Tiger Swallowtail On Thistle

Another of our Native Plant Notecards

Description on back of card;

Cirsium occidentale

The jagged outline and spiny foliage of our native California Thistle lend a coarse rugged character to wildflower gardens, while the nectar of its furry purple flowers lure butterflies of many species. Thistles are commonly found in open areas of the forest, and by roadsides, or scattered across the vacant lots of Big Bear Valley. They are in the sunflower family.

Papilio rutulus

This gorgeous swallowtail inhabits woodlands near streams and residential neighborhoods. In Big Bear they feed upon willow, quaking aspen and a variety of wildflowers, including thistle, milkweed and penstemons. The female lays green spherical eggs, singly, on the undersides of leaves. She may deposit several eggs on the same leaf.