That was indeed a nice Checkered White, mjs! They pretty much live in the medians of the interstate; I watch them on the way home from work when I'm stuck in traffic. I got really mad last time they mowed. What were the caterpillars supposed to eat if they mowed the peppergrass down?
I think it's important to remember that a common butterfly for you can be a wonderful surprise for someone else. I take my Cassius Blues for granted because they are permanent residents on the plumbagos in front of my house. So it's nice to see someone get excited. I don't see Painted Ladies often so I freak out a little; just like when I saw the Silver Spotted Skipper. And yes, the books don't know it all - but getting one specific to your region or state usually helps. That's where I found out about my Dorantes Skipper!
Ok, everyone knows how much I like butterfly porn. So this weekend I volunteered on Sat and Sun at the museum since I had Friday off and the manager of the butterfly garden was taking a short vacation. The first thing I usually do is free the butterflies who have emerged since they're usually flapping around like crazy in their little boxes. I walk over to the flight cage and right at eye level, on the screen door, is two Giant STs having sex!
That was at 9:00 and when I left at 11:30, they were still at it! I had lots of fun pointing them out to people. By the way, kids are apparently learning lots about butterflies in school because I have some really smart kids come through and they really know a lot. Some of them have even raised Monarchs or Painted Ladies.
In other exciting news, I captured a female Sleepy Orange while she was ovipositing in the garden. I put her in a hamper with some cassia so I'm hoping she laid us a lot of eggs. I went outside and collected some, too. Oh, and the vacant lot across the street from me had more Dainty Sulphur eggs so I'm raising them again. Luckily, my Polys are all getting in their slings which is good since my pipevine is now leafless. My one Zebra Longwing cat is almost fully grown; I still can't be sure about the little ones but they're about to molt again so we'll see if they be Frit or Longwing.
Melanie
