~Dainty Sulphur~ |
The Dainty Sulphur is a small butterfly that is found year round throughout Florida. I also saw several Cabbage White butterflies (also part of the sulphur family), which are pretty dull compared to the Dainty.
~Ceraunus Blue~ |
This was the first Ceraunus Blue that I've found. These butterflies are really small (3/4-1 inch) and easy to overlook. They are considered common and found year round in Florida. The species is very similar to the Cassius Blue. The Cassius, however, has 2 spots on the hindwing, where the Ceraunus only has one.
~Gray Hairstreak~ |
I think hairstreaks are some of the most interesting butterflies. Most (but not all) are identified by a small protruding "hair" at the bottom of its tail. This Gray Hairstreak was feeding on some Shepard's Needles, one of its favorite nectar sources.
~White Peacock~ |
White Peacocks are common throughout Florida and were the most abundant species I saw.
~Gulf Fritillary~ |
I observed both species of fritillaries laying eggs.
~Variegated Fritillary~ |
~Queen~ |
Queen butterflies are always delightful to see. Queens are cousins of a species they strongly resemble, the Monarchs. Both of these "milkweed butterflies" are part of the same subfamily and are known to lay their eggs on various types of milkweed. The ingestion of milkweed contributes to the defense of these species as it makes them toxic to predators.
~Fiery Skipper~ |
Most Skippers have large, moth-like bodies, small wings, and hooked antennae.
~Checkered Skipper~ |
The Common Checkered Skipper is found throughout Florida. These skippers like open areas with bare ground and low growing vegetation. Adults feed from a wide variety of flowers.
~Southern Skipperling~ |
The Southern Skipperling is the smallest skipper in North America. This little fellow sure was tiny!
Some of the other species that I saw but didn't get any presentable photos of were Zebra Long-wings, Spicebush Swallowtails, Sleepy Oranges, and Cabbage White butterflies. So long for now.... next up the damselflies and dragonflies of the wetlands:)
Hi Tammy, you continue to amaze me with not only your stunning images but also the amount of information you have compiled about all the wildlife you post about.
ReplyDeleteYour the best source and reference I know when it come to Florida- thanks for sharing your images and knowledge Tammy.
Have a great week ~:)
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of these beautiful butterflies.
Some see you see here only in a butterfly garden.
that white peacock made me want to break out my pencils for a drawing! if i was in to self-punishment, that is... :) a lovely set of shots! we get some sulphers, skippers, queens, fritillaries and hairstreaks - i'm with you on the hairstreaks. they fascinate me, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots Tammy. You have some lovely butterflies out there, very jealous.
ReplyDeleteAsi que también eres una especialista en Macro?. Tammy eres una fotógrafa escepcional.
ReplyDeletesaludos desde Extremadura
Wat een heerlijke vlinder serie laat je hier zien,en zoveel mooie soorten.
ReplyDeleteHola Tammy toda una maravilla de fotos de estas bellas mariposas.Un abrazo
ReplyDeleteFantastic macro.. Well done!!!.. Gorgeous pictures. .Kisses..
ReplyDeleteTammy, as always, wonderful photography! I agree with you that Hairsteak Butterflies are very interesting to photograph and identify. Each region has a different mix so its always nice to see what other people are looking at. Keep up the great work!-Dwayne
ReplyDeleteI love all your insect photos! Well...maybe the beetle not so much. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have set to have a good butterfly or dragonfly sighting. Hopefully soon!
xo Catherine
WOW!
ReplyDeleteYou really have magnificent butterflies, it' so great to discover them through your lens: your pics are gorgeous!
The White peacock and the Golf fritillary are lepidos I'd love to see!
BRILLIANT, Tammy!
Wonderful images Tammy... many thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReally nice shots Tammy! Great detail! Being alone in the wetlands was good thing for you!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures of insects Tammy. This was some colorful and beautiful butterflies.
ReplyDeleteOttar
What a visual treat!
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm fortunate enough to see some of these when we're in Florida January and February.
Magnificent images; this makes me homesick for wishing to be in Florida.
ReplyDeletePreciosas imagenes...un beso desde Murcia....muy bonitas....
ReplyDeleteYou have a great wildlife near by you Tammy!
ReplyDeleteVery nice Pictures as Always:=)
Greetings /Kenny
What a really nice series! I keep promising to go on a "butterfly" shoot, but always end up being distracted by those darn birds! :)
ReplyDeleteI just loved the butterflies, they are so beautiful when out birding a few butterfly pics canbe found among my birds thanks for all the info I learned alot from your blog. cindy one of the Two Oldbirders
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning macroserie of this lovely butterflies
Have a nice evening
/Ingemar
Hi Tammy !
ReplyDeleteSo then the lady has gone for macro hunting ! Superb pics of the butterflies. My favourite is the White Peacock. Have a Nice week Tammy !
Great set of Butterflies the Grey Hairstreak is particularly striking :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words about your dragonflies!
Now you've given the envy to see your pics....!!!!
Next publication maybe?! ;-)
Cheerio, keep well!
Hi Tammy, my thanks for your comment about your toddlers sharing- it gave me a good chuckle ~:)
ReplyDeleteHave a great week. Hugs the lil' one.
Tammy, this is a wonderful collection of butterfly images!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent captures!
ReplyDelete