Generation Four, pt. 2 - _TNY_9141
Starting off in northern Africa, the painted lady (Vanessa cardui) migrates north in March/April They make it as far as about southern France before laying eggs which hatch and the next generation continue the journey, making it about as far Germany in May. After mating and laying eggs the third generation is born and continue northward, reaching Sweden and places about as far north early in the summer.
Generation four is born there and begin the return trip in early autumn, settling in central Europe. The migration then continues with generation five leaving for northern Africa in October/November where the sixth generation of the year is born completing the migratory cycle.
When the winds are fortunate, some years we get many of these butterflies up here and 2019 is a year like that. This one and about forty more were fluttering all over this common lilac (Syringa oleaceae), allowing for lots of nice shots.
Generation Four, pt. 2 - _TNY_9141
Starting off in northern Africa, the painted lady (Vanessa cardui) migrates north in March/April They make it as far as about southern France before laying eggs which hatch and the next generation continue the journey, making it about as far Germany in May. After mating and laying eggs the third generation is born and continue northward, reaching Sweden and places about as far north early in the summer.
Generation four is born there and begin the return trip in early autumn, settling in central Europe. The migration then continues with generation five leaving for northern Africa in October/November where the sixth generation of the year is born completing the migratory cycle.
When the winds are fortunate, some years we get many of these butterflies up here and 2019 is a year like that. This one and about forty more were fluttering all over this common lilac (Syringa oleaceae), allowing for lots of nice shots.