It’s a diverse family, with more than 500 swallowtail butterfly species fluttering over six continents. Most are tropical, but about 25 kinds are found regularly in the United States and Canada.

These large butterflies do not migrate like monarchs. They glide through fields and farmlands and frequent urban landscapes.

It was immediately apparent to me that this was a black butterfly that belonged to the “swallowtail” group. The butterfly landed, and opened its wings flat so I could get a great photo of what I call ...