I've had two encounters with sleeping butterflies this week.
The other day I went out to get my newspaper like I always do about 6 a.m. As I was walking back up to my front door I happened to see a GF sleeping.... on my garage door, of all places.
Then, this morning, I took my coffee and went out in the backyard to let the dogs out at 5:30 and as I was standing on the patio I happened to notice a "shadow" fluttering around my motion sensor lights. I looked up and saw it was a Monarch. She fluttered around a bit then landed on the yucca I have growing close by. The only thing I figure is that she was sleeping there when we startled her. I just found this amusing and thought I'd share.
I get up early on weekdays, thanks to having to go to work (lol) and I usually do a walk around my yard. This is the first time I've awoken any butterflies.
TGIF!
Terrie
Watch for sleeping butterflies
I found out throughout the year that Guava Skipper and lots of Sulphurs like to bed down for the night amongst my yellow morning glory vines. Perhaps the sulphurs somehow know the yellow blossoms make for good camouflage. Sometimes I forget and when watering the plants in the early mornings they are startled and fly out.
It's always fun to sneak up on a sleeping butterfly! :o)
~ Cat
I had my first experience with this last Sunday. I was showing Dad my new cassias and pointing out eggs when I found a little butterfly just laying down in the leaves. We determined it was some kind of Crescent (Phaeon or Pearl). I checked later in the day and it was gone so I guess he woke up and flew off.
Melanie
I find them sleeping upsidedown on plants throughout my yard. It is funny how often I find them blending in with plants. How do they know what color of plants to bed down on so they match and hide overnight?
I was checking on my little Orchid tree the other day and started to reach for a leaf. Just as I reached for it I realized there was a sleeping dragon fly on it. First time I've found one of those in the garden.
I guess butterflies and dragon flies have to sleep too.
8*D