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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

butterfly mania

Our backyard is haven for the butterflies.  I am seeing various swallowtails and cloudless sulfurs fly through each day for a quick bite to eat. Today, I believe a Spicebush Swallowtail came through but they stay still not even a second it seems and very hard to get a good shot. I only got one and it wasn't good and then it left the yard. One Longwing Zebra was here a day or two ago laying eggs and a couple weeks ago we had a mess of them and they laid eggs like crazy on the passion vine but it seemed we only sprouted Gulf Fritillaries even though for a short time they were equal in dominance. No white caterpillars seen, just orange and black. Not sure if the Fritillaries are eating the eggs or the ants. We have more Gulf Fritillary caterpillars and at least two of their chrysalises hanging on the passion vine now. Yesterday there was 4 or 5 Fritillaries flying around together. Everyday they are here in abundance. The Monarchs are also still prominent. Laying eggs and we have caterpillars now too. I see at least 5. We should have more but again I see the ants and flies so I don't know for sure but I think many get eaten. The amount of egg laying going on should have a zillion caterpillars but that is not the case. They are getting big quick. Wondering if this is considered the 4th or 5th generation Monarch. I think 5th. Will they migrate to Mexico or stay here all winter. Biosphere tells me we have Monarchs that don't migrate. I will pay more attention this year for sure!