Spicebush Butterfly

I looked for them several times on the Lower Trail of Marcy Woods. Not one this year. Someone beat me to them. What am I looking for? Chrysalises of the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Spicebushes border the north and east side of the Trail. I have seen as many as nine of the Spicebush chrysalises attached to the leaves of the spicebush found in Marcy Woods. My Audubon guide says. “ A grand and beautiful butterfly.” That’s right. It’s my favourite. I have sketched one. Its wings are a beautiful and brilliant blue-green. I recall the bright orange spots. How they stand out. These butterflies feed mainly on Joe Pye weed and Jewelweed that are found in the Marcy lower fields in great profusion. I am going out again this Saturday. One More look.