A Sickle-winged Skipper was the first to arrive.
Soon there were two flitting from flower to flower.
Every garden needs a spider...or two.
The milkweed is full of aphids and a bit ragged looking, but that didn't stop this Queen from laying her eggs. Hopefully the new leaves at the base of the plants will grow quickly and be enough to feed the hungry caterpillars that will be hatching soon.
Deep within the milkweed jungle, I came across a grasshopper. He was just hanging out, but I imagine he'll probably snack on some of our plants. I don't expect he'll do too much damage all by himself.
A cute little Dun Skipper stopped by for a sip of Gomphrena nectar. It must be quite tasty considering how popular it is in the garden right now.
Our RV park management has neglected to mow the grass for a few weeks. And though I'm not thrilled about that, it's probably a lucky thing for this newly emerged Queen butterfly.
I didn't find her empty chrysalis, but I suspect it's attached to a blade of grass nearby, since this is where she stayed for most of the morning before flying away.
And just when I had decided it was too hot to stay out any longer, a Checkered White showed up. It made the rounds from lantana...
to zinnia and other flowers in between.
On the zinnia are ants and some unidentified bugs under the petals (mites? yikes!)—just another bit of wildlife in our pesticide-free butterfly garden.
Today's post is my contribution to Wildlife Wednesday—a meme, hosted by Tina at My Gardener Says..., that celebrates wildlife in the garden on the first Wednesday of every month.
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Today's post is my contribution to Wildlife Wednesday—a meme, hosted by Tina at My Gardener Says..., that celebrates wildlife in the garden on the first Wednesday of every month.
Your garden had a lot of visitors while you were sitting in the sunshine. Seeing the torn wings on some of the butterflies caused me to reflect that small creatures experience hardships, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, but the difference is they don't let their hardships slow them down.
DeleteLots of great butterfly shots. I get some of those, like the Checkered White--I have problems photographing those and the many sulfurs--they're just too fast for me. I love your grasshopper shot--they're so beautiful, in an armored sort of way. :) thanks for joining in today, Tracy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. Some butterflies just refuse to sit still. :) I have that problem, too.
DeleteGreat photos, and I especially like the one of the grasshopper, it has a lot of detail. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, so much!
DeleteWow, your little weekend garden sure gets a lot of interesting activity. Your patience paid off with some great shots. I need to try some grasshoppers, they move quickly when I'm out but there should be a way. Once things cool a bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shirley! There's always something interesting to see in a garden, even if it is a small one. So glad you stopped by!
DeleteOh my goodness, you have some really great shots here Tracy! I love them all!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Judy!
DeleteWow...stunning shots...just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby!
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