This is getting a bit long!!
DAILY BUTTERFLIES Page 41
I'd start a new thread, but I don't have a pic. I do have a strange tale of polydamas suicide. I saw this grackle land in the tree. Then a poly started flying around him and I thought how cool would it be to get a picture of those two since they're both black. As I thought that the poly landed on the branch right next to the grackle. I couldn't believe it and neither could the grackle. He felt compelled to eat it of course. He dropped it though and was searching the ground for it when I went out there. The poly was still alive but bleeding. I put it on a penta but it will probably die. Do polys taste bad too since they also eat the pipevine as cats? I'm just in shock.
Hate when we witness what we know does happen, but don't want to see it! You may have distracted him enough that he dropped the poly. If it is still on the same place you put it, I would put it out of it's misery by placing it in a paper towel and putting it in the freezer. It lowers it body temp and then they will be dormant then it will be gone. Sounds cruel but much more humane than it dropping to the ground and ants eating it alive.
Another Swallowtail. I had two at one time, but they did not want to cooperate for a joint picture.
I hate butterfly death, it makes you feel so bad to see something so beautiful suffer and die. I know Mother Nature has a plan, but still, we need all the beauty we can get on this crazy mixed up planet......
I went out to check on her before I read your note Sheila and she was dead. No ants though which is surprise. I have fire ants everywhere and bites on my toes to prove it. I decided that she was old and close to death and decided that she wanted to die with dignity while reminding the birds that she tastes bad so they won't eat her babies. She was such a martyr for her cause. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it! Still, it is better to see a bird get her than a car. I swerve for butterflies too!
Mrs. Ed, lovely photo. I've been trying to get more than one in a shot too and boy is that difficult! Two tigers would have been gorgeous. We need one of those snout trees!
Good theory.....so stands!!
Your request is granted! Grab your snacks and your caterpillars and let's continue this chat here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/890292/
Sorry wrg thread!
This message was edited Aug 15, 2008 12:52 PM