Central Park's agressive butterflies

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Photo by Lloyd Spitalnik

I've heard of songbirds mobbing hawks and owls. This is the first time I've heard of a butterfly mobbing anything besides a flower. I would discount this report if it weren't from Ben Cacace, a meticulous reporter. It was part of his complete bird report posted on e-birds yesterday. You might enjoy checking out Ben's blog at novahunter.blogspot.com

DATE: Friday, 9 June 2006
LOCATION: Central Park
REPORTED BY: Ben Cacace

The most interesting sight was the mobbing of a male Mallard by a butterfly that appeared to be an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The Mallard would duck as the butterfly struck its head. After quite a few strikes both the male & female headed into the water which ended the attack. The Mallards were resting on the east edge of the reservoir.