Tag: butterfly

Stella Orangetip: Anthrocharis stella

On By Mike and Christy7 Comments


We have followed Anthrocharis stella commonly known as Stella Orangetip up and down the trail the last few week with little luck photographing these butterflies that rarely seemed to land. No fooling, one must have flown 25yards in front of us for at least 1/4 mile along the trail last week keeping tis distance but never landing.

When we did see one touch down it was always far in the distance and to make matters worse the wind seemed to be blowing just enough to make focusing with a long telephoto lens somewhat difficult. They definitely seemed to be searching for something specific in their flights and perhaps it was the small white flower in the photo above as they were scattered along the trail and not present in great numbers. Perhaps these flowers will increase in numbers as spring rolls on and then we will get a chance for more close-up shots of this fine looking butterfly.

First Leaves

On By Mike and Christy10 Comments

Along the creek with buds just breaking out a trees first leaves of spring were not leaves at all.

It appeared that sap was flowing and attracting Comma Butterflies (Polygonia comma) of either the Eastern, Satyr or Hoary varieties to these willows just a few weeks ago. In addition to sap the leafless Pussy Willows further up the road were providing an early spring meal of pollen and nectar for the pollinators as well.

The namesake comma, or little c,is visible on both of these guys above.

… and the star of the show and a beautiful lift leaf on any plant.

And after a meal full of nectar a well balanced butterfly diet should include a little mineral as well. This Comma is engaging in a behavior known as puddling which I have observed over and over again but first read about on Piotr Naskrecki’s blog the Smaller Majority in an article entitles What Butterflies Like.

Anyway those first leaves of spring were not leaves at all.

On the earth day earth.

On By Mike and Christy8 Comments

ED_1

Although spring had a calendar date of March 20th we have had an extended winter and this year earth day was the day that felt like spring had actually sprung.

The sun had been out for several days in a row without a flake of snow falling and the temperatures were downright warm. The snow was receding at a rapid pace and the earth became exposed. Flowers were budding and blooming all of which were no more than several inches high.

The promise of spring seemed fulfilled at last.

ED_2

ED_3

Flowers blooming with life inviting the early season pollinators in for a drink.

ED_4
Pine cones alive on the forest floor and glow in the morning light.

ED_5

ED_6

ED_7

ED_8

Not more than an inch in height the flowers came in yellow and white.

ED_9

The state butterfly Nymphalis antiopa “Mourning Cloak” basks in the sunlight on a road which only a day or two ago was covered in snow.

ED_10

And then came the day after earth day…

Cabbage White Female?

On By Mike and Christy19 Comments

Cabbage_white_near_1

cabbage_white_far_1

I am going to give my Butterfly ID skills another shot today. Notice how the title ends in a question mark demonstrating my level of confidence.

While hiking the same trail as the one we spotted the Police Car Moths there were many of what look to be Cabbage White females fluttering by looking for just the right flower but never seeming to land. Finally one touched down near us on a nice fresh patch of wild Asters. We snuck up close and then just one more step closer before she flew away. Chasing butterflies is not such a bad way to spend the afternoon even for a grown-up.

Have a great weekend.