Pipevine Swallowtail DSC_4315
The Pipevine Swallowtails have been doing great on their own this year. There have been more in the yard than in previous years. I have only raised three so far but can't actually count them until they eclose. They are in the pupal stage in protective custody.
However, if all goes well I will have six more to raise. This beauty was sitting on the porterweed when I spotted her. But then she flitted on over right beside me and deposited six beautiful orange eggs. She even let me do a little video clip with my cell phone. Then when she was finished, she flitted away. Of course, I went in to get my snips (clippers) so I could collect the eggs without damaging the plant.
Today, I shall be doing a bit of Hurricane prep. I hear we are going to have a small one move through this weekend. I was really hoping to skip the hurricanes this year 😂. Butterflies don't like hurricanes. They can handle the rain well enough but the wind is not good for them. For the most part, I expect that they know it's coming and they will either leave the area or take cover in one of the oaks. Butterflies predict the weather better than the weather people.
UPDATE: It appears that the word of mouth info I received about the hurricane was not exactly correct. We are expecting a tropical storm. Still, precautions need to be made and I am ready for what comes.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy snapping.
Pipevine Swallowtail DSC_4315
The Pipevine Swallowtails have been doing great on their own this year. There have been more in the yard than in previous years. I have only raised three so far but can't actually count them until they eclose. They are in the pupal stage in protective custody.
However, if all goes well I will have six more to raise. This beauty was sitting on the porterweed when I spotted her. But then she flitted on over right beside me and deposited six beautiful orange eggs. She even let me do a little video clip with my cell phone. Then when she was finished, she flitted away. Of course, I went in to get my snips (clippers) so I could collect the eggs without damaging the plant.
Today, I shall be doing a bit of Hurricane prep. I hear we are going to have a small one move through this weekend. I was really hoping to skip the hurricanes this year 😂. Butterflies don't like hurricanes. They can handle the rain well enough but the wind is not good for them. For the most part, I expect that they know it's coming and they will either leave the area or take cover in one of the oaks. Butterflies predict the weather better than the weather people.
UPDATE: It appears that the word of mouth info I received about the hurricane was not exactly correct. We are expecting a tropical storm. Still, precautions need to be made and I am ready for what comes.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy snapping.