~Photos! Butterflies, Moths & Caterpillars 2010~

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by ButterflyLinda

This hummingbird was perching on a fence. It does not look like the ones that are usually around.

Cool picture on the barbed wire! ~smile~'

We only have ruby throated around here so I've no clue.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by turttle

...I saw the hummingbird moth in the photos today. Iit was laying eggs on honeysuckle and hawthorn, and my book says that is more likely to be Hemaris thysbe/Hummingbird Clearwing moth. I guess we'll see if the caterpillars match!

Great photos, turttle--all of them, but hummingbird moths have a special place in my heart. I've not seen one in quite a while, hopefully, I'll start attracting them HERE.

I used to see them when I worked at a garden center years ago.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by amelanchier

Eyespots!

Attachment 19878Attachment 19879

Cool, amelanchier! I *think* I saw one of those this summer...hope to see more in years to come. Is that a buckeye?

[amelanchier]

Originally Posted by dapjwy

Cool, amelanchier! I *think* I saw one of those this summer...hope to see more in years to come. Is that a buckeye?

I had no idea & was hoping someone would try for an ID. After searching, it does indeed appear to be a buckeye.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by amelanchier

I had no idea & was hoping someone would try for an ID. After searching, it does indeed appear to be a buckeye.

Cool. I don't know many butterflies, but that name came to mind when I saw your photo.

[turttle]

Beautiful buckeye photos, amelanchier!

Amelanchier's buckeyes are also hanging out on the grass, just like mine have been. what is it with them? It isn't their larval plant, and there is no significant amount of nectar. I guess it shall remain a mystery, bless their hearts.

[ButterflyLinda]

At LAST! I've been waiting for these since last year! Well, Monarchs are here and one left me at least five little presents. I found the eggs and took all I saw in (four), found one tiny cat later...will look for more today. But since we also get Queens here, I've been waiting to be sure they were Monarchs...mind you, the mother wasn't nice enough to show herself while I was outside to see her. Not really focused well, but here's one of my babies...hope raising them inside will help them along!

[linrose]

I feel your joy butterflylinda! I had 4 monarch cats a week ago on a swamp milkweed. Today only one remains. "Circle of Life" as Jason calls it as he hums the tune to Lion King to which I roll my eyes and wish that the tussock moths hadn't almost completely stripped the plant of leaves a couple of weeks ago. Now this poor guy has only 3 or 4 leaves left with still a week or so to go as a caterpillar. There was this black and red beetle that I found chomping on one of the cats. By the time I saw him he already ate 2 and one half. (Yeech!) I just want to get this one last cat to survive.

I try not to get too attached but, well, you know. I do the same thing with "my" bluebirds.

You can do it! Go cat go!

[ButterflyLinda]

I hope your Monarch cat is ready to pupate...I hate it when I run out of food for cats!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by ButterflyLinda

At LAST! I've been waiting for these since last year! Well, Monarchs are here and one left me at least five little presents. I found the eggs and took all I saw in (four), found one tiny cat later...will look for more today. But since we also get Queens here, I've been waiting to be sure they were Monarchs...mind you, the mother wasn't nice enough to show herself while I was outside to see her. Not really focused well, but here's one of my babies...hope raising them inside will help them along!

Yippee!

I found my first monarch caterpillars this year and understand the thrill. Mine were further along than yours--and you even spotted some as eggs! Maybe I'll do better next year. Thanks for sharing.