I got to see these Pipevine babies hatch. A first for me. See them eating their eggs shells
In the right place at the right time
Now, tell me - jes how much cooler than kool, can that be!?!
((congrats, Donna B))
- Magpye
WOW Donna! Great photo of the gregarious bunch....make that two bunches :o) Wonder if they knew which egg to eat - strange considering pipevines like to lay little clusters :o)
Keep us posted on their growth.
By the way, what species of pipevine are they eating? So far I've only seen them eat aristolochia erecta and aristolochia fimbriata down here in south Texas.
I have other species I've received in trades recently so perhaps this fall season the butterflies will find them and try them out.
~ Cat
That IS cool! Definately in the right place at the right time. And with your camera too! Keep us posted, Donna, on their growth progress.
Magpye it was just to darn hot to do anything but take a quick stroll through the yard with camera in hand to check on the egg progress and anything else that may have been going on. I picked the perfect moment.
Cat that is the Gigantea Brasiliansis.
There are more egg clusters too that haven't hatched. All our butterflies are just coming in good now. Strangely I haven't seen the first Sulphur yet. I see the long-tailed Skippers that just arrived have laid on the clitoria vine. Have had a couple of Gulf Frits and Monarch come through but haven't found any cats. Don't know if the heavy rains we have had over the last 2 weeks knocked the eggs off or if Spiders or wasps are getting the eggs.
Yesterday had my first Red-banded Hairstreak arrive but I wasn't pleased to find it in the jaws of a Spider grrrr. He was so camoflauged I didn't see it for a minute there. Yellow just like the flower. Found another one today. They are so friendly. I can put my camera right up to it.
another Red-banded Hairstreak today
also today some puddling action with 2 Tigers and a Spicebush
Donna,
Awesome photos of the Red-Banded HS!!! Bummer about the spider though. Love that puddling action too! Way cool!!! They look so much like our Dusky Blue Groundstreaks...but the RBHS have thicker red markings.
You mentioned long-tailed skippers laying on the clitoria vine? Are you talking about urbanus proteus? The ones with the turquoise coloring on their backs? I do hope so!!! We get those here but I haven't seen any this year. I have several blue pea vines growing this year...so do hope they'll make use of them.
So far, just lots of brown longtails (urbanus procne) but they use grasses as a larval host.
~ Cat
yes Cat that's the one
Really nice pictures, Donna. : )
I have a Gigantea Brasiliansis that I just bought awhile back. How much sun or shade do you have yours in? I'm debating on where to plant mine.
~Lucy
Lucy it really only gets some direct morning sun but bright light the rest of the time. I know some types need part to mostly shade. Mine are doing well so far. They were just planted this spring. I think I would plant it where it gets afternoon shade or only bright light give the temps and humidity here.
I am enjoying all of your photos, Donna! Love all the baby cats on the vine! What a great shot! :-) We have been getting afternoon rain here every day and I am now seeing more butterflies come through my yard. Makes me think the previous drought conditions were reducing the butterfly population or either they are starting to migrate through here. (Though it seems a bit early for that!)
no it is time for them to migrate to us. Late July to August
Thanks Donna, I will plant it with just morning sun, and bright shade the rest of the day. : )
I noticed one at a nursery that was in pretty much full sun, but I'm afraid to try that.
~Lucy