Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
There is no way to overstate how perfect, fresh and crisp this gorgeous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) looked while feeding on the Eastern Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) last week. This individual was meticulously designed and seemed hand-crafted for ultimate beauty. It actually flew on to a flower for a drink within a couple feet of me while I was already photographing a skipper, showing no trepidation as I was swinging a big lens all over the place. I had to back up to be able to focus! This dorsal view shows well that is a female with all of that blue along the outer...
Read MoreHairstreak Butterflies
Here are four gorgeous hairstreaks in one great comparative composition by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser. Check out all the small intricate details that help separate the species. Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut while on assignment for The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreGray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
For some reason the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) had eluded RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser’s net for the last couple of years…but not anymore. He found a beautiful individual flying around a couple weeks ago right before we all noticed them emerging in many locations. The butterfly is the most widespread hairstreak species in North America, often being found in disturbed and nonforested sites. Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut while on assignment for The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History....
Read MoreThe Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Will we see you this Thursday at RTPI? New York Invasive Species Awareness Week continues!
Read MoreGreat Spangled Fritillary & Eastern Purple Coneflower
I am finally seeing more butterfly abundance and diversity as we enter July, and I could not be happier about that! I photographed this appropriately named Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) nectaring on a fresh Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) during the morning of Independence Day. These pollinator plants are gorgeous and great for attracting beneficial insects to your yard. On Sunday, July 3, I was thrilled to finally see my first of the year Monarch butterflies. What species have you spotted recently? Have you planted anything in your garden to help pollinators...
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