Saw a Polydamas Swallowtail circling the pipevine this afternoon. I was just leaving and caught a glimpse, but didn't have time to get the camera. They are usually too fast for me to photo anyways! I looked for eggs on the pipevine, but didn't see any. Time will tell. I gave the pipevine an extra dose of watering so it can grow more, therefore more food for the cats!
Cathy
DAILY BUTTERFLIES Page 26
Deb, thanks for those links. I loved the kitten and the crow. What a good neighbor you have.
I love the moths, but I do take the tomato hornworms off my tomatoes and take them way out in the woods.
Enjoyed those subsouth butterflies,, thanks for sharing.
Elaine
Cathy, I'd love to see those b.f. I've a vine that survived our winter here last year. I hope it will persist through this winter as well, and I'm looking forward to see these b.f. and cats.
Kim
Martha, yep that's the book. I need to take it with me hiking. I also like the way it's organized; it's very helpful. I'll have to check out that book you mentioned; it's sounds like something I'd like. Right now I'm reading the journals of Lewis and Clark. It must have been fun to see so many new species and get to describe them to the rest of the country. (I'm glad you're a regular on this forum, too!)
You know, I found myself checking my pipevine today when I went out to get passion vine for my Gulf Frit (found another caterpillar, too). I told myself I hadn't seen a Polydamas in at least a month, but the hope was still there. I'm glad to know they're hanging out a little south of here. Hopefully, they head a little further south; temps are supposed to drop into the 30s here in a couple of days. Another advantage to natives - I don't have to get out there and drape them with old bedsheets.
Melanie
All right Northerners - it's supposed to get cold here tomorrow night, but today was beautiful. Fortunately, my latest zebra swallowtail seemed to know today was the day to eclose. Here it was just a couple minutes after.
This one seemed to take a long time to dry. I always know when they're "ready for takeoff" because they squirt you right before. Of course, there's also a liquid that comes out when they first eclose. In fact, this bf had (kind of greenish) droplets on his tails, and it seemed to keep them sticking together and he couldn't spread his wings all the way open. I took the edge of my tshirt and dried him off and he seemed fine. I was in the middle of planting pansies, so I set him on my cassia until I was done. Then, we toured the neighborhood until it was time to fly away.
Ready for his close-up! You can see the veins in this one. When they're drying I can see the veins look like they have a greenish liquid going through them. Perhaps that's what I saw on the tails as well?
So while I had the ZST drying on my hand, I tried taking pictures of other butterflies. Here was a long-tailed skipper on my bougainvillea.
Then, I saw one on the porterweed. Look at the tails on this one! It looks like he's deflected a few attacks.
I've been wearing a pedometer lately to try and monitor how many steps I take each day. The idea is to increase my activity level. So since I had a butterfly drying on my hand and I needed to get my count up, I took a walk down the street. I saw a medium-sized yellow sulphur, and a Gulf Frit that was way too fast for me. Just for you guys, I walked to the end of the street where my neighbor has all her "wildflowers". Sure enough, she had three zebra longwings on her porterweed. I'm so jealous!
After the ZST flew away, I went to attacking some bad bugs. There was a HUGE wasp nest on my parent's window so I sprayed that. Then, I was spreading Amdro on the fire ants. As I was doing that, I saw something white fly around. To my surprise, when it stopped I saw it was a Tropical Checkered Skipper! I haven't seen one of these guys in months; where have they been? That's all from Tampa today; I hope all the butterflies find warm places to stay for the next few days!
Melanie
Melanie - Gorgeous butterflies and photos!!! I didn't know a cold front was coming our way. I read that Wednesday the temps are supposed to be around 37 degrees at the low and only 50's as a high, but this is only for a few days. Are you supposed to get freezing temps?
I have been getting lots of butterflies here lately. Been back and forth to the hospital, but catch them in the morning in my garden beds along with the hummer. My mother went home yesterday and I am taking a break today. My brother has her covered today. I saw Queens, Monarchs, White Peacocks, Zebra Longwings, and some Sulphurs today in my garden. I video-taped the visitors and posted it on YouTube. I had to lower the resolution quality because they only allow a max of 100 MB per video. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzWL75K_Mgg
Becky, they're calling for 34 in Tampa on Thursday and I live north of the city so we tend to get a little cooler. The cold front must have slowed down; they had been saying Sunday and Monday would be cold. The only plants I worry about are my bromeliads, but they get a lot of shelter from my oak trees. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting some more rain and getting cooler temps and lower humidity.
What's going on with your mom? I hope she's doing all right. I'm sure your butterfly video would cheer her up; I really enjoyed it. In fact, I mentioned the White Peacocks and Dad came over to watch, too. He loves those things. I need to get some of that Bacopa so I can raise them!
Nice video Becky! Those two WPs bickering at the end were so cute!
Cathy
I've seen butterflies do that on my blanket flower. It's like, I stand there and tell them there are many flowers to choose from, but they always seem to want the one the other guy is on. I guess even butterflies feel envy, LOL!
I don't remember if I got to share this or not, but Mom had a small epiphany the other day. One of the zebra ST eclosed and she emailed me at work. Apparently, she had never noticed that (some) butterflies have four wings. Her email said something like, "This butterfly has two wings on each side; I've never seen anything like it!" I then got to explain about forewings and hindwings. I must admit, even though I knew that, I still love looking at their structure when they're drying their wings. When we draw butterflies, we always show two wings, but it's amazing how the two on each side overlap to make some of the interesting patterns we see as "one".
Glad y'all enjoyed my short clip. I am finally using my camera for something other than my daughter playing in the school band. LOL! I am having fun figuring out the best way to capture the creatures on camera. I may go looking for night creatures next! LOL! :-)
Melanie - My mother had by-pass surgery on December 20th, so I have been on the go since then. I posted on the prayer forum: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/759709/
Thanks for your concern. She is doing well at this time. :-)
Becky, I did not know about your mother until now. I am happy that she is home and recovering well. My mom had a triple bypass. Afterwards she bounced around everywhere. It changed her life. The doctors told her that bypasses usually last about ten years. Sure enough, ten years later mom had another bypass. She again regained her health for many good years. That was long ago. My mom is now deceased.
I loved your video. It was fascinating. Melanie, likewise I loved your pix. They were so clear and beautiful. Y'all are real professionals. I feel sooooooo inexperienced. My only find was a stupid army worm. All of our BFs have gone south, I guess. It's supposed to get down to 24° here Tuesday night. It looks as if Florida is the only state with any warmth. Maybe southern TX too. Keep the pics coming so we can enjoy them thru the winter.
Martha
Martha - Thanks for the encouragement about bypass. I am so glad to hear that it extended your mother's life for many, many more years. I am sorry to hear that she has since passed away.
As far as me being a professional ... LOL! Not hardly. I just happen to enjoy photography and video recording. It's just something that my mother says I took a liking to when I was very young and I still enjoy playing around with my cameras. The cameras today are so easy to use that it's hard to mess up the pictures these days. Everything is automatic and sharply focused! LOL!
I am amazed at how warm it still is here. I am soooo looking forward to some cooler weather so that I can get out and work in the yard. Right now it is too hot and muggy! (sheesh!) This weather for October, not almost January. So crazy how the weather is these days.
What kind of camera do you have, Becky?
Martha
Martha - Thanks for the compliments on my videos. I mainly took the video just to prove to everyone that I do indeed have a hummer coming to my yard! LOL! But now it is becoming so much fun to make videos about this little bird!
I bought a Panasonic PV-GS250 video camcorder. I bought it a couple of years ago when it first came out and it was a bit on the pricey side. Now it is much cheaper.
I don't remember how many pixels. I can't find my instruction book, but it came with the standard stuff including a remote control. I plan to try out that remote control next. I have to get a new battery as the one in it is dead. I bought an extra rechargeable battery for it and the tripod and a small rechargeble top-mount spot light. You might want to look it up on an internet search to find out more info.
I really like this camera! But there are so many out there now and all the prices are very reasonable. So I don't know how good it is compared to other camcorders. It is very small compared to the big clunky ones from years ago! I had one of those! LOL!
Since my little hummer is pretty predictable first thing in the morning, I can set the camcorder up on a tripod and start recording and walk away and wait. Usually within 5-10 minutes of filming, she arrives at the feeders. I have several video editor programs that I use to create and edit these short video clips. The editing programs I use didn't come with the camera. I use Roxio Movie Studio. (I think someone bought them out ... possibly Sonic.) When I upload a video to YouTube it only allows you to upload a max of 100 MB. So I have to keep the videos very short.
Anyway, I hope this helps. I usually do an internet search under "Digital Camcorder Product Reviews" to see which are rated the best. That's what made me decide on the one I bought for the price range I was looking for. Good luck finding the best one for you if you are looking for one yourself! Thanks for asking! ~Becky~
Becky, I'm just beginning to learn how to operate my digital camera! It is a Kodac Z812 IS. I don't seem to have a handle on close-up focusing. My Kodac takes videos too. I haven't tried that yet. But after I master my digital, I might consider a camcorder! See, you are a professional after all!
Martha
Becky, I'm glad your mom is doing well, what a great holiday gift!
Your videos are so nice- the butterflies, lovely background music, and that little hummer- all such a joy to watch.
Martha, keep with it on your close up focusing, I have definitely gotten better at it with time (and patience)! I did find that the video is about the easiest thing to do on the camera! On mine, I just turn the knob to the little old fashioned projector looking symbol and hit the button, then again when it's time to stop. I haven't messed that up yet! Mine is a little Nikon CoolPix 5600.
For the last two afternoons, I've seen a Polydamas ST browsing in the garden. She is so fast that there's no way I could catch her with a photo, but I think I'll be prepared today with the camera set on video, sitting on the table in the garden.
This trellis has a pipevine inside, with some hyacinth beans and cardinal creeper on the outer 4 panels. Hopefully she finds the pipevine today and lays eggs!
Cathy
Just did my morning walkabout, a little late today!, and snapped this cool look of "snow" on the ground. The new mulch I put down the other day has grown this fuzzy mold with all the humidity. I'll spray it away with the hose later.
Cathy,
A little daconil spray will rid off those mold for you. Keep the area well ventilated helps also. The Dutchman's pipes flowers are going to be stunning with the off white contrast of your trellis. :-)
Kim
Pretty, pretty pic, Kim. Love that maroon veined in white.
Cathy, that is a great trellis. I've never seen one like that. I love it. Thanks for the encouragement with my camera. I'll keep trying.
Martha
Thanks Martha,
I've one single Gigantea on the front trellis that has proven to be hardy. 11 other gave out to the cold winter. What little winters we've had the last few year. I also have an 'Elegan' pipevine, but instead of risking it to the frost, I brought it indoor. Will plant it out in the Spring to help get it a head start for next growing season.
Kim
Thanks for holding up the thread while I was on vacation you guys! What a trip that was!
Great pics Mel, and Cathy good job on the trellises. Butterflies are in full force and cranking out in Florida and So. Texas ~ I see!
Becky I loved your videos girl! Nice music accompaniment too! Wowie!
Nice going on the adorable bumper stickers and apparel at Zazzle Cat! I will be ordering some of those items as soon as I get to the bank for a prepaid Mastercard. http://www.zazzle.com/pd/find?qs=TexasPuddyPrint%
Here are a few of the ones I made... Still working on some here also: http://www.zazzle.com/pd/find?qs=debnes
There is a 20% off sale until 1/7 everybody! Good time to stock up on the above and some DG apparel too.
debnes
Love the way that purple duranta contrasts the orange of the monarchs!! Lovely photos indeed!!! Love that 20% off sale too!!! Time to order what I want :o)
Great butterfly video. Nice music :o) Am so glad to see your butterflies...I've not seen much in my yard but a lone checkered skipper and a little mallowscrub hairstreak. It got down to 39 last night.
~ Cat
Love both the Zazzle creations that Cat and Deb posted. Might order a shirt before the sale goes off.
Cat - It got pretty cold here, too. No butterflies today, but lots and lots of birds including the hummer. (I don't know if I still have 2 hummers around or not since I can't tell them apart. Both have the white throats.) It's supposed to warm up tomorrow, so I will be interested to see what butterflies come out to eat and play. Of all my blooming plants, the only ones that didn't take a hit from the cold temps was the Giant Cosmos. The chill didn't even phase them! HA! Love that plant!!!
One of my Monarchs eclosed today. I will release it in the warmer and hopefully sunnier weather tomorrow. I released a Queen today, but don't know if it made it. It didn't seem to want to fly in the cold weather. I tried Gatorade and no luck, so figured it was better outside in the hopes that it would be motivated to find shelter.
Cat - You mentioned about the different colors that the White Peacock chrysalises can be. Apparently Queens have some variation in chrysalises, too. The ones A - C are a different color than what the others are. And A is almost a light pink color. There is one Monarch and a couple of the really small chrysalises are White Peacocks.
Oops, forgot the photo! Here is the photo of the chrysalises.
They are just beautiful Becky all looking healthy, I see! So thrilled to see you getting a fair amount of butterflies to raise again!! The brew/bait works great on cooler days, the alcohol keeps them warmer than nectaring butterflies. At 40 degrees butterflies go into hibernation mode, they can not move.
I always thought it was fascinating about the colors of chrysalids too.
Great shot of those Becky! I miss my bf raising here.....hurry Spring!
I need to get over there and order some items too.
Hi Sheila! Nice to see you all! It was murder not being able to log on for a whole week...LOL!
:-)
Well, I made it through the freeze. The only plants that really felt it were the brugmansia and the porterweed. The porterweed is native so I'm guessing it will come back, but if anyone else can confirm that I'd appreciate it.
Mom released a Gulf Frit today. I was worried it wouldn't be warm enough so I told her to set him on the bougainvillea in the sun, but she said he flew right off. When I was taking the blankets off my plants I found a bonus caterpillar on the blanket. I looked through my books but couldn't find him. Opinions are welcome. He was on the blanket over the begonias. His head seems too small for the rest of his body. He has a whitish stripe down each side of his body. He likes to hide under the leaf I have in with him, and he curls into a ball when disturbed.
I'm sure he's just some common moth, but here's another pic.
Welll he's a lucky moth anyway,, Sorry, I don't have a clue. I sure hope all my butterfly eggs are hiding under some deep leaves. Elaine
Ok guys, I just have to share this. I was looking through my book "Caterpillars of North America" and I held up the cover to remark on the colorful caterpillar on it. Mom says, "I'd be afraid if I saw that one in the lower corner - it looks like a snake". Of course, she was pointing at the Spicebush Swallowtail! That led to a lecture from me on how I planted Spicebush and Mom will have to get used to the little guys and they're supposed to look like a snake so they won't get eaten. It just cracked me up that their disguise worked on my mother. She'll learn to love them soon enough! : )
Melanie
Becky...ha ha...I read your post..then thought where's the photo...then saw you'd added in the next post :o) DOH!!!
Have two hummies that stuck around the huge oak tree. They frequent the feeder I've left out just for them. Squeaky noisy buggers - I love seeing them zip around the backyard - more so when nothing else is flying about!!!
Yes, there are years when I've had more pink to white Queen chrysalids than the green ones. Haven't figured out why. Tdog mentioned something about chemicals in the milkweed but I didn't delve into the research myself. Figured it was a treat to see the pale colored ones :o)
It still gets cold during the night but warms up to about 70 something during the day...but the butterflies are really scarce. Am just glad none of my plants froze. I'd really ticked off if my yellow morning glories froze before they went to seed. They are still blooming and have attracted bees but no butterflies. Perhaps the night flying moths make use of them when I'm asleep.
Oh, on an interesting note I did see some Brazilian Skipper eggs on my cannas. I cut them completely to the ground last month and the area is full of new sprouting leaves. As usual, the Brazilian Skippers made good use of the new foliage :o) Haven't seen any caterpillars yet...hope the cold nights don't zap 'em. Will take a look this weekend and bring in any I do find.
Mellie...have no idea about the caterpillar...moth is all I can say with certainty :o)
~ Cat
This message was edited Jan 4, 2008 7:51 PM
Mellie, you must stop scaring your mom like that..LOL.
I have to stop and look at all creepy crawly things and ask "now what will that be later?" My mom would probably stomp it.. She grew up as a farmer's daughter.
Elaine
My Frass Happens t-shirt and mug came today. They are BEAUTIFUL. The mug is a size larger than a regular mug. It's going to be great to take out in the garden with me.
Mellie, your cat reminds me of my armyworm cat. He also hid under the leaves and curled up when disturbed. Wish I had better pics of him.
Deb, I planted my butterfly plant seeds today. You won't believe how excited I am!
Martha
