Recent Butterflies & Moths

This is a great time of the year to explore the many species of butterflies and moths that can be found in Central Florida. Here are a few of the butterflies and moths I've seen over the past month at my favorite wildlife locations. The Queen is a commonly found the Viera Wetlands. I never tire of seeing this boldly colored, large butterfly.

Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta

Last weekend, I saw quite a few Long-tailed Skipper feeding on the vegetation growing along the fence that borders the wetlands.

Long-tailed Skipper
Urbanus proteus

Long-tailed Skipper
Urbanus proteus

I encountered the next two species, the Eastern Pygmy-blue and the Ceraunus Blue, along Biolab Road on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  

Eastern Pygmy-blue
Brephidium pseudofea

The Pygmy is the smallest butterfly in Florida and the Ceraunus is only slightly bigger. These two species are fairly similar, however, easy to distinguish by their hindspots.

Ceraunus Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus

Ceraunus Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus

Mangrove Buckeye
Junonia evarete

There were quite a few Mangrove Buckeyes along Biolab Rd as well as along Blackpoint Drive.

Perhaps my favorite find of the month was this Polka dot Wasp Moth. It is also referred to as an "Oleander Moth" because of its love of oleanders. This colorful little creature has white dotted wings and a stunning metallic blue, bright orange abdomen. This species resembles a wasp, however, it is just a harmless moth.

Polka dot Wasp Moth
Syntomeida epilais

Butterflies, Bees, & Moths, Oh My!

Passing through the local ponds to check out the birds has been a regular activity of mine for quite some time. Only recently though, have I started to take a closer look at some of the other creatures that dwell there. The perimeter of the ponds is lined with trees and fencing that is heavily blanketed with an assortment of vines and weeds.

Long-tailed Skipper

The variety of blossoms attract many different species of moths and butterflies that can be seen here year round.

Long-tailed Skipper

 When I was there over the weekend, I noted several small areas that had dozens of Zebra Longwings sipping nectar from the available flowers.This butterfly, which is one of the most abundant species found here, is Florida's official state butterfly.

Zebra Longwing

Gulf Fritillary butterflies are also popular here. This was one of the most vibrant ones I encountered on my visit.

Gulf Fritillary

As I was kneeling in grass, this worn looking Gulf Fritillary land nearby.

Gulf Fritillary

The butterfly sat motionless for a few moments, then began to curl its body into a strange position. It took me a moment to realize what I was observing.   I then realized that this butterfly, as it curled up its abdomen, was laying a tiny egg on a barren stick. I've never actually watched a butterfly lay an egg, but it was pretty fascinating to see this unexpected occurrence happen right next to me.

Gulf Fritillary

After she flew off, my son and I examined this tiny egg.

The stick seems like an unusual place for an egg to be laid as Gulf Fritillary usually lay their eggs on the leaves of the plentiful Purple Passionflowers that are here.

Have you hugged a tree lately?

Hope you have a great week!!!