Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: DAILY BUTTERFLIES Page 67, 1 by mellielong

mellielong wrote:
In other news, one of my co-workers liked my talk at "Bring Your Child to Work Day" so she invited me to come talk at her Vacation Bible School. I gave the talk last night and those kids were so fun. Mom came along as my assistant and walked around showing things to the kids as I talked about them. I borrowed a net from the museum and Mom and I caught various butterflies in our yard (she freed them this morning). I wanted to show them the diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors. They loved petting the caterpillars, especially the Monarchs. The brave ones believed me when I said the Gulf Frit wouldn't sting them. I also brought the two Tersa Sphinx moth pupa and they loved watching them squirm in their hands. My co-worker thought they were ugly so I pulled out my book to show her what they turn into and then reminded her that all of God's creatures are beautiful, lol! It was a lot of fun and I highly recommend everyone share their knowledge and passion with as many people as they can. I think one of my other co-workers has already claimed me for the Great American Teach-In this fall!


When I was out collecting various cats for the kids, I found some more skippers - eggs on my beans and a few cats on the desmodium. Looking closer, I noticed that two cats on the desmodium appear to be Dorantes skippers (as opposed to the Long-Tailed Skippers)! Notice the lack of a yellow line down the side and the plain brown head capsule. I knew I had seen some flying around the yard so I'm glad I found cats. My first Dorantes is still in his chrysalis but then again, so is the Long-Tailed Skipper who went in about the same time. I keep yelling at them to come out but it hasn't worked yet.

Melanie