Giant Swallowtails

Early in the summer, we were surprised to see a giant swallowtail butterfly on the rue plant. We like to eat our breakfast on the deck where we can watch the fauna and flora in our backyard. This butterfly laid eggs and Hubby put them in a netted enclosure and we watched over the days as they hatched and the caterpillars grew. 

Then they formed a very unique chrysalis which was quite large and they stayed in it for a very long time.

Finally, just a few days ago, they emerged, two at a time.  They are beautiful and huge,black on top and yellow underneath.