Well, Monarch Watch has been saying all year that they predict a better year for the Monarchs this year. Part of that is that it can't get much worse than last year, but they have also had signs of an increased population this year. So let's all cross our fingers.
I'll post my pictures from the museum later, but right now I have to rant a little. I don't know how many of you are on social media, but I'm on Facebook. And of course I'm friends with environmental groups, local botanical gardens, etc. And yet, I find myself correcting them constantly about butterflies and caterpillars! I mean, I don't claim to have achieved expert status by any means but why am I correcting people that are supposed to know as much (if not more) than me? Today Selby Gardens posted a picture of a passion vine and was telling the legend of how it got it's name. That's cool. The picture they showed wasn't red, but it was a dark reddish-purple passion vine. And they're talking about how it's a host for the Zebra Longwing and the Gulf Frit. So I had to step in and say that the red ones usually kill the caterpillars and please plant native passion vines. Whether you believe in evolution or creationism, the fact is, the butterflies and plants ended up in the same place together for a reason. And then I suggested some species that would be best if you want to raise butterflies. But why am I telling a botanical garden this?
I'm off to watch Buccaneer football which probably won't help my mood, but I'm a fan and that's what we do. By the way, it's cold here. It was 45 when I left this morning (8:30) and 61 when I got home (11:30). So the butterflies are not really active. Still, I'll share some pictures later. Lunch and football first!
