I am happy that I continue to see quite a few butterflies during my visits to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Summer is definitely not over yet—today’s high temperature is forecast to be 97 degrees (36 degrees C) with a heat index well above 1oo degrees (38 degrees C)—but increasingly I am seeing signs that the seasons are starting to change.
I spotted this Black Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) recently as it fed upon some kind of leafy plant. The butterfly’s “tails” were fully intact, but there seemed to be a little damage to its wings and the wings seemed to be strangely separated from its body in the first photo. I am not sure if this is normal or not.
I am trying to decide if I will venture out into the heat today, seeking some of the late season dragonflies, like the Blue-faced Meadowhawk and the Fine-lined Emerald, that emerge onto the scene in early September. If I do go out, I will be sure to bring lots of water and will stay in the shade as much as I can.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I hope coolness finds its way soon as you continue seeking these beauties! I believe one did a “fly by” before my eyes yesterday! I tried to track it in my yard. Humidity is down here in SW MO today, Mike. I hope it’s headed your way soon!
Stay safe out in that heat! You guys up there are hotter than we are in central Florida today. I suspect your swallowtail is laying eggs. It looks like her body is curled up under her. You can see it below the wings in your second shot. Looks like she extending it into the leaves.
Thanks for alerting me to what was probably going on in the photo. I had not even considered the possibility that the butterfly was laying eggs.
so beautiful…I haven’t seen one in person for many years