Our pastures and my garden are full of Brown-Eyed Susan. They area attracting lots of butterflies. I took a number of photos thinking I'd blurred the photo by moving the camera. Finally, I took a good look at the butterfly and was surprised to see that the blur was real. This blur makes it difficult to see where the wings end and the butterfly body starts. Good protective ploy.
Another photo of the Painted Lady with the underside of the wing visible and showing a big red angry face.
I think s/he looks pretty nice myself!
Beautiful!!! :-)
bettydee, your second picture showing the underside of the wings is not a Painted Lady, it is a lovely clear picture of one of the Hairstreaks, possibly the Banded Hairstreak Satyrium calanus http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/usa/355.htm
Veronica, you have just encounter the BEST butterfly identifier on DG!
DG!
Yup, Ken amazes me all the time! :-)
-Julie
Kennedyh,
Thanks for the information on the Hairstreaks. I didn't know what I had. I asked around and was told it was Painted Lady. I might need your help again. All these wildflowers are attracting lots of butterflies.
Your first picture is a Painted Lady. The second one is not the same butterfly, it's a Hairstreak. They are smaller and SO cute!
And, Paige (konkreteblond) is our butterfly teacher!
I am not sure where to put this message but I guess here is as good a place as any. We have had very few butterflies so far this growing season. I don't know what is causing it but anyone can advise, I would appreciate it. This morning I saw the first Gulf Frittallary (sp?). I have been especially trying to attract GF's as I have just planted two passion vines. I was ecstatic. It is amazing how a thing of beauty can alter a day.
Thanks,
Chuck
