Hyles lineata, the White Lined Sphinx Moth, aka Hummingbird Moth.

dalefvictor comments on Aug 11, 2018:

This critter looks to be a space craft. Really beautiful markings.

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Fighter jet comes to mind when I see these sleek moths. White Lined is my favorite of the Sphingids along with Hemaris, the smaller genus of "hummingbird moth".

Hyles lineata, the White Lined Sphinx Moth. A.K.A. Hummingbird Moth

Sheannutt comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Took this picture of this moth years ago, wondering what kind it is?

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Polyphemus Moth

First Bloom, Asclepias tuberosa

HippieChick58 comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Very pretty, good picture!

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Thanx:)

Boltonia asteroides, the False Aster

HippieChick58 comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Great picture!

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Thanx:)

Another "wannabe" resting on my Rudbeckia. Boltonia asteroides, or false aster

Sheannutt comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Love the bee on the flower

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Gotcha!! More like a "wanna-bee", the Syrphid, or Hover Fly mimics bees to ward off would "bee" predators.

Hyles lineata, the White Lined Sphinx Moth. A.K.A. Hummingbird Moth

Gmak comments on Aug 11, 2018:

I wish I could dress myself with such style!

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

You should see him in action. Hell blow your mind. Looks just like a hummingbird

Hyles lineata, the White Lined Sphinx Moth. A.K.A. Hummingbird Moth

BeccaVa comments on Aug 11, 2018:

How pretty

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

And quite a welcome surprise this morning:D. I filmed as he shook and shivered in prep for takeoff. Finally, " Major Tom" took off about his business of pollinating my Phlox and Monarda. The name was inspired by Bowie's " Space Oddity", which was running thru my mind as he raised his body temp to proper flight level. "Commencing countdown, engines on..."

Boltonia asteroides, the False Aster

FrayedBear comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Very summery said he from the depths of winter.

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@FrayedBear (groans) LOL

Boltonia asteroides, the False Aster

FrayedBear comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Very summery said he from the depths of winter.

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Very much so;) These delicate flowers just scream PRAIRIE!!

Boltonia asteroides, the False Aster

Cast1es comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Looks a bit like a daisy ..

Leafhead replies on Aug 11, 2018:

Same family, Asteraceae (Compsites). Asteraceae is a huge family comprising everything from sunflowers to thistles to artichoke to lettuce. Even dandelions and everlasting belong in this expansive family, which is divided further into many tribes. Composite flowers make excellent nectar sources for bees and butterflies, and many plants help by feeding the caterpillars (host plants).

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

Pen-n-Ink comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Whether or not it "belongs" here, thanks for posting and kudos to you for butterfly ranching.

Leafhead replies on Aug 10, 2018:

@Pen-n-Ink the "wannabe" is a Viceroy, a mimic of the Monarch. It can be distinguished by the black bar that runs across each hind wing. The Monarch lacks these

Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.

IamNobody comments on Aug 9, 2018:

I like this one !!!!!! Long live the King .....or not ?

Leafhead replies on Aug 10, 2018:

King Donald, the First, and Last.

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

Pen-n-Ink comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Whether or not it "belongs" here, thanks for posting and kudos to you for butterfly ranching.

Leafhead replies on Aug 10, 2018:

Thanx:) I was hesitant because the last time I posted I was sharply told that it was irrelevant to the site:( Some people are just busybodies. I'm glad there are still plenty of appreciative kind people to offset those nudniks out there. Here's a picture of a "wannabe". Can you tell the difference?

I recently took a trip to the butterfly pavilion.

RavenCT comments on Aug 10, 2018:

Hey Butterfly Pavilions are fun!

Leafhead replies on Aug 10, 2018:

@Duke Butterflies over sports?? HELL YEAH! You're not the only weird one out there;)

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

I_dont_know comments on Aug 10, 2018:

It is an "other thing of beauty." Well done. Have they suffered a decline in numbers? Or is my memory just failing me?

Leafhead replies on Aug 10, 2018:

Their numbers have plummeted for a variety of reasons, including pesticide use, habitat destruction (Milkweed namely) and climate change

Chickweed Geometer Moth

Sheannutt comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Wow that's a different kind of a moth, it's beautiful.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

It is in the familiar "Inchworm" family

Familiar "Wannabe"

Mooolah comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Plenty in the prairie. Summer is for the prairie.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@Countrywoman Awesome:) I enjoy Jack in the Pulpits best in the woods, followed by Mayapples and Merrybells I look forward to the first butterflies of Spring, including Morning Cloaks, American Ladies and Red Admirals. Dandelions are plentiful in Spring, as are Violets and soon Lilacs. My first hosts in March-April are Nettles, Pussytoes and Pearly Everlasting. And of course I allow NO TOLERANCE for Garlic Mustard, Buckthorn, etc.

Red Spotted Purple on my feeder. It doesn't get any better than this

freeofgod comments on Aug 8, 2018:

I see a lot of these. Excellent photo.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@freeofgod Absolutely! What an unnecessary time and money wasting endeavor. There is absolutely no plausible reason to mow medians. A few "seed bombs" could benefit ditches and medians a lot too. Google for details and "recipes". No terrorism here, either... Pesticides be damned! Every one of us could save money and health by not using lawn services and spraying everything with more than 4 legs. They're only bugs, for christ sake. Flowers are half a garden. Bugs, birds and other animals make the other half. Flora *and* fauna.

"Wannabe" poser

Sheannutt comments on Aug 8, 2018:

Wow I love the butterflies you put on here this one is beautiful.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Thanx;)

"Wannabe" poser

sweetcharlotte comments on Aug 8, 2018:

Love the Beautiful Monarchs in different stances.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

If you were a hungry bird, you would have been tricked out of a tasty meal. But that's just evolution playing tricks again The above butterfly is not a Monarch, but a close mimic, the Viceroy. The butterfly pictured below is the real deal. Check out the hind wings. Notice the black band that runs across the hind wings of Butterfly A? That's a giveaway of the Viceroy

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

WalterWhite comments on Aug 9, 2018:

You used your hands and your heart, and something beautiful happened. So we have seen Spiderman, Antman, the Wasp, and even the Green Hornet, but you are my insect hero for butterflies. :)

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

At least I'm not The Tick!!LOL (Yukk)

Familiar "Wannabe"

walklightly comments on Aug 9, 2018:

wannabe what? or who?

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@Countrywoman That's absolutely correct:) They also have radically different flight patterns, behaviors and diets than Monarchs. Their flight is quicker and more irratic, and they tend to bask on the ground more. You'll never see a Monarch on the ground basking, pudding or at the feeder. Viceroys start on willows and look completely different than Monarch caterpillars. Viceroy add fruit to their diet; Monarchs never do.

Familiar "Wannabe"

Mooolah comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Plenty in the prairie. Summer is for the prairie.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Love prairies <3 They're becoming one of my favorite habitats, along with wetlands and coral reefs

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

Akfishlady comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Good for you. Beautiful shot.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Thanx, and remember, bugs are better than drugs (pesticides)

Not sure if can be considered hand crafted, but I put a huge amount of work raising >140 Monarch ...

shebaloney comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Holy crap, that's amazing! I love that you did that, and I love the picture. So cool.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Thanx:) Everyone can do something. Planting a small patch of Milkweed and some native wildflowers is all that is necessary, if enough people contribute. Swear off pesticides. Talk to your neighbors about the adverse consequences these poisons have on the planet, our kids, our pets and on us. Talk to friends and family. The Monarch needs our help. The more Milkweed, the merrier. And the less, the scarier

Red Spotted Purple on my feeder. It doesn't get any better than this

freeofgod comments on Aug 8, 2018:

I see a lot of these. Excellent photo.

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

I'm seeing more than usual this Summer, after a 3 year dearth of them. Must be the Prunes serotina tree and butterfly feeder I installed this year. They FIGHT over the feeders!!

Brand new Monarch

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Wow, what a close up! Gorgeous detail

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse LOLOL

Brand new Monarch

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Wow, what a close up! Gorgeous detail

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse PS: Another secret is to find your subject basking on a cool but sunny morning, when their reactions are still slow and their "solar panels" are fully spread to the Sun. You can pretty much snap to your heart's content without disturbing your basking beauties

Brand new Monarch

Gmak comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Good to see!

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Lots of hard work and Milkweed, and I am blessed with >140 chrysales nearing eclosure :) This one's the first of many. Planting a small patch of Milkweed in a corner is all that is necessary, if enough people do it.

Brand new Monarch

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Wow, what a close up! Gorgeous detail

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse Thank you again;) There aren't a lot of things in life I enjoy more than butterflies. Photography just seems natural. Glad I'm a butterfly fiend and not a sex fiend :P

Brand new Monarch

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Wow, what a close up! Gorgeous detail

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

Thanx:) closeups are a breeze when they're young and inactive like this. Once their wings dry and they get a goin, it's a different story. Shooting is a bit trickier when you have a moving target (model). Every now and then, I get really lucky

Familiar "Wannabe"

walklightly comments on Aug 9, 2018:

wannabe what? or who?

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

This is the Viceroy, who mimics the nasty tasting Monarch Butterfly. The bright colors warn birds to keep away, even though this butterfly is probably quite tasty. (To birds, that is) Hence, the Monarch "wannabe"

"Wannabe" poser

Insectra comments on Aug 8, 2018:

Great shots! The mimicry is fantastic!

Leafhead replies on Aug 9, 2018:

@dede18 There are several flight patterns and behaviors that distinguish the two as well. Monarchs are slow, soaring fliers while Viceroy are quick and irratic. Monarchs prefer nectar only, whereas Viceroy will also come to overripe fruit, especially bananas. Viceroy also tend to be a bit smaller than Monarchs

Red Spotted Purple on my feeder. It doesn't get any better than this

Donto101 comments on Aug 8, 2018:

I haven’t seen them around my flowers

Leafhead replies on Aug 8, 2018:

They're not that into flowers. They prefer overripe fruit, bananas being among their favorite. They will come to certain odd smelling flowers, like Arrowood, which smell like sox

Red Spotted Purple on my feeder. It doesn't get any better than this

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 8, 2018:

The red is really subtle.

Leafhead replies on Aug 8, 2018:

The spots are visible on the backside of the hind wings. They're pretty vivid

Red Spotted Purple and favorite food

MrLizard comments on Aug 8, 2018:

This is one of my favorite pictures I took of a butterfly. Do you happen to know what species it is? Looks similar.

Leafhead replies on Aug 8, 2018:

Tiger Swallowtail, Dark form. Both butterflies mimic the nasty tasting Pipevine Swallowtail. Only female are dark; males are the standard tiger pattern and carry the gene

Red Spotted Purple and favorite food

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 8, 2018:

Is that bread or some type of suet cake it is eating?

Leafhead replies on Aug 8, 2018:

Mashed bananas

My positive vibe for today, Red Spotted Purple on bananas in feeder

Anniemae comments on Aug 8, 2018:

Nice vibe for today!

Leafhead replies on Aug 8, 2018:

Thanx :) Glad your feelin it

Busy Thistle. A couple of Soldier Beetles and a Skipper share a sip of nectar

CelticFire comments on Aug 7, 2018:

very nice! The "couple of soldier beetles" wouldn't happen to be mating?

Leafhead replies on Aug 7, 2018:

That's what they do best. Pollinate flowers and each other LOL

A pic from 2017: A freshly emerged pipevine swallowtail that I reared from a caterpillar I collected...

Leafhead comments on Aug 7, 2018:

Beautiful :) Female Pipevine Swallowtail laying on Aristolochia fimbriata. Male Pipevine Swallowtail Both pix taken at Olbrich Gardens in Verona, WI in their Blooming Butterflies exhibit.

Leafhead replies on Aug 7, 2018:

@AstralSmoke LOL Proof reading is more the issue than spelling.

A pic from 2017: A freshly emerged pipevine swallowtail that I reared from a caterpillar I collected...

Leafhead comments on Aug 7, 2018:

Beautiful :) Female Pipevine Swallowtail laying on Aristolochia fimbriata. Male Pipevine Swallowtail Both pix taken at Olbrich Gardens in Verona, WI in their Blooming Butterflies exhibit.

Leafhead replies on Aug 7, 2018:

@AstralSmoke Spellcheck.

A pic from 2017: A freshly emerged pipevine swallowtail that I reared from a caterpillar I collected...

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 7, 2018:

That's pretty. I've never seen one before. I have a pipevine!

Leafhead replies on Aug 7, 2018:

@AstralSmoke Russian Olive is on the invasive no-no list, unfortunately. You are not likely to find it for sale anywhere. I have mixed feelings about this one because of its massive nectar producing capabilities. I have seen all kinds of bees and butterflies on it while in bloom. It blooms in early Summer late Spring and lasts only briefly.

A pic from 2017: A freshly emerged pipevine swallowtail that I reared from a caterpillar I collected...

AstralSmoke comments on Aug 7, 2018:

That's pretty. I've never seen one before. I have a pipevine!

Leafhead replies on Aug 7, 2018:

I saw one stray up here in southern WI on a neighbor's Russian Olive

Silver Spotted Skipper on Coneflower

jacpod comments on Aug 6, 2018:

whooohhhh can you export some we still have only cabbage whites!

Leafhead replies on Aug 6, 2018:

Just plant lots of native hardwood Legumes. They love Legume trees like Black Locust, Honey Locust and Indigo Bush. They are all Midwestern trees and shrubs, and Silver Spots lay on all. The adults are territorial and very fast. They are difficult to capture on camera. I got lucky with this enraptured feeder. They love to nectar on various prairie flowers. There are other things you can plant for butterflies. #1 at the top of the list is Milkweed native to your area

Stapelia grandiflora

HeathenFarmer comments on Aug 4, 2018:

Run its the attack of the brain slugs, LOL. Seriously though that is an impressive bloom.

Leafhead replies on Aug 4, 2018:

Thanx

Two unknown moths

Insectra comments on Aug 4, 2018:

I know the pink and yellow one--that's the chickweed geometer (Haematopis grataria). The other one is a looper, but I'm certain which. I THINK it's the common looper. And I believe I made a mistake previously: I think the moth I ID'd previously as a common looper is actually a celery looper. I ...

Leafhead replies on Aug 4, 2018:

Thanx. Insectra to the rescue :)

Stapelia grandiflora

RavenCT comments on Aug 3, 2018:

OMG we had one of these and they smell terrible in bloom! Gorgeous though. We used to put it on the sun porch.

Leafhead replies on Aug 4, 2018:

@RavenCT Even harder to get them to bloom outside the tropics. Mine blooms every summer if it gets hot enough

Stapelia grandiflora

jacpod comments on Aug 3, 2018:

wow what sort of rotten does it smell like ?

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Not bad outdoors. Lots of flies though

Insect rainbow (l) Red milkweed beetle, small milkweed bug, Eastern tiger swallowtail, dogbane ...

Leafhead comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Any ideas on this?

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

@Insectra thanx, Insectra :)

Stapelia grandiflora

RavenCT comments on Aug 3, 2018:

OMG we had one of these and they smell terrible in bloom! Gorgeous though. We used to put it on the sun porch.

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Pollinated by flies

Stapelia grandiflora

SumWherNtheMidl comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Nice! Beautiful but they smell rotten! Good thing you keep that bad boy outside!!!

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

I'm thankful it's not winter blooming!

Stapelia grandiflora

Eldovis comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Beautiful! Cactus flowers are usually very small. That it's a real surprise to me .

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Actually, not a true cactus but a relative of Milkweed. People get succulents and cacti mixed up, but remember this, Cactus is a family Succulents are a cross section of families adapted to desert conditions. Not all cacti are succulents, and not all succulents are cacti

Lonely volunteer Green Lacewing

CelticFire comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Squash of some sort? I just painted a couple rooms at a clients house the color of the blossom!

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Cucumber, I think

Milkweed.

CelticFire comments on Aug 2, 2018:

Pretty! Bloom kind of resembles a hoya!

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

In the same family, Asclepiadaceae Good catch

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

CelticFire comments on Aug 2, 2018:

Wonderful colors! Love butterflies....seems I dont see nearly as many as I used to.

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

It's all about what you plant, offer

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

Hathacat comments on Aug 2, 2018:

Is that a orange peel? Did you leave it? What do you find is the best attractant

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Yes. Some butterflies come to old fermenting fruit. Bananas and watermelon work best

A monarch butterfly flies in and lays eggs in milkweed.

Natureplay comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Monarch in Washington State. Milkweed must be a nursing flower. This poor butterfly lost part of its right wing.

Leafhead replies on Aug 3, 2018:

That's an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Their larvae feed on wild cherries and tulip tree Swallowtails enjoy Milkweed nectar. Another fave is Phlox

Red Spotted Purple on feeder

Besalbub comments on Aug 2, 2018:

What is that that it's sitting on or eating ?

Leafhead replies on Aug 2, 2018:

Orange, watermelon and bananas

Guess who?

Insectra comments on Aug 1, 2018:

Nice one! I haven't seen one yet this year.

Leafhead replies on Aug 2, 2018:

I've never ever seen one in the wild, and there it was in my garden! This season has been pretty exciting!

Eastern TigerSwallowtail on Phlox Red Spotted Purple Cabbage White with Catnip

Spinliesel comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Wonderful pictures I have phlox blooming right now. Will pay atention.

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

@Spinliesel ;)

Eastern TigerSwallowtail on Phlox Red Spotted Purple Cabbage White with Catnip

Spinliesel comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Wonderful pictures I have phlox blooming right now. Will pay atention.

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

@Spinliesel I adore Mudskippers <3 <3 The Skippers I'm referring to are a 3rd branch of Lepidoptera, along with butterflies and moths. There are spread wing and closed wing varieties. Here are some samples of the latter:

Postcards from the meat market.

Leafhead comments on Aug 1, 2018:

That's bound to piss off a few vegans

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

@OpposingOpposum There isn't one. You can post anything that isn't porn or violent. The vegans can just scroll on. I was just sayin' LOL

QUESTION: would there be much point to putting up bat houses on my property since I live on a havily...

sweetcharlotte comments on Aug 1, 2018:

Ask a farmer neighbor to dust your property using is plane. I've sprayed all around my house which is in the NC countryside below Smokey mountains. Thing is, it keeps raining and washing the poison away. I have the traps with cardboard and glue hanging everywhere. They are catching them in my ...

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

You're out of your f'ing mind. >:( Adding more poison to the planet just destroys good bugs and builds stronger mosquitos. Pollution goes right up the food chain to you and me. Insecticides are a lazy and ineffective solution. I highly praise anyone who seeks natural solutions to natural problems. Bathhouse are a great place to start.

Eastern TigerSwallowtail on Phlox Red Spotted Purple Cabbage White with Catnip

Spinliesel comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Wonderful pictures I have phlox blooming right now. Will pay atention.

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

I have an especially attractive Phlox with a tall growth habit, but with tiny flowers in compact heads. All the butterflies really go nuts over it, even some smaller Skippers

A green anole outside my apartment.

Leafhead comments on Aug 1, 2018:

Not being nosy, but where do you live I lived in Florida for years and those have been nearly eradicated by the introduced Brown Anole. Is the Green Anole introduced to your locale?

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

@Islandgurl Brown Anoles and Cuban Knight Anoles are a real problem. The latter grows to a foot and a half long and eats anything. They also have a battery of other introduced reptile woes, including Curly Tail Lizards, iguanas, Tegus, pythons and even Monitors. It's a mess down there.

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

germangirl90439 comments on Jul 31, 2018:

It's hard to make out the purple on the butterfly ... unless of course I'm going color blind.

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

@germangirl90439 Here's a shot of a more willing model, hamming it up on my shoe

Postcards from the meat market.

Qualia comments on Jul 31, 2018:

The 1st one reminds me of The Wall, the 2nd "Fish heads" video so popular when MTV first came out. https://youtu.be/H-K2DZojWi0

Leafhead replies on Aug 1, 2018:

What were they smoking when they made this video?

Eastern TigerSwallowtail on Phlox Red Spotted Purple Cabbage White with Catnip

Spinliesel comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Wonderful pictures I have phlox blooming right now. Will pay atention.

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

Sooner or later, I'm sure you'll spy one :)

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

germangirl90439 comments on Jul 31, 2018:

It's hard to make out the purple on the butterfly ... unless of course I'm going color blind.

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

I couldn't quite capture it in full sunlight. She is a wily butterfly

Cabbage White and Catnip Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Phlox

pixiedust comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Lovely pictures - even lovelier models :-)

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

Thanx :) It helps to have some really good nectar sources to keep them occupied while I shoot

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

CelticFire comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Beautiful butterfly...love the colors! I've never seen one!

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

They're quite common in the Summer here in So. WI wherever you find Choke cherry and Wild Cherry, their hosts. The adults are fond of fermented fruit. Bananas and watermelon are best

Cabbage White and Catnip Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Phlox

CelticFire comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Lilacs and swallowtails....2 of my favorite things!

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

Actually that's Dwarf Phlox, and it certainly a favorite of butterflies, especially Swallowtails. It's one of my most prized nectar sources.

Insectra, I have a cool caterpillar for your expert ID

Insectra comments on Jul 30, 2018:

Looks like the white form of the American Dagger moth caterpillar. But there are a couple that are similar. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

Right on the money as usual :)

Stapelia grandiflora in bud Unknown Stapelia in bud

jacpod comments on Jul 30, 2018:

I like it but its very different to what I usually see

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

@freeofgod I am downsizing my indoor plant collection too so I can focus on remodeling and outdoor projects. This is one I'll keep though

Stapelia grandiflora in bud Unknown Stapelia in bud

DotLewis comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Ohhhh! I have one of those! This was a few years ago. She doesn't bloom very often, I think only twice in probably 20 years but there were 2 blooms this time. They did not open at the same time though.

Leafhead replies on Jul 31, 2018:

Sweet!

Micrathena gracilis on Russian sage

AmelieMatisse comments on Jul 30, 2018:

That is one crazy looking insect

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

Spiders are Arachnids.

Stapelia grandiflora bud. Stapelia spp. bud Tree Cricket Midmolt, Monarch

Snickers77 comments on Jul 30, 2018:

You're bugging me man, but in a good way.

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

@Snickers77 duhhh I should've picked up on the reference :/

Stapelia grandiflora in bud Unknown Stapelia in bud

jacpod comments on Jul 30, 2018:

I like it but its very different to what I usually see

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

It's a tropical native to Africa. It is, something to bloom them here

Stapelia grandiflora bud. Stapelia spp. bud Tree Cricket Midmolt, Monarch

Snickers77 comments on Jul 30, 2018:

You're bugging me man, but in a good way.

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

Cool ;)

I have been tending six milkweed plants and today I was rewarded: i saw the first Monarch butterfly...

freeofgod comments on Jul 30, 2018:

Remember the line from the old song "The dog and the Butterfly??

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

I just thought the same thing :D

Some interesting non-moths from tonight: The green mantidfly (Zeugomantispa minuta) and the ivory ...

walklightly comments on Jul 30, 2018:

they are beautiful - the mantidfly looking like a cross between a praying mantis & a lacewing :)

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

The Mantisfly is a Neuropteran like the Lacewing.

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Aw, bunny!

Leafhead replies on Jul 30, 2018:

@MikeInBatonRouge Good for you. Wouldn't wish those bastards on anyone, except maybe Trump

Ok I have decided the new rule isn’t going to be put in place.

Cast1es comments on Jul 29, 2018:

I'm sure these are difficult decisions to make . You can't please everyone all the time . While I can understand her perspective , that she doesn't want to see the death of animals , not everyone here is vegan . In fact most likely the majority aren't . I would suggest she may want to start a ...

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

There is presently one for vegans and vegetarians

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Aw, bunny!

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

@MikeInBatonRouge Roses are thorny, and probably low on a bunny's diet. Japanese Beetles, on the other hand, wreak havoc on roses

Scenes from Olbrich Skipper Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Question Mark Pipeline Swallowtail, male...

Insectra comments on Jul 28, 2018:

Is pipeline swallowtail another name for red-spotted purple? ;)

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

@Insectra These shots actually were taken at a live butterfly exhibit presented annually by Olbrich Gardens and Conservancy in Verona, WI. There was some tropical Pipevine in the conservancy and Battus found it! In So. Fla I would grow Aristolochia elegans, fimbriata and others to attract Polydamas Swallowtails. I've never seen a Pipeline Swallowtail at home in Florida, but I did see a stray male nectaring on Russian Olive here in WI. There is a hardy Pipevine that grows here, Aristolochia macrophylla. Maybe one day...

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

Donna_I comments on Jul 29, 2018:

That is one high traffic garden!

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

Fun times :)

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

HippieChick58 comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Damn bunnies!! I get lots of them.

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

It ain't just the bunnies, but the chipmunks too. Worst of all are the Japanese Beetles, which eat entire trees

Right time, Right place

FrankD comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Good one! What camera do you use?

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

Just my Samsung phone and a lot of hit and miss

Brown Eyed Susan

Besalbub comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Is that the same as a black eyed susan ?

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

@MissKathleen This is a cultivar. Brown/ reseeding annuals Black/ perennials

Scenes from Olbrich Skipper Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Question Mark Pipeline Swallowtail, male...

Insectra comments on Jul 28, 2018:

Is pipeline swallowtail another name for red-spotted purple? ;)

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

@Insectra Here's the real McCoy, with an action shot of a female laying on Aristolochia fimbriata

Scenes from Olbrich Skipper Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Question Mark Pipeline Swallowtail, male...

Insectra comments on Jul 28, 2018:

Is pipeline swallowtail another name for red-spotted purple? ;)

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

Whoops! You're correct! I've been posting so many leps I got my posts mixed up. That is indeed a Red Spotted Purple.

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Aw, bunny!

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

I have about 10 on the property. Cute little wrecking balls!

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

kenriley comments on Jul 29, 2018:

You are really good at taking this pictures.

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

Thanx

Some action shots from my garden Skipper on Phlox Bees on Echinops Silver Spotted Skipper Red ...

SkotlandSkye comments on Jul 29, 2018:

Your garden is a busy place! :-)

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

All Summer long! I wish I could garden 365 :)

Scenes from Olbrich Skipper Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Question Mark Pipeline Swallowtail, male...

Insectra comments on Jul 28, 2018:

Is pipeline swallowtail another name for red-spotted purple? ;)

Leafhead replies on Jul 29, 2018:

No, separate species, separate families. It is interesting to note that the Red Spotted Purple mimics the nasty tasting Pipeline Swallowtail. ;) This is known as Batesian Mimicry

Globe Thistle with Bees Silver Spotted Skipper Red Admiral Unknown Moth Long Legged Fly

gigihein comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Really nice group of photos.

Leafhead replies on Jul 27, 2018:

Thanx

Globe Thistle with Bees Silver Spotted Skipper Red Admiral Unknown Moth Long Legged Fly

Hathacat comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Don't know if I have ever seen a green moth. Which would make sense. He would be on some lichen normally wouldn't he?

Leafhead replies on Jul 27, 2018:

Mosl likely a tree of some sort with lichen covered bark

Globe Thistle with Bees Silver Spotted Skipper Red Admiral Unknown Moth Long Legged Fly

OldGoat43 comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Love bugs

Leafhead replies on Jul 27, 2018:

Me too ;) I can always visit another world without leaving the planet!

Picked these in an open field in SoCal near Temecula.

Leafhead comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Devil's Trumpet I believe is the name of the purple one. We call the white ones Moonflowers

Leafhead replies on Jul 27, 2018:

@dede18 "What's in a name?" Moon flower seems to be a common name for both species, but the true Moon flower is Ipomea alba

Eclosure, noun.

BufftonBeotch comments on Jul 26, 2018:

Would that be the same for a locust who emerges from its own larva skin/husk?

Leafhead replies on Jul 27, 2018:

Not sure. I think that's just molting. Eclosure only covers adults in complete metamorphosis.