Red Spotted Purple DSC_3845

This image was taken while I was on the bourbon trail during my journey home from Ohio. I keep saying that I will never drive to and from Ohio again. This trip I compromised and flew to Ohio and drove home, stopping at multiple points of interest over a four day period. While the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour was great, I was more excited to see my very first red spotted purple butterfly in person. Prior to this I have only seen them in photos. Just prior to leaving for my trip, I had gone to Sweet Bay Nursery in search of willow trees to feed the viceroy caterpillars I had collected. While there the owner suggested I might want to get a wild cherry tree because it is a host for the red spotted purple. So, I bought two wild cherry trees. One to keep in protective custody to use as food for caterpillars and one to plant outside for them to lay their eggs on if I am so lucky to start seeing these beauties in my yard . Only time will tell, but they are in my area so there is a decent chance that they will start visiting now that I have their host.

 

Have a fantastic day and happy snapping.

 

 

 

Done