DAILY BUTTERFLIES Page 26

Cute Monarch photo!!!

I went out into the back yard just before I had to head out to work...as luck would have it there was a Mexican Bluewing feeding at an old bait station. I went back inside to get my camera but it flew off when I tried to get in close for a photo. I added fresh brew and within minutes a Red Admiral showed up. Also saw three sulphurs and a couple of longtail skippers. Never did see the Mexican Bluewing again...am sure it showed up after I left for work!!!

~ Cat

Isn't that always the way it works?! I just know as soon as the bf's see me with that camera, they zoom over to the neighbor's yard, then back to taunt me once I'm doing something!

I'm so glad Cat and Cathy can still enjoy b.f. this late in the season. It's would be so fine to get a peek of those lovely winged beauties.
Kim

I've been inside chained to my desk, but I did see a sulphur yesterday. It was probably the same one I saw this weekend (see photos above). It stopped on the bougainvillea right in front of Mom's office window, but she was working and missed it. Those sulphurs really are fast. There are still lots of those katydid things. Some of them actually have really pretty wings when they fly. They fool me sometimes and I go chasing after them. Seen a few wasps too, but I went around the house with my spray and got 'em. I still haven't forgiven them for stinging me - or eating one of my caterpillars (sniff, sniff).

Melanie

Kim, this is the first day since last week that I really saw any action! I was so happy to see some visiting today, so I could share with you guys!
Cathy

Thanks Cathy for the sharing. I've been searching high and low for eggs in the garden....in the wrong time of year. lol.
Kim

Kim, you'll just have to be patient. I'm in the same zone as Cathy and I haven't seen a Polydamas (or eggs) in months. I see it as more time to plan next season's improvements to the garden.

Melanie

Mellanie,
Speaking of being patient. I've two g.f. chrysalises still hang tough inside. I check on them daily, but these haven't eclosed since Oct. But they look plump and healthy (?). I've them in my butterflies cage, and a blooming impatien inside. Would some of them hibernate over winter? Have you any similiar experience?
Kim

I personally never had any GF that made it over the whole winter back when I used to raise them. The species that do survive as chrysalides over the winter usually have to be in a cold environment. Does the chrysalis move?...if it's alive it will change its posture in relationship to light.

Linda, I don't think the two that I've move at all. Only they look plump and not shrivelled up. I can only hope.

NO,,, it is Not going to get cold again,,,, sigh,,,,,, just rain, please. I will have a bad back from moving plants in and out of greenhouse. Nitey nite
Elaine

Great pics Cathy!! Love the Monarch antennae too! Thank you!!!

Kim~ GF usually overwinter as adults. In FL their time in the chrysalis can vary depending on how warm it is. Where do you keep them, inside or outside?

What an excellent statement Mel!! Exactly as I see it!

Aw God bless your back Elaine! I brought in several citrus trees/plants at the first cold snap and decided not to bring them in and out. As long as I can keep them from freezing in the mudroom, and they stay green, I am happy. They will go back outside in spring.

Linda~ Very cool sighting the Long-tailed Skipper, must have been a sight!

Cat~ Keep that camera handy!!! LOL!

debnes

Hi Debnes; I've these inside since they spinned their chrysalises back in Oct. Room temp. in the 60's in a spare room inside.

Ohh now that makes perfect sense!

Over a month ago on a day which was about 50-60° I found a GF chrysalis outside. It had been there over a week, maybe 2 weeks at that point. Just moments after I brought it inside out of the cold it eclosed.

Check your weather this week, and if it is anything like here you should be getting nice days over 50°. Bring them inside in the morning where it's warm, and give them a spray of pure water and they should eclose.

I am starting a new thread in a minute,, will brb with the link.

Here it is: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/803173/

~debnes

This message was edited Jan 9, 2008 6:13 PM

I did see one GF outside since the freezing gave way to warmer temps. Now it's headed back to colder weather here. I usually see one or more whenever it gets warm enough. But they can't survive long in winter here.

In that regard, I may just let them hibernate, and won't spray water (misting them) while they in a somewhat cool temp. set at 60 inside? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Kim

Kim, you do need to mist them just as if nature would rain on them. It softens the chrysalis and make it easier for them to eclose.

I've been seeing quite a few Sulphurs, and Long-Tailed skippers, lately. And today, I saw a Gulf Frit and a Zebra Longwing. : )

A couple of days ago, I saw this lil fellow on the patio door. He was so cute. The spider web you will see in the picture is on the other side of the door. : )

I haven't looked up what kind he is, yet. Maybe you all will know. : )

I will show you 3 pictures of him. Front, back, and a comparision shot.

~Lucy

Whoops, I see you guys have moved to page 27. I'll redo it over there.