Orange Dog

This gorgeous butterfly, known as an “orange dog” or “giant swallowtail” wandered into our yard last week and landed on the wild grapevine that covers the garage wall behind our herb garden.

I had never seen this particular butterfly before—or more likely I had seen it but not really noticed it. The geometrical pattern on its wings when resting is both beautiful and mystifying. Since I saw this particular butterfly, I’ve been watching and I’ve seen two more orange dogs. When they are flying there is nothing very notable, but when they land they are spectacular.