Monthly Archives: May 2022

Hungry, hungry caterpillar

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A monarch caterpillar chowing down on a giant milkweed leaf.

The monarch caterpillars feed solely on milkweed leaves, which produces glycoside toxins, according to the National Wildlife Federation, which deters other animals from eating the caterpillars. The toxins are stored making them taste bad and remains after they hatch into a butterfly, continuing to protect them.

For more information about monarch butterflies: visit my page: https://sweetbutterflybliss.com/monarch-butterfly/?frame-nonce=337ab32fc1

A dash of red

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Last night while I was watering the garden, the rich smell drifting into the air from our jasmine tree made me stop. A dash of red caught my eye, causing me to watch as it starting feeding on the flower.

After some research I learned that it is called a spotted oleander caterpillar moth, “empyreuma pugione.” According to the University of Florida, it’s distribution in Florida is limited only being found in the Keys and south Florida. It’s host plant. UF stated that oleander is its host plant.

The wing span is 43 to 48 mm, the antennae are bipectinate, black in color with metalic blue highlights and orange tips. What grabbed my attention are the hind wings showcasing a “carmine red” with a brown fringe.

Since I started the butterfly garden three years ago, it has caused me to slow down and look at what is visiting our garden and yard.

Sipping nectar

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With one injured wing, this male monarch butterfly has been found fluttering around our garden the last day or so.

Once he was shown to our lantana plant, my daughter and I watched him drink to his heart’s content. My daughter then began picking individual flowers and feeding him in her hands while talking sweetly to the stunning butterfly.

It just goes to show that if you slow down enough, you have the opportunity to witness nature at its finest.

For more information about monarch butterflies: visit my page: https://sweetbutterflybliss.com/monarch-butterfly/?frame-nonce=337ab32fc1

Morning activity

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First thing in the morning is my favorite time to walk around the garden. The new life and growing life is extraordinary to find among the gorgeous flowers still kissed by dew from the early morning hours.