And now I have "Broken Wings" stuck in my head. I am a child of the 80's.

I tried some light gardening today and then I remembered there's no such thing. So I did heavy gardening. I think I broke myself. I filled up Dad's trailer with old plant material and weeds to haul to the dump. I'm also plotting what I want to order soon. I'm thinking more Spicebush, for sure. I'm also looking at more native nectar plants that really bring in the butterflies. I saw a bunch of native Monarda punctata when Mom and I went to Silver Springs last year and from the butterfly activity I saw, I need to add that.

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe! Even Tampa is getting down to 39 on Saturday night, I think. They put it on Sunday, but I think that's Saturday night, Sunday morning. Hopefully, that will signal everyone to stay in their chrysalises and cocoons!

Have I mentioned how happy I am to have my camera (or a replacement version) back? Because I'm soooo happy. And I'm even happier that this male Orange-Barred Sulphur held still for pictures today!

First, on Mom's bougainvillea.



Then, on the Jatropha. Because everyone loves Jatropha. Butterflies from Cassius Blues to the Swallowtails and everyone in between gets on this flower.



And finally, on my Hibiscus 'Fort Myers Yellow'.

Pretty Orange Barred Sulphur, Melanie! I'm looking out the window at the snow falling on brown leaves right now.

I am looking at snow cover , feeling 3 or 4 degrees collecting the pickup cans .


100 degrees two years ago Red spotted Purple , on Queen Anne's Lace



I want the warmth back ....

I can't lie. I really want this cold front because we need the rain, and it's too darn hot! At least next week we'll be around our average temps. And we're hosting the big college football game so I'm glad we'll have good weather for that. Always nice when our tourists get to enjoy nice weather.

I'll try to send the warmth up your way! Until you get your own butterflies, I'll keep showing you mine.

Help, @mellielong this tiny cat came in with me from the garden on the sleeve of my sweatshirt. He's only about 3mm. long. Any chance I can raise him from this size? I have milkweed in the garden and brought some in, to put in a vase today just in case it gets zapped by the cold tonight.

What do you think?

Dang, Elaine! What kind of camera are you using to get that good of a picture? That looks like a baby Monarch to me! And sure, you can raise one from that size. Just make sure you don't put it in a huge container so you lose track of it. And make sure it can't escape because when they're that size, they can squeeze through! Although, Monarchs are pretty good about staying on the food, especially when they're that size. Horray for Monarch babies!

That's the camera on my little desk microscope. I got it for my b'day after I saw your pictures of tiny caterpillars on the plumbago.

Got lucky and caught the little critter when he stopped for a rest - he's really fast and I sort of chased him around that leaf with the camera for a little while.

I have him in a little toy-size critter keeper that I bought for my grandkids, but you're right, the mesh is way too big, he could crawl right out if he tries.

I use cheesecloth on top of my critter keepers and it's folded over, but I've still had some who made it through one layer only to get stuck in between the layers. You could even use a paper towel, if you want. Just something to keep him from wandering off.

Jatropha are certainly favorites in BF houses -

I found a piece of fine mesh fabric, and fastened it over a clear plastic container with an elastic band. A better setup, since now I can see the little guy more easily, too. All is well. Now if he will just survive . . .

Elaine, Monarchs are generally pretty hardy. And it's usually better if you can get to them early before they become exposed to parasites, diseases, etc. Think positive! And make sure you have plenty of milkweed. Those little caterpillars develop huge appetites!

Happy New Year to all you butterfly/moth people!

Remember this Sphinx moth caterpillar?



He turned into this:

Wow, he's gorgeous, Mika. Looks like he's made of green camo-print velvet.

Thanks, Elaine - I agree that he's gorgeous (and so big!) - sadly I didn't get to see him in real life, but the handyman who took the caterpillar home took the photo for me.

Oh, so very cool!

Simply awesome! What a neat caterpillar and then an extraordinary moth! Who says moths are drab? Not me!

Lovely.

I enjoy them very much ans always leave the Tomato hornworms when I find them.

All the Sphinx are beautiful IMHO.

This one is quite striking.

Gorgeous moth.

I thought I had another day on this one, but butterflies like to surprise you by popping out of their chrysalises. This male Orange-Barred Sulphur was ready to join the world. I've got another male that should come out tomorrow. Luckily, it's warming back up outside.