I see you

Posted on August 30, 2023 by SweetButterfly Bliss

It has been fascinating to watch how butterflies have dealt with Hurricane Idalia’s outer bands of rain and wind in my garden.

The polydamas swallowtail, gulf fritilary, monarch and orange-barred sulphurs have been constant throughout this storm. Every break in rain they fight the 20+ mile per hour winds and either lay eggs, or drink some nectar.

On the last walk outside, I found a gulf fritillary hiding deep in the vegetation of a zinnia plant. They definitely know where to hide and ride out the storm.

Out of the elements

Posted on August 30, 2023 by SweetButterfly Bliss

Monarchs are taking coverage under the wishing well roof, on the rope, holding up the bucket in our garden. We are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Idalia with constant wind and bands of rain.

Time for laying eggs

Posted on August 29, 2023 by SweetButterfly Bliss

There have been many breaks in the outer bands of rains from Hurricane Idalia inviting the butterflies back into the garden. It makes me wonder where they find cover during the rain, as it must be somewhere close because there are quite a few taking advantage of the no rain, overcast skies right now.

This gulf fritillary took the opportunity to lay some eggs on our maypop passionvine. If you look closely, there are already eggs on the leaf. This beautiful lush plant will disappear rather quickly with the action this particular plant has received recently.