extraordinary ordinary

many times over the years i have carried a handful of queen-annes-lace home to photograph, only to find out on closer inspection that i have also carried home a hitchhiking black swallowtail caterpillar. but only twice have they remained in the house long enough to form a chrysalis. the lifespan of a swallowtail is short: 1 week as an egg, 3-4 weeks as a caterpillar, 2 weeks as a chrysalis, and 1-2 weeks as a butterfly. two months from beginning to end. brief and beautiful visitors on earth. wiki tells me that swallowtails are common east of the rocky mountains. and although i do see them every summer, it is always a welcome visitation. their 5 inch wingspan just fills the palm. and their weightless beauty overflows.

(eastern) black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes)