I was mowing the lawn when I noticed a butterfly on my shirt... Just along for the ride. Then I noticed more flying around. I followed them with my eyes and saw that the bushes by our garage were loaded with butterflies! I ran for my camera and got some great shots..I am so excited to share these with you! I think these are "Painted lady" butterflies, but am not sure. Any one know what they are? My husband says they are moths. ;-)
Enjoy!
*I like this one.. it is the butt of the butterfly..see how it looks like an owl to scare off predators from behind!
My dog wondering what the heck I am doing in the bushses!
Hope you enjoyed my pics!
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Comments: 50
How many did you see at one time? Great story.
All butterflies have small rounded clubs at the end of their antenna.
Moth's antenna can be feathery or thin.
i dont know a lot about what we humans name which butterfly but of the painted ladies i looked at yours seems quite different - altho there was considerable variation within those i looked at too as well as similarities with yours... so... heck if i know.
i think i'd just go with enjoying the visual treat you've posted. i can definitely see the owl underside, do you think the top side is a blossom?
Love the dog at the end! LOL
Sue, that was about 30 butterflies! Funny thing is my daughter said the same thing! That would be one patient butterfly! LOL!
Definitely not a lilac..just a bush that grows easily in Illinois. You can buy them cheap at any nursery.
NOT moths.
Probably painted ladies
If it holds its wings up perpendicular to spread positon, it's a butterfly.
I am sure they are butterflies now! but still not sure what kind ;-)
kathleen, love your butterfly icon!
I think these butterflies are "Viceroys" rather than Painted Ladies. As I recall, Painted Ladies have lighter brown and more pink.
I looked up Viceroys..nope not them..Viceroys sorta look like Monarchs..I found another site about Painted Ladies...these are definitely them ;-) thanks!
Thanks Tonia!
Thank you for sharing!
The underside camouflage is incredible! I never thought to look underneath for a different design. It would be so effective to look like an owl -- so even though you're within "eating" distance it looks like you're a big owl flying high up in the sky. Fascinating stuff.
Thank you so much for this gorgeous photo essay. Definitely an eye opener for me! (And your dog photo closing is priceless!!)
I also came by to pass along the news about this contest: Contest! Calling campers, wannabe campers & writers. I thought this just might be up your alley, considering your great "Weekend Wise" fishing excursion article. (P.S. Your book prize will be in the mail to you soon.)
and big thanks to you Ms. Meacham ;-) I will check out the contest!