This is the very first Black Swallowtail butterfly I've seen this year. I've heard from several people that they haven't seen many butterflies. That's true for me, too. My Miss Huff Lantana is the prime butterfly magnet and it bloomed late this year. I'm just now beginning to see a few Skippers and Tiger Swallowtails.
Missing this year are Monarchs and there may be a troubling reason. Check out this post from Beautiful Wildlife Garden which explains the impact of last year's drought and use of herbicides on the Monarch.
Very Late First Monarch of the Season
I hope late summer will bring lots more butterflies. They add such beauty to the garden, hanging like exquisite ornaments on bright flowers.
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