The Butterfly Dunes

A photographic journal of a Central Florida wildlife habitat created for butterflies, caterpillars, bees, hummingbirds, and other insects that inhabit this area.

The Giant Swallowtail Life Cycle

Papilio cresphontes

“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” ― Carl Sagan, “Cosmos

The Giant Swallowtail is a common site in Florida gardens. They nectar on many types of flowers (Tithonia in this photo).
Their caterpillars use several plants as larval hosts, including Lime Prickly Ash and citrus.
Nectar flower is Globe Amaranth
“Dog and Butterfly”. Giant Swallowtail raised in captivity and released. Picture with Mack taken before release.
Nectar flower Russelia sarmentosa
Milkweed is the host for Monarchs, but most butterflies love the blooms!
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