The Viceroy
The Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) has probably fooled you before. It gets us all at one point or another. Monarch butterflies come to mind much more readily for nearly everyone even as their population has plummeted in recent years. In comparison to the Monarch the Viceroy has a smaller, leaner and more aerodynamic appearance to me. The key distinguishing feature is a postmedian black line across the veins on the hindwing which the Monarch lacks. The Viceroy also flies in a lazier, drifting fashion with the wings often spread horizontally, almost coasting along for small stretches....
Read MoreBees collecting pollen
There have been many busy bees buzzing by me wherever I go lately, collecting all of that pollen I am delighted to see them taking. Are there any creatures on this planet that do more for us humans?
Read MoreBaltimore Checkerspots looking magnificent
I have been very lucky to have success finding several Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) butterflies in the gardens of RTPI in the past month. These uncommon but unmistakable creatures have all been nectaring on our flowers, mostly partaking in the Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). Spotting and photographing them is always a wonderful midday break on a warm, dry day so I figured hey, why not share some more of the photos? Sometimes you have to stop and simply appreciate a beautiful species like this one that reminds us all while we care about nature, work for...
Read MoreMonarchs moving
I have finally been seeing more Monarchs recently and recorded several passing through the grounds of RTPI in the past few weeks. However, they have been essentially doing only that – moving by and not cooperating! I was sitting down in our garden last Friday changing lenses and naturally that was one when decided to stop and feed directly in front of me. I fired off literally two shots before it moved on. How are their numbers looking to everyone else across the continent?
Read MoreFlower Crab Spiders (Misumena vatia)
Flower Crab Spiders (Misumena vatia) are common in temperate zones throughout the northern hemisphere, but they are not easily seen. Even when photographed up close, Meet Your Neighbours-style, they still simply vanish in their natural habitat. Due to their ability to change color between yellow and white (by either incorporating or excreting a yellow pigment into their outer cell layer, respectively) they manage to create the perfect shade of camouflage make-up to blend in with white or yellow flowers in your backyard. You’ll see them during summer and fall, hunting for pollinators...
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