The Viceroy Limenitis archippus, is a bright orange butterfly with black veins, cleverly mimicking the bad tasting and tummy aching (for the birds) milkweed butterflies. It is classified as a Mullerian mimic of the Monarch butterfly.Therefore upon first sighting the Viceroy, an observer may believe it to be a Monarch butterfly. There are many differences, however . . . such as size and hue intensity . . . but the easiest way to identify the Viceroy, is to note the thick black vein … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Viceroy
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite White Admiral and Red-spotted Purple
White Admiral (left) and Red-spotted Purple on Beauty bush 2009 When I began this series, I had thought to just include photos for 2011, but with some butterflies, and especially these, I am including some from the past three years. The link between the White Admiral Limenitis arthemis arthemis and the Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis astyanax is a fascinating one. If I understand it correctly, here in Massachusetts, the more southernly Red-spotted Purple and northern White Admiral … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite White Admiral and Red-spotted Purple
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite White Admiral and Red-spotted Purple
White Admiral (left) and Red-spotted Purple on Beauty bush 2009When I began this series, I had thought to just include photos for 2011, but with some butterflies, and especially these, I am including some from the past three years. The link between the White Admiral Limenitis arthemis arthemis and the Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis astyanax is a fascinating one. If I understand it correctly, here in Massachusetts, the more southernly Red-spotted Purple and northern White … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite White Admiral and Red-spotted Purple
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Crescents
Now for some more of the lovely Brushfooted Butterflies of the Nymphalidae family. The wing patterns of the Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos, vary significantly as you will see in the three featured here. This butterfly was from a late May 2011 brood and is feasting on what I believe to be a Robin's Plantain Erigeron pulchellus. It is hard to believe that the third instar caterpillars of the last broods from September are wintering over out in the fields and gardens somewhere near their host … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Crescents
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Crescents
Now for some more of the lovely Brushfooted Butterflies of the Nymphalidae family. The wing patterns of the Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos, vary significantly as you will see in the three featured here. This butterfly was from a late May 2011 brood and is feasting on what I believe to be a Robin's Plantain Erigeron pulchellus. It is hard to believe that the third instar caterpillars of the last broods from September are wintering over out in the fields and gardens somewhere … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Crescents
