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Dust In My Eyes
McClure, Christopher P.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

 Subtle Differences

It is sometimes the little things that make all the difference.  I'm certain there is some deep application for this minor observation, but this morning as I write, the brain fog obscures whatever brilliant revelation may be hidden there.  Fortunately, I have an illustration.

The bright yellow Tiger Swallowtails have been in abundance here on our small piece of the world recently.  Once the signs of Spring became sincere rather than a quiet creeping of swelling buds and surging stems of daffodils, they began making their way into our view as they fluttered between the early blooms of flowers pushing through the dry mats of last year's grasses, or into the blossoms of early blooming trees.

I thought they were all of the same until I looked more closely at the pictures and did some research.

In the photo is what I believe to be a male Tiger Swallowtail.  He is slightly less showy than his female counterpart and doesn't have the blue and red spots of the female seen below.  Am I correct?

Let me know in the comments.  I know someone out there is bound to be an expert.


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