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| A Giant Swallowtail Butterfly on Fisherman's Island. Photo taken by Rea Manderino |
Welcome to the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory blog for postings of programs, activities and photos of unusual birds and butterflies around Virginia. To LEARN more about our nonprofit work, SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter, and SUPPORT us, visit our website at www.vawildliferesearch.org. "Protecting Wildlife through Field Research, Education and Habitat Conservation for Over 25 Years"
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk, by Steve Thornhill
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Giant Swallowtail Butterly
CVWO's Monarch Biologist, Rea Manderino, found several Giant Swallowtail Butterflies between September 16-30 of this year. The Giant Swallowtail is a rare visitor to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, only being spotted once last year. The Giant Swallowtail mainly feeds on citrus, but also feeds on Hercule's Club (Aralia spinosa) which is found on Fisherman's Island. Five of the seven sightings were on Fisherman's Island, while two took place at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. There were are least four different individuals identified, which suggests that this species of butterfly is becoming less rare in the area.
~Katie
