Because it’s Sunday, we get another dollop of photos from John Avise, who continues his series on North American butterflies. John’s captions and IDs are indented, and you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.
Butterflies in North America, Part 12
This week continues my 18-part series on butterflies that I’ve photographed in North America. I’m continuing to go down my list of species in alphabetical order by common name.
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), topwing:
Mourning Cloak, underwing:
Mourning Cloak, larvae on a host plant Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis):
Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta):
Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta), topwing:
Northern Crescent, underwing:
Northern Pearly-eye (Lethe anthedon), underwing:
Northern White Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum), topwing:
Northern White Skipper, underwing:
Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) underwing:
Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) underwing:
Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea), underwing:
Nice reminder that larvae are pre-butterflies, not just voracious caterpillars to be eliminated from the garden. Thanks.
Great set! I especially admire the photographs of Sulphurs, since they only rarely let me get close enough.
These are incredible photos. The Orange Sulphur is incredible in that background. Butterfly and flower go together like fashion!
I’m wondering if the markings on butterflies tell what sex they are. I think Monarchs have a part of the wing with a black spot that delineates?
Thanks so much for these gems.
Some but not all butterflies are sexually dimorphic in coloration, but the differences can be subtle. For example, as you mentioned, male Monarchs have an inconspicuous black spot on each hindwing that the female lacks.
Beautiful!
Ahhhh…. as in delightfully pleasing – not the other one : Ahhhhh! .. or AHHHHH!!!
These are great, as always! The Sulphur is especially glorious with the sun shining through its brilliant sulfury wings, and the composition of the photo is delightful.
Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) hanging on upside down by those skinny legs, lovely shot.
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) morning, noon and night of late… I’ve seen so many creatures we just don’t see in my neck of the woods via these postings. Thanks.
Gorgeous!
Very nice. Wow is the Mourning Cloak ever beautiful!
Wonderful! Always a pleasure to stop and check out the photos. Mourning Cloak!