Monarch Butterfly Release
I raised a couple of Monarch caterpillars this August, something I had not done since I was a child. I collected them and ended up feeding them from my own supply of swamp milkweed leaves that went otherwise unused. While many pollinators visited to enjoy the nectar of the flowers, I did not note any Monarchs in the yard or find any eggs. A couple weeks ago I noticed each chrysalis was turning black not far apart from one another, and by late that morning they’d emerged. I released them onto my coneflowers after their wings dried, and one of the two females provided me a chance to...
Read MoreRobber Fly
This is one of those “Man, I wish I got a better look or a better photo,” photos as a Robber Fly had captured lepidoptera prey. It was very cautious, and I lost it as it flew off right after this. What a predator! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWild Indigo Duskywing
The Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) butterfly has a subtle iridescence to it if you can get it in the right angle against the sunlight. This is not the most spectacular insect, no – but it looks a great deal more colorful and bold here instead of being a brown, dull triangle in the shade or via a more overhead view.
Read MoreLeast Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor)
Say, what do we have here? A moth? Nay! The Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) lives up to its name as the smallest skipper in our region and can easily go unseen among its relatives. Take a close and low look in grasslands or gardens to find one, especially in wet areas.
Read MoreMonarch Profile
How much more crisp and gorgeous can a Monarch get? We are still seeing caterpillars but the butterflies are starting to get a move on to the south now…good journey, friends!
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