We were admiring Rosalie's zinnias, looking for deadheads to gather for seeds, and this Spicebush Swallowtail came to visit too.  

 

I can never tell from the description in the book which is the male and which is the female, (this one is definitely one or the other) but I am sure it is a Spicebush Swallowtail, also called "Green-clouded Swallowtail."  See the greenish cloud?  

 

Another way I know that this is a Spicebush Swallowtail is because there are a bunch of Spicebushes down on the Creekside Trail, and we've seen their caterpillars down there.  Spicebush is most distinctive in early spring when it's blooming.  I'll get you a picture then.  

 

Meanwhile, I love seeing butterflies in my garden, and all around the neighborhood.  They feel like flying flowers.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!