Hi everyone! I usually post in the daily thread, but I have so many pictures today that I thought I should start my own thread. All pictures were taken between 10am and 1pm today. It still amazes me how many different kinds of butterflies I have in my half-acre yard. Here's one of the yellow fellas - they're usually too fast for me, but they seem to be treating my blanket flowers like a rest stop.
I got so excited when I saw this one - it's the first White Peacock I've seen in my yard!
Since I've let the Spanish Needles grow, I've seen this Tropical Checkered Skipper a few times.
According to my book, the White Peacock is a stray in my part of Florida, so I'm glad to see it visiting me!
Duskywings like Spanish Needles too!
Then a Gulf Fritillary laid eggs right in front of me! I was wondering when I'd get a fresh crop of caterpillars. I gathered up all I could find this morning, and I guess I'll have to go round up some more in a few days.
Mom thought this was a neat picture.
I've seen crescents before, but not in my yard. They seem to like the Spanish Needles and some lantana that was growing near the road.
Then I finally saw Mom's mysterious "black and yellow" butterfly. It also helps confirm that the eggs on my pipevine are Polydamas ST eggs!
Here's another view. This guy must have stopped for less than 30 seconds. If I didn't have the plumbagos I don't think they'd ever stop.
This little guy was also hanging out in the plumbagos.
I also get these little bees in the blanket flowers. They buzz around as much as the butterflies.
This little orange skipper likes my Tampa Verbena. I wonder if he knows he slurping on an endangered species?
I think this is the Polydamas again. He came back a while later and I raced to get my gloves off so I could get this one shot.
I like the pattern on the duskywing lounging here on lantana.
After Mom got showered and dressed I gave her the tour and we found this hairstreak. She thought it was really pretty and I showed her how they rub their wings back and forth. I think this is the Gray Hairstreak.
And here's another view! hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did! : )
Melanie
Forgot one! This is a dainty sulphur, I believe. They're much smaller than the yellow one pictured above.
Melanie - Wow! You've had quite the photographic Butterfly watching day! Congrats on seeing all these visitors! I've been seeing a few more come through my yard to nectar and some of course are laying eggs again. (Sulphurs and Monarchs) But still not the numbers I remembered seeing last year at this time. Looks like you had an awesome day! :-)
Mom said she sees most of them fly by between 10 and 11 in the morning, and that was when I saw most of them. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get any gardening done because I'm running around chasing butterflies! I really think that since my porterweed started blooming it has attracted more of them to me. I was a little surprised and disappointed that I didn't see my Zebra longwings, but when I left to get lunch I saw some flying a little north of here. I think all the butterflies were out feeding after the three constant day of rain we had. They must have been hungry! I'm glad you're getting them in your area, too. Just remember, this winter when everyone else has snow, we'll still be posting pics of our lovely bfs!
Melanie
Yes .... you are probably right! My flowers seem to bloom year round here. :-)
Nice series of pics Mellie! Keep us posted on those Polys. Indeed prepare for a busy fall/winter too. You will see a lot more coming through then! Just ask Becky, lol she was covered in butterflies last fall.
:-D
I am hoping for a repeat performance this Fall/Winter! :-)
I was just thinking I need to take some cuttings from my passion vine and pipevine to make sure I have enough for food. If I get desperate I might have to go visit the botanical gardens.
Melanie
beautiful pics Melanie
Melanie, your photos are just so awesome!! You're a fountain of inspiration and knowledge, a real resource. I noticed, with my first little hairstreak the other day, how they rub their wings back and forth, I thought it was the little guy's own personal quirkiness. I learn something new everyday on this forum!!
