Every few decades Red Admiral butterflies (Vanessa atalanta,) migrate in huge numbers. These small butterflies overwinter in warm southern areas and travel north each year. Their favorite host plants are in the nettle family (Urtica). The adults I've seen this year have been nectaring on dandelions, but they also like tree sap and rotting fruit. … Continue reading Red Admirals in Flight
Tag: insects
Moth Ball
I attended my first Moth Ball the other night. I dressed carefully for the event, cargo pants tucked neatly into my socks, vest pockets filled with accoutrements - UV flashlight, headlamp, field guide, spare camera battery....You're getting the idea.The Moth Ball was hosted by Northern Woodlands and took place in their back yard. JoAnne Russo, … Continue reading Moth Ball
The Joy of the Hunt
What can be more fun than tramping around the pucker brush, slopping through a marshy area, dodging tree limbs and swatting mosquitos? Why, doing all that while chasing butterflies and moths, of course. Hobomok Skipper (Lon Hobomok) I was out for a few hours in the heat of the day yesterday, at times on my … Continue reading The Joy of the Hunt
We Had a Baby!
We adopted (kidnapped) this butterfly as a caterpillar I found on a random walk last August. I posted the picture to inaturalist to be identified, then fed the caterpillar until it pupated. Pupa is on the left with caterpillar inside, working hard to shed the old form and create a new one. The dead looking … Continue reading We Had a Baby!
Putting on the Ritz
Katydid, dressed for a night on the town.
The Colors of Nature (1)
Full moon setting early one dawn. European Skipper butterfly hanging out on a blade of grass.
Butterfly Neighbors
Despite the quarantine, or perhaps because of it, I've been spending my summer making new friends. I'm embarrassed to say, that despite living among them for my entire life, I'm just now making their acquaintance. Please allow me to introduce them - I'm sure some of them, or perhaps their cousins, live near you as … Continue reading Butterfly Neighbors
The Nature of Things 