I found this little guy on my PF. Any ideas?
Sharon
ID Please
Another pic, head shot - it was on my ficus
Sharon - I can't be sure from your photos, but it looks like a long-tailed Skipper. I have been getting them in my garden alot lately. When I first spotted one, I thought it was a hummer because it flies and feeds similiar to a hummer.
It moves so fast let me try another pic...
Here are a couple of better pics - I got lucky - it landed right next to me!
And one more...
What a beautiful red Passion Flower vine! Lovely!
This message was edited Oct 11, 2006 2:23 PM
This message was edited Oct 11, 2006 2:29 PM
Check out this link for photos and possible verification that it might be a Long-tailed Skipper:
http://davesgarden.com/bf/go/257/
Becky - you are right! Thank you! I think it's so pretty! We've got 3 that I've found so far.
Thank you for the compliment on my Lady Margaret. I've made several posts about how large it's getting. It's getting bigger everyday!
I had to back up into the house to get it all in the frame!
Sharon
Wow! Your PF vine is amazing! Thanks for posting the entire vine photo!
Looks like the Long Tailed Skipper...urbanus proteus...we get down here.
I received a link from the Texas Butterfly List server that shows an awesome photo of what the caterpillar looks like for anyone who wants a looksee.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2760161910046103377fSRgzc
Thanks! Very cool pictures! It's nice to know what to look for. I've always loved butterflies, but just now getting into the whole cat/butterfly addiction!
We have a pair of skippers on our duranta just about daily. They love it. Karen
I've had several of these little guys around for the last week. They flutter around me while I'm outside, I have to say they aren't scared of me at all!
I've been seeing more and more of those long-tailed skippers in my yard, too. They love the nectar of my giant porterweed. There must be a host plant somewhere in my yard or nearby to have them multiplying like they have been. Hmmmmm ..... Let me look it up in my trusty reference book. Well, well .... here it is ..... Beggarweed! It grows wild in the woods near me. It's an annoying little plant that has seeds that stick to your clothes, shoe laces, etc. Well, how about that! They have a higher purpose ..... they are a skipper host plant! I'll never look at weeds the same way again. lol!
Sharon - Enjoy your lively little skippers! :-)
Ahha! Beggar weed - I've just seen signs of those around. My poor Prissy had some between hers toes and was chewing them out! Who knew they actually did any good?!!
Thank you again Becky! PS - which reference book do you have?
Sharon - My dog does the same thing - poor pooches! I believe there is something about the seeds that also irritates the skin. We also call them hitchhiker plants since those annoying little seeds attach themselves to everything fabric or fur.
The reference book that I use is "Florida Butterfly Gardening" by Marc and Maria Minno. I stumbled upon this book over the summer and use it constantly. It's my bedside book! The University Press of Florida is the publisher. A wonderful book for those who garden for butterflies in Florida, IMHO!
This message was edited Oct 13, 2006 8:02 AM