Old World Swallowtail
(Papilio machaon)
(Also called Common Yellow Swallowtail)
When I saw this I got so excited and rushed for my camera. It was fluttering around at such a speed, and so was I! I was worried I may not catch a photo – but I managed to get a couple, if somewhat blurred.
I was completely wowed by the size and the “tail” of this butterfly. I had never seen a swallowtail before!
Hope it visits again soon!
Words and Herbs 
What a wonderful visitor…I love when they visit!
It seems they are rare around here, making it all the more special!
Cathy, these are absolutely grand photos! Thank you!!! Last summer I saw the swallowtail for the first time in my life and I was exceedingly happy. This year I´ve seen this beautiful and rare butterfly fluttering through our garden already two times.
I also hope it visits again soon…
Thanks Elisabeth! I now understand your fascination with butterflies! I was like a child, jumping up and down! 😀
Isnt that cool to be able capture that moment?
Oh yes, I was so lucky it stuck around for a few minutes!
Beautiful! We also have a Swallowtail friend that visits our yard numerous times a day… sometimes flying around us for a special greeting..
How lovely to see them so frequently!
You managed to get some fabulous photos! I know it was a treat for you, and this post is a treat for us. 🙂
Thanks Robin! It certainly was a treat… an absolute delight!
Oh wie schön! Ich freu mich auch immer, wenn ich welche sehe. Nicht jedes Jahr habe ich das Glück. Vielleicht hast du das Glück und findest Raupen auf Dill oder Mohrrübenkraut. Liebe Grüsse!
Ich habe meine Fenchelpflanzen schon angeschaut…. leider nichts. Hoffentlich gibt es welche in einem Garten in der Nähe.
Great visitors!
😉
I love to visit your blog.
Love Dina
Thanks Dina! 😀
Lovely photos of a lovely butterfly.
It is very beautiful indeed. Thanks Mary!
Glad you got to see this butterfly!
So am I – hopefully not for the last time this year!
I think it will. You have something it likes. It looks like our eastern tiger swallowtail. I posted photos of it today.
I’ll take a look in a minute… It loved the Centranthus (Red valerian).
Happy first swallowtail. They’re common in Texas (and other parts of the USA, as some of your commenters have noted) but difficult to photograph, because they seldom stop fluttering.
Thanks Steve. Shame we don’t see them here more often.
How beautiful! I’ve not seen one either, very colorful markings!
Yes, the blue and red on the “tail” was quite vibrant. Hope you get to see one too! There seem to be many similar ones in the US.