Maybe it was a male and there was a female chrysalis hanging in the area he was interested in. I'm no good at differentiating male and female of most types of butterflies. So, if you're good at it, please don't take offense.

Martha

She was most likely testing the plant to lay eggs on this spring I was out on collecting butterfly mission and saw a tiger swallowtail doing the same thing but never laid and eggs. We're you close to her?

Yes, I was close to her. No, Martha, I am a true beginner! I am so happy to have found this forum, but I know that the questions I have sound so simple to the experts. But I guess that's the way to learn. Thanks.

Oh goodness Beth, never feel worried about asking any question here. Everyone is happy to be here and to share whatever information they can with the others. We are kindred spirits, and that is a beautiful thing indeed. I saw a similar scene just yesterday in my yard, only the butterfly in question was either a Question Mark or a Comma. I watched the butterfly lay an egg on an Elm tree, and then it fluttered around from tree to tree, landing briefly upon leaves and then moving to the next. They "taste" with their feet, and your butterfly might have just been trying to decide if the Camellia was the right plant for egg laying.
Angie

Beth, if you have any citrus in the area give it a check. There are a few others including wafer ash, and Hercules club also. They are very easy to raise also.