Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
Even as we enter September there are still plenty of beautiful butterflies on the wing like this Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) photographed yesterday. It has some wear and tear, and it is a bit faded, but the exquisite design still shines brightly on a gray day. Take a look at all the shots it allowed me to capture while nectaring on this butterfly bush. You can see there are rips on the wings with the edges have been worn away, but what is most striking to me is how those wings still reflect and change light. The colors appear to be duller, bolder, brighter, darker, more vibrant...
Read MoreBlack Swallowtail Dancing
The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) butterfly photographed here looked to be dancing in the wind while still nectaring – talented insects!
Read MoreButterfly Weed Party
Below is a photo of an absurd scene that became normal this August on any Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) that I could find – look at all those butterflies! The fiery orange flower is a native milkweed and extremely attractive to a wide variety of species looking for some nectar. We have an Orange Sulphur, Crescents, and the iconic and wonderfully matched Monarchs all feeding here. Just how many Crescents can we fit on one bloom? Take a look at this Monarch as it is showing some signs of wear and tear. This individual likely took a long journey to us and now it will mate, lay eggs,...
Read MoreCabbage White Butterfly
I think this Cabbage White must have just gone through the laundry – that is very white! Enjoy those coneflowers while you can, little friend…autumn is coming for them.
Read MoreSnowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
Earlier today I enjoyed my second Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) of the summer, and the first in a situation where it was not unbelievably humid with such a high dew point that my camera immediately fogged up when taking it outside until the moth flew away and I was left with no images whatsoever…woo! All is forgiven, weather, so long as you keep up these beautiful conditions. By the way, moth, I like your bee outfit, too! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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