Had to drive out to the ranch today for a quick errand but couldn't resist taking a look around while I was there. In a patch of grass about 6 feet by 3 feet there were at least 50 Ceraunus Blue butterflies in several clusters. There are twelve or thirteen in this photo.
~ Cat
...and another dozen in this photo.
~ Cat
Those are lovely! I'm happy with one or two butterflies- I'm jealous!
Jenny
wow Cat. I need to move to S. TX you all get the best butterflies
Wow! I want GOBS of those! ...or anything actually. Lots of action but my area takes time for the GOBS to locate. lol ...waiting on my Monarchs...
I was so thrilled to see so many of those little butterflies together in one area. There are times you can't even find one...let alone so many.
I still can't think of what was in the grass in that area that attracted them. Maybe dogs? :o) Will be heading back out to the ranch this weekend...am going to see if I can remember to set up a dish of fish emulsion or salty minerals and see if they will all land on that. Am hoping they will still be there and they will all congregate in the dish and pose for a photo!!! :o)
I know the southern dogfaces like to perch on the sides of the miracle grow box. It got wet and the stuff leached out to the cardboard...they are little mineral chrystals on the outside of the box and those butterflies can sit there for hours.
~ Cat
Cat!
Great shot and great info! I'd never even thought of Fish emulsion! Whats a miricle gro box?? Think it'll work in West Central FL? The bait hasen't.... :(
Adrienne
Miracle Grow...that blue fertilizer stuff...miracle gro? Can't remember how it's spelled...but sometimes we buy it in bulk and leave it outside on the back porch but more times than not it gets wet and the blue stuff leaks out...the cardboard box it is in soaks it up and as it dries up little mineral crystals form. Some butterflies like that stuff...don't know if it's bad for them...but can't keep them away from it!
~ Cat
Those butterflies are so beautiful they look like they are made of a delicate frosting!!!
Great pic of the blues! So many!
Welcome back Paige!!! Hope all is well with you and your family.
Thanks ya'll. I went back out to the ranch today but no sign of any clusters. A few here and there but nothing different to photograph as far as the Ceraunus Blues go. Did see a lone Cassius or Marine Blue. Don't know which it is as I have trouble telling them apart :o) Perhaps one of ya'll can help me figure it out.
~ Cat
