Garden

[cheriere]

This larger size member of the Nymphhalidae family is a North American butterfly.  From what  I read, they have a most interesting lifecycle.  

They mate in June & July.  Then, in August & September, females lay their eggs on violets.  Even though the violets are not living, they still know where to find them.  Afterwards, the eggs hatch.  However, the caterpillars sleep all winter long!

Sadly, their lifespan is only 30-45 days.  But, they  certainly make the most of their days by drinking nectar and pollinating plants we need.

Fun Facts, They drink nectar with their feet.  
A key identifying factor is the transparent silver spots on their under wings.  To me, the spots sometimes turn the color of whatever flower they happen to be on.😃❤️🦋

[meallen616]

@cheriere,

Absolutely beautiful,

[LTT1]

@cheriere 

@meallen616 

Aren't they unique and pretty!

[cheriere]

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@LTT1 wrote:

@cheriere 

@meallen616 

Aren't they unique and pretty!

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Thanks so much.😃❤️🦋

I thought they were super unique too!  It sure was hard to get the pics   They're extremely people shy & almost always fly up high and away.

I had to get these from farther away.  That's why they're not as crisp & clear as I'd hoped.

At least they're better than the first shot I got in early June.  He/She was on some gravels lol.😃🦋

[on the bay]

@cheriere,

I love the story of them as well as the beautiful pictures. I looked for the spots having different colors on the flowers. Nature is amazing!

And to me the photos are very clear! Thank you for these early morning beauties!

[cheriere]

@on the bay 

I really appreciate your saying that about the story and the pics.  Thank you.😃❤️

I didn't know anything about this pretty fella myself.  I've been saving a single photo I got on June 3rd.  This one was sitting on some gravels though.  I was waiting, hoping to get some better shots.

I don't think this one likes to be around other butterflies or people lol.😃🦋

[on the bay]

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@cheriere wrote:

@on the bay 

I really appreciate your saying that about the story and the pics.  Thank you.😃❤️

I didn't know anything about this pretty fella myself.  I've been saving a single photo I got on June 3rd.  This one was sitting on some gravels though.  I was waiting, hoping to get some better shots.

I don't think this one likes to be around other butterflies or people lol.😃🦋

@cheriere,

A beautiful introvert

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[Estellee]

@cheriere Is that the same butterfly on each flower or different ones, so beautiful!

[JYWilliams]

Just beautiful. I use to see butterflies, june bugs, lightening bugs all the time as a kid. I haven't seen a june bug or lightening bug in years. And I am lucky if I see even one butterfly in a year.

[2sisters]

Wow!   Those are so very beautiful @cheriere. You are right about their colors and the colors of the flowers!  So sad tho they have such a short life.  
Your home is like a botanical garden!   Thank you again for sharing with all of us. I know it takes time and patience for the perfect picture!❤️🌺