_just living is not enough,_ said the butterfly, _one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower._

_{**Hans Christian Andersen**}
***Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly***

Facts

* native to eastern North America eastern coast from Ontario to Florida (sometimes found in Turkey) * it is the state butterfly of 6 states - Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas * it's new to me - I have never seen one until last weekend * the male is yellow with black stripes and the female is black with yellow stripes with a blue band on the hind wing * their wing span is 7.9 to 14 cm (3.1 to 5.5 in) * in caterpillar stage they have an amazing defence against predators - hawks, crows and other black birds, owls, squirrels, oposums, raccoons, hornets to name a few. * the caterpillar mimics the shape and color of bird droppings - they also have a gland that secrets a foul smelling substance to repel their enemies * some adult females can imitate the sound/cry of the poisonous blue swallowtail * their life span is only one month https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNepuN3M14oZn13V68NSMnxQujmErWGkt6Y2jTu3FVsvj/DSC_1768.jpg https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmagkQR9n1yW9LubFh8jTFj9JHyagiYbB746dMsbR9hgo7/DSC_1770.jpg https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmd9bUWhnJCUuFqBcqwELK1hKFrMDVY9WWBH7HMHC4nL4P/DSC_1769.jpg [Butterflies of Canada](http://www.cbif.gc.ca/eng/species-bank/butterflies-of-canada/canadian-tiger-swallowtail/?id=1370403265567) [Bright Hub](https://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/81124.aspx) [Animal Spot](http://www.animalspot.net/eastern-tiger-swallowtail.html)

_all photos by https://steemitimages.com/DQmcGwYA2deJhygCT1CvvLkdZxN9GcKGzYB7C6gJXWfiHJ7/p-trans.png Nikon D3100 Nikkor Lens 55mm-200mm Adobe Lightroom_

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Note

I am going to be taking some time away from Steemit for the summer. My plan is to travel - I have two places in mind. Also I have several small road trips planned to small towns in Ontario. Enjoy your summer everyone and be well. https://s22.postimg.cc/aqx9risld/DSC_1764.jpg