Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa is the first butterfly to appear in April here at Flower Hill Farm. It hibernates as an adult and will awaken sometimes earlier, when the temperatures rise and stay warmer for days . . . as they often do in March.They might crawl out from under a piece of bark or out of a small hollow opening in a tree.I was surprised to learn that a Mourning Cloak butterfly can live up to ten months.This male or female is perched on the ground and as you can see, there is … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Mourning Cloak and Red Admiral
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Viceroy
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 Viceroy
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 drawn … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Viceroy
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
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
