my first captured shots of ...

a Black Swallowtail ..................................and a Variegated Fritillary



they were mainly hanging out on the new blooms at the top of the bush
so a couple more for managing to get a couple decent shots

Wonderful shots Kurt! Way better than decent.

mellielong said:Butterfly humor from Facebook. This one really made me laugh.

Landed on this one today and had another good laugh so thought I would re-post.

Ann, stop being paranoid. It sounds like you're doing great. The head capsule actually detaches before they molt and you can see it. That's how I can tell when the larger ones are molting. I had one guy at MOSI ask me why the caterpillar had two heads. I told him he had great eyes. Most people don't notice it. I just searched Google images and can't find a good picture of what I'm talking about. Just stare at your caterpillars. You'll learn more that way than anything I can tell you. To make you feel less paranoid, Monarchs are probably the only caterpillar I've found that even when I accidentally moved them, they somehow managed to lay down more silk, anyway. I think when their head capsule detaches, it doesn't hinder the use of their spinneret like other species. That's another one of those questions I need to write down for Dr. Daniels.

The "black face" might be the old head capsule that you're seeing. We need to get pictures of this! I've tried, but it's a tough shot. And the molting process usually takes 18-24 hours. Monarchs are actually a little faster than most species.

Kurt, loving those pics! Haven't seen a Vareigated Frit in years.

nativeplantlover said:

Ummm wishful thinking maybe? So you score!: Brenden-- 2 Viceroys!
Cheryl- 0 Viceroys
How can you tell if a Monarch adult has OE?? I'm curious

A tiny specific microscope I got from livemonarch.com

Took forceps to hold wings in place, used clear tape to push on abdomen and get dusty scales, doesn't hurt them at all!

Then you check. Go youtube it there's video

mellielong said:Ann, stop being paranoid. It sounds like you're doing great. The head capsule actually detaches before they molt and you can see it. That's how I can tell when the larger ones are molting. I had one guy at MOSI ask me why the caterpillar had two heads. I told him he had great eyes. Most people don't notice it. I just searched Google images and can't find a good picture of what I'm talking about. Just stare at your caterpillars. You'll learn more that way than anything I can tell you. To make you feel less paranoid, Monarchs are probably the only caterpillar I've found that even when I accidentally moved them, they somehow managed to lay down more silk, anyway. I think when their head capsule detaches, it doesn't hinder the use of their spinneret like other species. That's another one of those questions I need to write down for Dr. Daniels.

The "black face" might be the old head capsule that you're seeing. We need to get pictures of this! I've tried, but it's a tough shot. And the molting process usually takes 18-24 hours. Monarchs are actually a little faster than most species.

Kurt, loving those pics! Haven't seen a Vareigated Frit in years.

Thanks so much Melanie! I so wanted to get a pic of what I was talking about but you just know they were all facing the wrong way! Head down or sideways near the very bottom of the container.
I have some that one of their tubercles came out wonky. One is shriveled half way up, another is just half as long as the other one, things like that. They seem to be doing fine though. Everyone is finished & in the container with everyone else except 2 slow pokes. The containers are clear but they're that cloudy clear like the Glad Ware stuff. Try as I might, I simply can not see the silk. Maybe it's time for new glasses.
Your info. on the molting time is invaluable! I had NO idea they took that long! It stands to reason though when you think about the amazing process that is taking place.

The last 2 finished their molt.
Good heavens! Ever since they molted they're running around like they were hopped up on speed! Usually they're asleep by now.

Ann, glad to hear everything is going okay. I did mean to mention that about Monarchs (and other species) carrying over injuries from molt to molt. And yeah, sometimes they lose part of a tubercle and it never seems to bother them. Just know that they will always be like that from now on. When they molt again, the whole tubercle won't grow back - just the same length they had before.

And give the little guys a break. Molting makes them hungry!

I just posted photos on the Bee Forum that I took at the Guadalupe River State Park this morning. But I did manage to get a couple of butterfly photos.

Juniper Hairstreak on Flame Sumac:



Pipevine swallowtail on Snow-on-the-Mountain:



The hike was wonderful, but the poison ivy (?) was rampant. At least, I *think* it's poison ivy; just know that old saying "leaves of three, let it be".



In years past, I could make it all the way to the end of the trail - but now that I'm older, better sense prevails as the footing is quite tricky due to the cypress roots.



So I went the other direction toward the cliffs. It doesn't matter which way you go because it's all beautiful!

Uh Yeah! More like ravenous!!!!

I sort of figured the tubercule would always be that way from now on but it's good to hear you back that up & let me know it's not going to be a problem.

I'm feeling like I'm being a helicopter mom.

It is fascinating watching & learning about them though.

Cross posted with GrammaChar.

I just love those Juniper hairstreaks! What beauty you have there Char. Love those cliffs!

GrammaChar said:

The hike was wonderful, but the poison ivy (?) was rampant. At least, I *think* it's poison ivy; just know that old saying "leaves of three, let it be".

That is not poison ivy.

This is poison ivy

https://upload.wikimedia.org/w...

Long Tailed skipper




Is this a Duskywing skipper? It was just hanging out on the back of the chair in the shade.

6 or 7 BF hanging out at the Dew Drop Bar -
Sooty Wing > Pecks Skipper >


< Orange Sulphur (white form)


Silver Spotted Skipper >


< Orange Sulphur >


< Cabbage White > 2 Cabbage Whites >

Wow - that Duranta is quite a butterfly magnet! Nice shots!

Whoa J! It's that time of year for you when the butterflies go crazy nuts at your house. What a haul you had today! Wonderful photos!
The Dew Drop Bar.... Good one.

DavidLMO said:

That is not poison ivy.

This is poison ivy

https://upload.wikimedia.org/w...

You're right David. A friend from the Native Plant Society just informed me that it's Poison Oak. My mistake.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak...like I tell the kids - if in doubt, don't touch! Also, have hydrocortisone on hand at all times.

I'm feeling a little better today. I voted, went by Walgreens to pick up one of my regular meds, and then treated myself to Starbucks. That's enough adulting for today. Meanwhile, I'm just going to watch the weather and look at everyone's gorgeous photos!

Char, I want to walk into your photos. So gorgeous!!!

Ann, I still sit and just watch caterpillars do their thing. Way more interesting than anything on TV. And you learn so much by just watching. And yes, that's a Duskywing.

Jack, I think you're convincing everyone who doesn't have a Duranta to get one. Although, I'm surprised how many of us grow it. Good for us!

Here's some missed pics from yesterday-


Today it's cloudy, hardly any activity at the Dew Drop Inn.