The native plants in our flower gardens are attracting a number of species, including this Giant Swallowtail sipping nectar from a Purple Cone Flower.
Giant Swallowtails are easier to identify when the dark upper wing is visible.
There must have been a new batch of Monarchs emerging from the chrysalis on August 2, as it was the most abundant species I found that day. Although only 3 are visible in the photo, this Butterfly Bush was feeding12 Monarchs at the same time.
A pair of Monarchs enjoyed some Teasel nectar in the Canatara Meadow.
I didn't realize my good fortune until I looked at this photo on my computer. I had captured a female Monarch in the process of laying an egg on a milkweed leaf. Look closely at the tip of her abdomen and you can see a tiny white egg being deposited!
Learning moth names can be a bit overwhelming thanks to the massive numbers of moths. Luckily the name of this White-spotted Brown Moth describes its features!
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