Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Tiger Swallowtail" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Tiger Swallowtail/Michigan stamp issued June 13, 1987.
Probably no other butterfly is as familiar in North America as the yellow and black Tiger Swallowtail. Although primarily a resident of woodlands and prairies its preference for garden flowers often brings it into towns and even large cities. The various Tiger Swallowtail species are well distributed throughout the country. In the north it is small and pastel-colored with a brown base, while the Tiger Swallowtails of the deep south are larger and much more vibrant in color with a black base. Belying their delicate beauty, Tiger Swallowtails are strong flyers and can be frequently found visiting mud puddles and brackish waters. They are also apparently attracted to tobacco smoke. A wide variety of ornamental trees such as the wild cherry, birch, poplar, ash, and basswood, provide food for the hungry orange and black striped green larva. While in its pupal stage, the Tiger Swallowtail carefully constructs a one leaf nest by folding the leaf's edges. Then it emerges as a colorful adult once again ready to flutter over the fields and woods.
Image Size: 11 x 11 in.
Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in.
Unframed.
(B10589)
Condition
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