This year, early spring was dry and perfect for butterflies here in the fields and gardens. Of late we have had rain, rain and more rain that must be a great challenge for the survival of our exquisitely painted pollinators. Though butterflies are not the most efficient pollinators, they do aid in pollinating many of our wildflowers. Along with all the luscious blossoms of spring, butterflies add such joy to our lives.This has been an amazing spring for Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa, … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Spring Butterflies ~ Part One
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ American Lady and Painted Lady
The American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis and Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui add a twinkle to any bloom they land on. Though plants and their flowers have a unique beauty of their own, the animation butterflies add is pure magic . . . not to mention their importance as pollinators. When seeing these brightly painted butterflies in the gardens, it can be hard to distinguish one from the other. Both American Lady and Painted Lady adults will go for a diverse range of nectar sources. Their … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ American Lady and Painted Lady
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ American Lady and Painted Lady
The American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis and Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui add a twinkle to any bloom they land on. Though plants and their flowers have a unique beauty of their own, the animation butterflies add is pure magic . . . not to mention their importance as pollinators.When seeing these brightly painted butterflies in the gardens, it can be hard to distinguish one from the other. Both American Lady and Painted Lady adults will go for a diverse range of nectar sources. … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ American Lady and Painted Lady
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
The second installment of Butterflies of 2012 features three members of the Papilionidae family. Swallowtails regularly make their home in our gardens and fields and seeing their wings lit up like stained glass floating about the plants is always a delight. Last year was very exciting for a rare sighting of a Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes here at Flower Hill Farm. Butterfly enthusiasts from all over Massachusetts were reporting first time ever sightings of the magnificent giants. … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
The second installment of Butterflies of 2012 features three members of the Papilionidae family. Swallowtails regularly make their home in our gardens and fields and seeing their wings lit up like stained glass floating about the plants is always a delight.Last year was very exciting for a rare sighting of a Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes here at Flower Hill Farm. Butterfly enthusiasts from all over Massachusetts were reporting first time ever sightings of the magnificent … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails