Ah, the Painted Lady again. Nice photos! Painted Ladies are cool because they are so widely distributed. And I'm talking worldwide, folks! That's one reason you can order those butterfly kits where you raise them at home. There aren't too many places you can't ship Painted Ladies to because they live nearly everywhere! Of course, I think that takes the science out of it. First, a big part of raising butterflies is finding them on their host plant - and knowing what a host plant is. Those kits have this "food" that's like some kind of...well...I'm not sure how to describe it. It looks like something I'd add water to and spackle something with. Now, how are kids going to learn that caterpillars eat plants if you're feeding them that stuff? This is why I tell people to plant some milkweed and just give it time.
Sorry, had to get on the soapbox there for a minute. I'm super excited about having a new volunteer tomorrow! You guys get my knowledge in rationed doses but she's going to be inundated!
Let's hope she decides to come back!
