Out of curiosity, I was wondering what kind of butterflies are most common in other states?
Zebra Long-wing is my state (Florida) butterfly. I have to admit that I don't ever remember seeing one in my local area. Ever! But today, one greeted me as I was walking up to my front door after an exhausting day at work. What a surprise!!! They are really cool looking butterflies! It was all over the lantana I have growing in pots in the front garden. I ran inside to grab my camera because I have never really seen one up close in the wild like that before. Unfortunately, it wouldn't stop long enough for me to get a sharp photo. But I sure enjoyed it's slow and casual flight all around me. They don't seem to be nervous or frightened by movement or human presence. (The only other butterfly that gets that close to me is the Monarch.) I really like this butterfly!!! Apparently, the Maypop/Passion vine is it's host plant! Of which I have several growing in my backyard! So..... I really hope they come and make a home in my yard! I'm really excited about seeing one!
Here's what they look like:
http://davesgarden.com/bf/go/95/
In my area in Florida, we get sulfurs, cabbage whites, skippers, Eastern Black Swallowtails, Queens, Gulf Fritillaries, and Monarchs. And of course, many small butterflies that I can't really see close enough to determine what exactly they are.
This message was edited Oct 26, 2006 4:35 PM
Most common butterfly by state ....
Congratulations! I also love the Zebra Longwings! And am disappointed that I haven't seen any this year or last year. The year before that, we had a great year with lots of the ZL butterflies and cats (the only year I've had the cats here).
I see Zebra long-wings just about every day, but they are outnumbered by the Monarchs...I see more of them than any other type.
I wonder if the Monarchs migrate south to Florida?Do you see that many year round, gardenpom?
Seems like I have gotten pictures of them all year round.
So they aren't "snowbirds ...er...snow butterflies"? Year round residents, better known as Florida crackers...... er......flyers? lol
We see Monarchs mostly all winter. They raise their cats on my mexican milkweed.