This one has been on my wish list for such a long time. I took over 200 pics of it (yes really). I was that giddy lol.
Its tails are shredded - but apparently that's common. My guides say it's nearly impossible to find one in perfect condition bc the tails are so fragile.
But oh it's just so beautiful!
And I spotted that caterpillar 2wks ago - so hopefully this is a sign my garden is a good host habitat for them!
The Sachem, Atalopedes campestris, is a common grass skipper in the warmer regions of the Americas. This one takes nectar from a mistflower. Austin, Texas.
This zebra swallowtail butterfly appears to lack the species' signature long tail, but is beautiful regardless.
I know there are teachers who spend their summers doing all sorts of things, but I'm okay being one who follows butterflies around and only knows what day of the week it is because of baseball.
A Plain Tiger Butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) spotted at Bukit Gombak Park on 18 March 2023. A common butterfly, but one I usually pay attention to, in case its rarer relatives, the Common and Black-Veined Tiger, happen to be flying among them.
A Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites) spotted at Chestnut Nature Park, Singapore, on 15 March 2023. Considered the rarest of the four Pansy butterflies here, it has become more common in the past few years, based on personal observation.
I love how the light plays on the wings in these photos. It's the first time I've actually been able to see the subtle violet shading.
Such a lucky encounter. Butterflies are so tricky to photograph. Usually they fly away within minutes (or seconds). It's incredibly rare to be able to follow one around the garden & snap pics of it from different angles.
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is in decline in Wales/England. Checking my daily records of sightings #InMyGarden in 2022 only one or two butterflies whereas in past years there were 12-15 when lavender in full flower. #today lavender is in full flower: only one sighting so far 😩. So no recovery prob bec again the nettles they need in nearby fields are disappearing partly due to drought. #SmallTortoiseshell #SaveButterflies#lepidoptera#macro#macrophotography#GayGardener#butterflies
FINALLY. It feels like I've been waiting all spring - but I'm probably just impatient lol.
Tbh I was getting a bit worried. I'm finding a wide variety of butterflies this year - but most feel like chance encounters. A solitary butterfly seen once rather than healthy local populations like in previous years, which is concerning.
So I'm relieved & happy to know the Monarchs are still around.
A Slug Caterpillar Moth, Cania bandura, spotted at Dairy Farm Nature Park, Singapore, on 8 Feb 2023. It initially looked like a dark blob on a leaf, and it took a closer look with the camera to show the features of this unusual looking moth.
Macrothylacia rubi in southern Germany