The very first Queen butterfly I had seen in my garden this season!
A somewhat bedraggled male Monarch.
Fiery Skipper.
Cloudless Sulphur.
Gulf Fritillary.
Painted Lady.
Tropical Checkered Skipper.
American Snout.
All of these butterflies, except for the American Snout, were seen nectaring on the purple trailing lantana, which, although nipped by frost, still has many tiny blooms. It was alive with these butterflies and many, many more today - Nature's precious winter gifts to this grateful gardener.
What a wonderful gift, Dorothy! Your butterflies all look wonderful. I don't know whether you saw my update, but the female monarch that emerged in our garden a couple of days ago still hasn't been able to fly. Her wings never straightened properly. I mixed up some sugar water for her, as she didn't seem to want anything to do with our pansies, and my lantana all bit it in the freeze. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing what happens in your garden next year.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about the Monarch. It certainly sounds like you are doing every thing possible to help her.
DeleteHow wonderful! So many butterflies for the Christmas season. Happy Christmas to you!
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