I had just fashioned a little butterfly snack bar out of an upside down funnel on a bamboo stake, with some mashed ripe banana in it, and checking on it a half hour later, I found this tiny butterfly having a go at it. He's a very interesting little thing, there are small black hairs, like little eyelashes, on the back of his wings. It almost looked like he was moving them, but it might have been a slight movement of the air. Anybody seen one of these guys before?
Here's another shot of my new little friend. See the little hairs on his back wings? Doesn't the banana look yummy!!!
I believe it's a Hairstreak. But I'll leave it to the experts to tell you which one. Great photos!
Carla
it is a Red-banded Hairstreak. Great pics
Thanks very much Carla and Donna!!! This little creature was so co-operative, he was SO happy dining on the banana. I think he's one of the smallest butterflies I've ever seen, and the detail in his design was just beautiful. Thanks for identifying him for me!! It's funny, I'd just put out the "banana cafe", and he appeared; I've never seen one of his kind before! What a great day!!!
Usually they nectar on flowers. Surprised you got one on the bananas! Very cool photo!
WOW!!! That is something! A hairstreak on fruit. Never seen that before and we get gobs of butterfly species on fruit and bait stations out here.
I am impressed!!! Way to go!!!
~ Cat
Sweet little critter, and great photo! You need to add it to the bugfiles, they only have 3 pics so far.
http://davesgarden.com/bf/go/416/
Beautiful butterfly Thea. You must have a butterfly haven there. Lucky you. That is one of the prettiest butterflies I have seen. I looked it up and he does not come to my part of the country. Oh well. I will enjoy your pics. Thanks for sharing Thea.
Still waiting for your babies to eclose.
Leslie
Hey there all!! So you can attract butterflies with some fruit. I was not awre of that because I was always just focusing on the plants. Can some give me more info on this? I would appreciate it. Thanks!!
Lisa
PS awesome photos!!!
they like bananas, figs, mangos etc. lots of different over ripe fruits
Citrus and bananas are always a hit.
~ Cat
Cat!! What a picture, who are they, feeding on the oranges? Do you just cut the oranges in half to put out for them? I've had rotting bananas out in my garden but really haven't had much activity at the feeding station, I'm disappointed.
