Butterflies here continue to nectar on Tithonia almost exclusively while Lantana montevidensis, Verbena bonariensis, Duranta, Pentas and Crocosmia in the same vicinity are mostly ignored.
Gulf Fritiallaries on Tithonia -- a Butterfly Pizzaria
I think they like Tithonia because they can just sit on the blossom and get plenty of nectar.
The primary butterflies seen are Gulf Fritillaries and Pipevine Swallowtails. Spicebush Swallowtails are increasing. Skippers abound. Little Dogface Sulphurs are around and I see a rare Tiger and Zebra.
Passionflower fruit about the size of a lime at woods edge.
Somebody has been chewing on the leaves.
Curiously, when I went to check on the butterfly population in the wild areas
I saw only one Gulf Frit, on Ironweed.
Buckeyes and American Painted Ladies have all but disappeared since the weather got so hot but they were here ahead of Swallowtails earlier in the summer. They should return when new broods hatch. Some of their host plants disappeared in the recent drought. I hope the zealous mowing by He-who-mows did not destroy some habitat. He gets anxious about rattlesnakes when the meadows get tall and mows a little further out.
What butterflies are you seeing in your garden during such hot weather? There's a poll on the sidebar for your input. If you leave a comment as well, we'll know where the butterflies are showing up.
Thank you for your interest and participation. It's never too hot to go outside and look at butterflies. Wear a hat, don't stay too long and drink plenty of iced tea when you come inside.
