Monthly Archives: February 2023

A new adventure awaits

Posted on by
Reply

I am beyond thrilled to begin raising the pipevine swallowtail from egg. I planted the birthwort, its host plant, in my garden almost two years ago and have never been able to attract this butterfly. It came to my attention earlier this week that the Butterfly Estates has an abundance of eggs after a conversation with the curator for an article I am writing. So, this morning, I made my way to Downtown Fort Myers. There were so many pipevine swallowtails flying around the 3,600 square foot glass butterfly conservatory. I even had the opportunity to take home the eggs that I witnessed the female pipevine swallowtail laying.

I cannot wait to learn more about this species whose wingspan range from 2 3/4 to 5 inches, as I watch them grow from egg to butterfly. I have both the male (blue hindwings) and female (black wings with spots) photographed below.

The cycle continues

Posted on by
Reply

I was ecstatic when I found the various stages of the ladybug on my milkweed. I am thrilled to see that the ladybugs have dispersed throughout the front garden and are now starting to mate. The more the merrier, as the aphids are still plentiful in the garden.

The buckeye

Posted on by
Reply

With the common buckeye residing in all 67 counties of Florida, you can only imagine how excited I was when I spotted this beauty at Rotary Park in Cape Coral, Florida, last week. It was constantly flying from one scorpion tail to another, so I was excited when it slowed down enough for me to take quite a few photographs.

From research, the wingspan can range from 45 to 70 mm with the females larger with more rounded forewings than the male. This butterfly can be found year round in Florida.

Meaningful

Posted on by
Reply

Butterflies became such a significant part of my life, and my family’s many years ago. They always seem to appear, and fly extremely close, on the most important days making me smile, making me remember such a beautiful, loving family member.

I love hearing how butterflies have touched others people’s lives as well. It is remarkable how beautiful they are, the transformation they take on to become a butterfly, and how they represent more than that as well.

I am so happy I was able to help my friend’s vision turn into a reality this weekend. I was able to give her 12 butterflies that emerged in my butterfly house to release at her mother’s service. My heart is happy.

Here are a handful of photos of those butterflies enjoying some nectar, giving them fuel to fly high when released.

These two butterflies below emerged in the garden this morning.

Breakfast time

Posted on by
Reply

Is there anything more peaceful than watching a butterfly eat? The lantana, penta and sweet almond bush have been a huge hit with the monarch butterflies. A couple of my favorites from a morning feeding frenzy.