Posts Tagged: Centranthus ruber

Close Shave on Jupiter's Beard

The Western tiger swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is the kind of butterfly that combines steel with silk. It's a tough critter. Often you'll see it with its wings clipped by a predator--maybe a bird or a praying mantis. Then when you see it glide around,...

Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, glides on Jupiter's beard, Centranthus ruber. This one is missing part of its wing structure, no thanks to a predator. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, glides on Jupiter's beard, Centranthus ruber. This one is missing part of its wing structure, no thanks to a predator. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Western tiger swallowtail swoops down for a little nectar on Jupiter's beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Western tiger swallowtail swoops down for a little nectar on Jupiter's beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Western tiger swallowtail sipping nectar from Jupiter's beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Western tiger swallowtail sipping nectar from Jupiter's beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

This Beard Never Looked So Good

Aah, is there anything more beautiful than pipevine swallowtails nectaring on the rosy pink blossoms of Jupiter's Beard? Butterfly expert Art Shapiro, distinguished professor of evolution and ecology at the University of California, Davis, monitors...

Jupiter's Beard and a single pipevine swallowtail. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Jupiter's Beard and a single pipevine swallowtail. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Close-up of pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor, on Jupiter's Beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Close-up of pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor, on Jupiter's Beard. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

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