Finally this year I’ve seen Eastern Tiger Swallowtails laying eggs on my Sweet Bay Magnolia. I planted the Sweet Bay Magnolia as it is more bush-like than the Tulip tree in the front yard. The top is now about seven feet high. I do keep it trimmed downed just so I can see the eggs when they are laid. It’s interesting that it’s August 22nd – fairly late in the season.
I’m assuming they will stay in the chrysalis form over winter, much like Black Swallowtails.
This has been a very good year for the Tigers – I can usually count on seeing at least one, but frequently two or three of them in the garden every day.
Butterfly Gardening 