{"id":2030,"date":"2021-09-04T01:43:38","date_gmt":"2021-09-04T01:43:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?p=2030"},"modified":"2021-09-04T01:43:38","modified_gmt":"2021-09-04T01:43:38","slug":"2021-butterfly-bonanza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?p=2030","title":{"rendered":"2021 Butterfly Bonanza"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Our 2021 butterfly sightings have been a real bonanza! Maybe we\u2019ve spotted many more this year because of having to spend more time around our home, due to the pandemic. However, we\u2019d like to think that we\u2019ve had something (positive) to do with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since we moved into our new property here in Virginia in 2017 (from Pennsylvania), we\u2019ve worked hard at trying to improve the habitat for all kinds of pollinators, which included adding many new plantings. I\u2019ve tallied about 25 different species that I can identify this year, and a few more that I can\u2019t! There\u2019s a lot of little, beautiful, butterflies that look alike-stay tuned! So, here\u2019s our photo gallery (so far this year) of what we\u2019ve attracted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably the showiest of all our local butterflies are the Swallowtails. Most of these are large, colorful and regularly visit an assortment of both perennial and annual flowers. The Tiger Swallowtail is the state insect here in Virginia. They get their name from the yellow color with black stripes. Females will show pretty shades of blue on their lower hind wings. They also occur in a dark phase (females only). The middle photo below shows both color phases together on our Butterfly Bush. They really love sunflowers, especially the smaller Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger3-678x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2057\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger3-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2057\" class=\"wp-image-2057\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger2-498x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2056\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger2-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2056\" class=\"wp-image-2056\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger1Fem-1024x498.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2055\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTTiger1Fem-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2055\" class=\"wp-image-2055\"\/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTSpicebush-1024x601.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2054\"\/><figcaption>Spicebush Swallowtail on a Mexican Sunflower, with 2 Tigers photo-bombing in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTBlack-1024x1016.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2051\"\/><figcaption>Black Swallowtail on a New York Ironweed<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTBlackCat-498x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2052\" width=\"237\" height=\"487\"\/><figcaption>Black Swallowtail caterpillar on one of the Fennel (host plant) we planted specifically for this species<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SwTPipevine-1024x883.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2053\"\/><figcaption>Another one of the Swallowtails is the Pipevine Swallowtail&#8230;.again, enjoying one of the Mexican Sunflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/RSPurple-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2044\" width=\"484\" height=\"264\"\/><figcaption>Although technically not a Swallowtail, the Red-spotted Purple, with its iridescent blue color, looks very much like them.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperCommonCheckered-1024x883.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2046\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperCommonCheckered-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2046\" class=\"wp-image-2046\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperColumbineDuskywing-1024x639.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2045\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperColumbineDuskywing-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2045\" class=\"wp-image-2045\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperZabulon-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2050\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperZabulon-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2050\" class=\"wp-image-2050\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperTawnyEdged-1024x772.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2049\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperTawnyEdged-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2049\" class=\"wp-image-2049\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperPecks-1024x498.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2047\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperPecks-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2047\" class=\"wp-image-2047\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperSilverSpotted-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2048\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/SkipperSilverSpotted-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2048\" class=\"wp-image-2048\"\/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The group of butterflies called Skippers (above) includes dozens and dozens of different species-many of which look very much alike. Here&#8217;s a few that I think, I was able to identify! From top left, to bottom right:  Common Checkered, Columbine Duskywing, Zabulon, Tawny-edged, Pecks, and my favorite, the Silver-spotted. These little ones are enjoying Tithonia, Monarda and common thistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/FritGS-1024x859.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2036\" width=\"346\" height=\"288\"\/><figcaption>Great spangled Fritillary on a Common Milkweed<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/FritVariegated-1024x886.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2037\" width=\"246\" height=\"212\"\/><figcaption>Variegated Fritillary<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/RedAdmiral-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2042\" width=\"343\" height=\"514\"\/><figcaption>Red Admiral on a perennial downspout!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many more tiny butterflies, than there are big ones. You have to look close for these beauties, since they usually stay close to the ground. From Left to right: Pearl Crescent, Eastern-tailed Blue and a pair of Red-banded Hairstreaks. These three are all about the size of the end of your thumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PearlCrescent-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2041\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/PearlCrescent-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2041\" class=\"wp-image-2041\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Eastern-Tailed-blue2-1024x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2035\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Eastern-Tailed-blue2-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2035\" class=\"wp-image-2035\"\/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/RedBandedHairstreaks-1024x755.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2043\" data-full-url=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/RedBandedHairstreaks-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?attachment_id=2043\" class=\"wp-image-2043\"\/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/MCloak1-1024x884.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2038\"\/><figcaption>The Mourning Cloak butterfly gets its name from having the look of wearing a cloak worn by people who mourn the loss of a loved one.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CommonBuckeye-1024x780.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2034\" width=\"453\" height=\"344\"\/><figcaption>Common Buckeye resting on a  soon-to-bloom Sedum. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AmericanLady-1024x827.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2031\"\/><figcaption>An American Lady feeds on an Agastache (Giant Hyssop) plant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CabbageBFly-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2032\" width=\"438\" height=\"289\"\/><figcaption>A Cabbage White feeding on a low-growing Heal All flower.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CloudedSulphur1-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2033\"\/><figcaption>One of my favorite meadow butterflies is the Clouded Sulphur.  This fast-moving beauty  took a few minutes to stop and feed on a Common Teasel I found growing on the edge of our small meadow (I&#8217;ve since removed this aggressive, non-native invasive plant)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230;&#8230;..and finally, the majestic Monarch. This well-known butterfly has been the focus of many conservation efforts in the past decade, since its population in some areas has declined by nearly 90%!  Even in our four short years here, sadly, we don&#8217;t see too many of them, even though we now have a good stand of Common Milkweed. However, in the past few weeks, I did manage to find a dozen caterpillars feeding mainly on Swamp Milkweed, but also on Common Milkweed and Butterfly weed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Monarch-1024x498.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2039\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/MonarchCat-631x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2040\" width=\"397\" height=\"644\"\/><figcaption>Three Monarch caterpillars munch on a Swamp Milkweed.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our 2021 butterfly sightings have been a real bonanza! Maybe we\u2019ve spotted many more this year because of having to spend more time around our home, due to the pandemic. However, we\u2019d like to think that we\u2019ve had something (positive) to do with it! Since we moved into our new property here in Virginia in &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/?p=2030\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">2021 Butterfly Bonanza<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2030"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2060,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030\/revisions\/2060"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/woodyoutdoors.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}