There are over 28,000 species of butterflies around the world. 80 percent you will find in tropical regions. I found these facts at this link.
I will be sharing photos from our trip down to the south western part of Virginia for a while, particularly the flowers and fluttery things that land on them. There were many flying around and many beautiful flowers blooming, I took lots of photos. The first two are of Silver Spotted Skippers.
Reynolda Gardens, where I took today's photos, was a great day for pollinators. I believe the butterfly below is a dark form Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Please let me know if you think I am wrong on any of my ID's, as I always like to get these things correct. This link will take you to an ID site for the swallowtail, and if you scroll down you will see very similar photos.
The Silver Spotted Skipper again. They were out in full force.
Another swallowtail.
After an extensive search I wasn't able to identify the following. A Fritillary perhaps? There is an interesting website here if you would like to take a look. It gives a lot of interesting facts about butterflies.
Added note 8-21-19: I think this is an American Painted Lady. I found one on this wonderful nature blog here. Mike, its host, has incredible photos, many taken in the places I know very well.
Added note 8-21-19: I think this is an American Painted Lady. I found one on this wonderful nature blog here. Mike, its host, has incredible photos, many taken in the places I know very well.
And yet another Silver Spotted Skipper. I was very grateful to these little guys as not only were they all over the place, but they stayed still long enough for a good pose.
"Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time."
~ Deborah Chaskin~
Each picture is wonderful! Sadly, I have not gotten even one butterfly picture this year. We have these Black Swallowtails. I think this is one. What a wonderful variety you got!
ReplyDeleteHi Ginny, thank you and I hadn't gotten any decent butterfly photos this year either, up until the time we went away on vacation, and our recent trip to Nabiesco. They seemed scarce.
DeleteYou have featured some of my favourite things in this post. I consider butterflies (and moths) as ephemeral magic and always delight in them.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I'm so glad EC, they are nature's wonders, that's for sure.
DeleteThey are all so pretty and different Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret :)
DeleteSo pretty!☺
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalia :)
DeleteButterfly - a symbol of soul, happiness, inspiration, lightness, beauty.
ReplyDeleteI really like butterflies.:)
Me too Lucyna, and I love the stories I read about them. Thank you :)
Deleteyour flying flowers are just gorgeous, especially the silver spotted skipper towards the end. we have always loved all the butterflies we have in our yard, they are not here this year. we have seen maybe a half dozen all summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra, I keep hearing how very few people have seen this year. I felt the same until I went to these gardens and saw the many. Did the heart good to see them.
DeleteLovely photos. Will catch up when more time a bit chaotic here at present, Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane, cheers to you too ;)
DeleteOutstandingibg captures
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteBeautiful....I love them but I have not seen that many this yr. I think I need to consider a butterfly bush...that might help.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, I'm thinking the same, planting a butterfly bush :)
DeleteI'm in love with your beautiful photos, Denise. Butterflies are such happy flying flowers that make my heart happy. Great variety, my friend. ♥
ReplyDeleteThat makes me so happy Martha Ellen. And I agree totally with that description Thank you :)))
DeleteI love the fluttery things! Just so colorful and flitting about as if filled with joy. I am wondering if the one you think might be a fritillery might be a Painted Lady. I googled it and clicked on images...there are several with their wings closed...but I am not sure at all. I looked to see if anyone else knew. I hope I think to check back and see if anyone knows for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rose on that ID :) I felt the same way, looked at a lot of photos but not many with their wings just so. I keep hoping someone will come in with a definite answer.
DeleteHello lovely captures of the butterflies! Beautiful flowers and photos! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, you too :)
DeleteThey're very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing them flying around, yes very pretty :)
DeleteOh my gosh Denise, these are wonderful photos! I try to photograph butterflies, but very seldom succeed, they just don’t hold still for me! I’m impressed also with your knowledge!
ReplyDeleteHi Sallie, I found that this was the first time this year that I had been able to capture them properly. As for my knowledge, I learn as I go along :) Blogging has been a big help for that.
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