We’ve had a bit of a cooler weather spell here lately, which has been wonderful for us Floridians. Today, with the warmer, cloudless blue skies, the monarchs have been in abundance. This female was not bothered at all by the countless photographs I took, or how close I became. She was hungry, feasting on the sweet nectar of the red penta, which is in abundance right now.
The polydamas swallowtail has had an outstanding week in the butterfly house with 21 total emerging bringing our grand total to 75. The first photo is of its chrysalis right before it emerged.
The polydamas, also known as the gold rim swallowtail, tailless swallowtail and scientific name Battus polydamas lucayus, lays its eggs on the Dutchman pipe. This is the only swallowtail that lacks the tails at the base of the secondary wings, according to the University of Florida.
This species can be found throughout peninsular Florida, as well as in the Florida Keys. There are some that wander as far north as Missouri and Kentucky.
A favorite nectar flower of this species is the red penta. It’s amazing to watch them take a sip, as their wings never stop flapping. The ones released have been hanging out in the gardens this week!
Our last white peacock butterfly emerged a few days ago, taking our final count to six that we were able to raise from caterpillars we brought home from Butterfly Estates. I now have four plants for them to lay eggs on in the garden, so hopefully they will return and keep their population going. It’s been a few days since I have seen them return.
The white peacock butterfly is on a white lantana, firebush, blue porterweed bush, red penta, pink zinnia, cone flower and scorpion tail. These are all amazing nectar plants to have in the garden.
The gulf fritillary is such an amazing butterfly to watch in action, especially as they do not scare easily when you get close. The best part is if you stay still they flutter right past you, almost touching you, as they gracefully land on the nectar of choice.
The caterpillars are of abundance on the ever growing maypop passionvine. The butterflies are busy laying eggs on the vine, and for some reason on the wire that the maypop vine threw, as well as a trellis.
Today they went from the red pentas, which are among the top two nectar plants this butterfly visits in my garden, to laying eggs.
The gulf fritillary’s life span is anywhere from 14 to 27 days.
A male monarch butterfly stopping by a penta for some tasty nectar.