Monarch butterflies
Here it is, one Meet Your Neighbours display that needs no introduction – the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), with a female on the left and a male on the right. We must all continue to work to make certain that future generations can enjoy them in real life and not simply via beautiful photos like these. Only through a collective effort to combat deadly chemical pollutants from intentionally entering our ecosystem, protecting vital habitat during all seasons and educating our children can we turn the tide on the decline of once abundant and now fading species like these. They may not be in...
Read MoreSnowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
The week may be over but we’re going to keep going with the moths! Here’s another diurnal hummingbird moth, the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis). What is it really trying to mimic? Black, yellow…looks like a bee to me.
Read MoreHummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) feeding
We’ll end National Moth Week with some field shots of the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) taken by Twan. If you missed the original post with more information on the confusing and unique species and Sean’s Meet Your Neighbours photo see it here: http://rtpi.org/hummingbird-clearwing-moth/
Read MoreBaltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
I was very happy to end my Friday by finding this Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) at RTPI late this afternoon. Wherever you are try to get outside this weekend and have a great one!
Read MoreEastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Elyse and I spent most of today conducting field work at one of our Natural History Atlas sites. Birds are mostly quiet at this time of the year as they are feeding young everywhere. Butterflies and other pollinators were present in low but diverse numbers offering lovely views like this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) on another gorgeous September-like July day.
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