More information: Charles J. DeRoller et al, A cryptic new species of tiger swallowtail (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) from eastern North America, ZooKeys (2025). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1228.142202 ...

An Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly, South Carolina’s state butterfly, takes off from a wildflower. PHIL COALE AP Females for this species can be identified in two different forms.

As part of the Carolina Hills Garden Clubs workday, a Kannapolis, NC youth group from Piedmont Baptist Church assisted in cleaning up Billie's Butterfly Garden.

The proposal to list the monarch butterfly, and designate critical habitat, was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 12, when a 90-day comment period opened through March 12, 2025.

The monarch butterfly is widely recognized and widely dispersed across North America and it's in trouble. Federal officials decide soon whether it gets protection under the Endangered Species Act.

KEY QUOTE "The iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating lifecycle," U.S. FWS Director Martha Williams said in a statement.