Monarch caterpillar on milkweed
At last--the discovery of a monarch caterpillar! And although the field stands full of milkweed plants, this single caterpillar is all we can find. The milkweed flowers have turned to good-sized seed pods, in fact--soon to blow away in the wind.
There are no butterflies here. And no wonder--no food.
But, across the field the teasel has burst into blossom--delicate purple flowers on spiny towering stalks.
What a welcome sight--if you're a thirsty butterfly and arrived too late for a milkweed dinner!
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Silver Spotted Skipper
Clearwing Moth
Monarch
8 comments:
Beautiful "flutter-bys," Nina, and I love your big, fat Monarch caterpillar. I hope he sticks around your yard.
I enjoyed meeting you and birding with you today.
~Kathi
So many wonderful butterflies here but without a doubt the monarch is the fave of mine! (would you expect anything different? )
Hi Nina,
Cool butterfly pictures. I've never seen teasel before...is it a zone 5 plant?
Ruthie--Teasel is probably around you somewhere, except for Gulf Coast states--although don't try to plant it in your yard. It's an invasive, but seems to have a value in this situation, and until something better grows in its place.
Look here: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/teasel.shtml
Kathi--Yeah, me too! I'll put it on my calendar for another time--seeing that Wood Thrush nest was just the perfct day for me!
Monarch--I'm guarding this ONE special caterpillar just for that reason!
Fantastic photos, Nina! I've been seeing a few more butterflies lately since we had a little rain... But no monarchs yet!
Nice pictures. We have teasels everywhere here. I like the way they look in all seasons, even if they are invasive.
ruth
Dear Nina,
Always love seeing your bugs and birds and blooms.
I think you have a Pipevine Swallowtail pictured as well as the Tiger! I do love them too. Nice to have a Monarch caterpillar...
Sherry
You got the Clearwing. Wonderful. I've tried with no success. Back to the camera manual . . .
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