots which look very much like bright lights. The butterfly's hind wings are also distinctive. They are dark at their base, but the outer wing area is a brilliant and breathtaking blue-green color. The hind wings' beauty is further accentuated by fiery orange dots and a series of large white markings along the wing edges. The spectacular blue-green color of these hind wings earned the butterfly his nickname, the Green-Clouded Swallowtail. Like many Swallowtails, the Spicebush bears exaggerated lobes on his hind wings. These serve an important purpose for the Swallowtail. When a predator spies the butterfly, on first glance he often cannot distinguish the creature's antennae from the lobes and therefore is not certain where to focus his attack. The resulting moments of indecision often give the Spicebush a moment in which to escape danger. As a caterpillar, the Spicebush is similarly equipped to elude predators. In this state, he bears four yellowish eyespots that frighten off birds and other predators. Asan added measure of protection, the caterpillar will sit in the middle of a leaf and draw the edges over himself to hide when he is not feeding. All the precaution is well rewarded, for later when the Spicebush Swallowtail emerges from his cocoon, he will reign as one of the most regal creatures of the woods.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1982 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB07630

Uploaded

April 25th, 2022

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