Lizards outside of the Titan Missile Museum.

JimG comments on Jun 29, 2018:

Ants have a mating season?

Leafhead replies on Jun 29, 2018:

Ants swarm, sort of like bees do. Winged males and females (aletes) appear in the nest before the swarm. These aletes usually swarm and mate after a rain storm or when it is otherwise cool. Aletes lack the formic acid that make the workers and soldiers bitter, making them fit game for birds, lizards, spiders and other insects

A gardener's worst nightmare

Sheannutt comments on Jun 28, 2018:

https://www.almanac.com/pest/japanese-beetles It sure does look like Japanese beetles hope this Almanac link will help you to get rid of them.

Leafhead replies on Jun 29, 2018:

@Sheannutt should I try the Milky Spore again?

A gardener's worst nightmare

Sheannutt comments on Jun 28, 2018:

https://www.almanac.com/pest/japanese-beetles It sure does look like Japanese beetles hope this Almanac link will help you to get rid of them.

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@Sheannutt I tried the milky spore and it didn't slow them down at all. I've been hand picking with soapy water

A gardener's worst nightmare

Untamedshrew comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Dag nabit buggers! I'm not sure if I hate them or aphids more!

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

Aphids I can deal with. These things are unstoppable!

A gardener's worst nightmare

HoaryMarmot comments on Jun 28, 2018:

June bugs? Or Japanese beetles?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@HoaryMarmot You're welcome :) PS: June bugs and Japanese Beetles are closely related, both being in the Scarab Family of Coleoptera. Adult June bugs eat nothing and are really stupid fliers. Adult Japanese Beetles eat EVERYTHING and can fly somewhat better, though still slow. Japanese Beetles are shiny

A gardener's worst nightmare

Ellatynemouth comments on Jun 28, 2018:

They look irritating.

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

More than irritating

A gardener's worst nightmare

HoaryMarmot comments on Jun 28, 2018:

June bugs? Or Japanese beetles?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

Japanese Beetles. June bugs are harmless

A gardener's worst nightmare

Sheannutt comments on Jun 28, 2018:

https://www.almanac.com/pest/japanese-beetles It sure does look like Japanese beetles hope this Almanac link will help you to get rid of them.

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

They're Japanese Beetles alright. How does one get rid of them in the ground without poisons?

These are my three most recent ones

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

American Lady Butterfly? Here is a pic of an American Lady. They are really similar to Painted Ladies. I have to see their hind wings or watch them fly to tell them apart. Painted Ladies are bigger

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@Insectra There's a trick to it when they fold their wings. American Ladies have two well defined eyespots on their hindwings. Paints have three, but they are smudged somewhat. Here's a ditty I made up to keep them apart: Painted Ladies have MORE eyes to paint, and do a bad job of it! Painted Ladies are also a bit larger and stronger fliers.

These are my three most recent ones

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

American Lady Butterfly? Here is a pic of an American Lady. They are really similar to Painted Ladies. I have to see their hind wings or watch them fly to tell them apart. Painted Ladies are bigger

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@Countrywoman American Lady caterpillar

These are my three most recent ones

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

American Lady Butterfly? Here is a pic of an American Lady. They are really similar to Painted Ladies. I have to see their hind wings or watch them fly to tell them apart. Painted Ladies are bigger

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@Countrywoman There are five Vanessa species in all. American Ladies (Vanessa virginiensis) are a different species than Painted Ladies Vanessa carduii). American Lady caterpillars are distinctive black and green and found predominantly on Gnaphalid plants. (See photo) Painted Ladies have over 200 hosts spanning three major plant families, starting with thistle (Carduus) and the rest of Asteraceae. The two butterflies are very similar, but Paints have a stronger flight pattern and Americans are more moth like in their flight. There is also a West Coast Lady, an Australian Lady and the so called Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

These are my three most recent ones

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Love the second one! I've not seen a butterfly all summer!

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

It's all in what you plant as to whether or not your garden attracts butterflies. Roses and Peonies are pretty, but offer nothing to butterflies or pollinators. Wildflowers for the adult butterflies, plus some annuals like Zinnias and Mexican Sunflower, and host plants for the caterpillars to eat. A list of local butterflies in your area and what they eat are just a click away. Today's arrival:

My new gardening motto: "One Gardener's Weed Is Another Gardener's Groundcover"

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

My gardening motto is Got Milkweed?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@Spinliesel Good for you :) Thank you for caring and doing your part to bring back the Monarch and it's habitat.

Rue in the pollinator garden.

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

I tried Rue, and it lasted 1 week with all the bunnies. I'm thinking gas plant to attract Giants. I remember Florida, with all the citrus. There were Giants in those days!

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@MikeEC I'm afraid to ask what squeaker chickens are. The regular ones are wrecking balls on a garden! I'll take my chances with the goddam rabbits :/ Tidings from my garden this AM with this latest release :)

Rue in the pollinator garden.

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

I tried Rue, and it lasted 1 week with all the bunnies. I'm thinking gas plant to attract Giants. I remember Florida, with all the citrus. There were Giants in those days!

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@MikeEC I am trying to lure the bunnies more into the lawn by letting it grow long in places where there is a lot of clover or Bird Foot Trefoil. They love Fabaceae members most of all. It seems to work somewhat, although they ate the shit out of my two dwarf Anthuriums! Lots of babies running around. "Preying" for a fox!!

Got a load of wood chips from the local tree trimmer.

bigpawbullets comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Were those chips treated for termites?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@bigpawbullets Yeah. Not only was my dog infested, but my house too! I had the gross little bastards crawling along baseboards in every room of the house. I WAS LOSING MY MIND!!!!! Two pounds of DE and a face mask took care of the problem, pesticide free.

More polyphemus pics that I found on my phone.

walklightly comments on Jun 28, 2018:

who needs to keep painting if you can capture these beauties?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

My Mor-Mor (Norwegian for mothers mother) would have a heyday painting these guys! She was quite the oil painter. However, these guys are colorful enough and require extra paint lol

My new gardening motto: "One Gardener's Weed Is Another Gardener's Groundcover"

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

My gardening motto is Got Milkweed?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@MikeEC Now that's taking the copyright thing way too far, but I LOVE it!!!

Got a load of wood chips from the local tree trimmer.

bigpawbullets comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Were those chips treated for termites?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

I hadn't thought about termites, though I did receive a truck load of mulch that was loaded with TICKS! That was a real horror show!

My new gardening motto: "One Gardener's Weed Is Another Gardener's Groundcover"

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

My gardening motto is Got Milkweed?

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@MikeEC Thanx. I hope it doesn't piss off the Dairy Council or whatever. I'd love to have it as a bumper sticker. I'd like to *issue* it as a bumper sticker

Full moon over the Susquehanna

Leafhead comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Now THAT makes my knuckles grow hairy. Aaaahoooooooo!!! Werewolves of Susquehanna

Leafhead replies on Jun 28, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse It works for most 2-3 syllable cities. "Werewolves of _____________"

Asclepiad.

BufftonBeotch comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Are all varieties beneficial to the butterflies? I have wanted to try starting a butterfly garden for awhile.

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

All Milkweed is good for Monarchs, as well as a couple genera outside Asclepias (Calocarpus, Sarcostemma). Beware the Swallowworts, Milkweed relatives that KILL Monarchs

On my garden tour and butterfly lecture, I found this little guy.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Is he a caterpillar that later turns into a butterfly or moth?

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Here is the butterfly

On my garden tour and butterfly lecture, I found this little guy.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Is he a caterpillar that later turns into a butterfly or moth?

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

The Monarch Butterfly

Asclepiad.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 27, 2018:

You sure know a lot about plants and butterflies. I love your photo posts

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Thanx

Asclepiad.

Charlene comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Is the Drumpf family an invasive weed related to Asclepiads?

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Invasive, definitely. Anything like an Asclepiad (both useful and beautiful) no.

While touring the garden on a lecture with a garden club. Great little "teacher's pet"

Hebert54 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Can I assume it’s a Monarch ? Lovely looking thing .

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

@Hebert54 I see lots of Red Admirals in the Spring, especially after a mild Wintet.

The Hemp/Cannabis/Marijuana Plant takes 4 1/2 times more CO2 from the air than any other plant does ...

zorialoki comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Lay off my dairy products, you cad .lol

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

@Walter1968 Milk in its natural state is not harmful to most people if consumed in moderation. It's all the hormones, antibiotics and other garbage that they shove into our cattle that are harmful. Humans evolved as the only Mammal that can drink and digest milk into adulthood.

“From there Elisha went up to Bethel.

Leafhead comments on Jun 27, 2018:

I also think, like most of the Bible, it's disturbing. Tossup

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

@LivingParadox now THAT'S disturbing!!!

While touring the garden on a lecture with a garden club. Great little "teacher's pet"

Hebert54 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Can I assume it’s a Monarch ? Lovely looking thing .

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

None other, and it's nice when people appreciate things that are quite a bit different (ie, not a Mammal) than they are. Thank you for your appreciation

While touring the garden on a lecture with a garden club. Great little "teacher's pet"

Surfpirate comments on Jun 27, 2018:

It's nice to see people growing Milk Weed plants to help the Monarch Butterflies, every little bit helps.

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Thank you:) It was the Monarch that got me hooked on butterfly gardening. No butterfly garden is complete without The King

Monarch in repose

Sheannutt comments on Jun 26, 2018:

That is one beautiful butterfly

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Thank you. I raised him from an egg :)

Monarch in repose

Brunnion comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Chillin' out....

Leafhead replies on Jun 27, 2018:

Getting ready for takeoff, approaching Maiden Voyage out into the world

Since my parents are getting older they've lost interest (what little interest they had to begin ...

Besalbub comments on Jun 25, 2018:

What range does milkweed grow ? I live in coastal NC and have two large lots . I remember seeing it up north but never down here .

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

I would Google native Asclepias to your area. You cannot go wrong with local Common and Butterfly Milkweed. Avoid Tropical Milkweed

Ring neck parrot visiting my garden today.

MikeEC comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Beautiful! That is something I will never see in my garden here in the USA Midwest. I always made sure I planted some flowers in my mom's backyard so she could watch the goldfinches that would land on them and feast on the seeds. She always called them "parakeets," and I never corrected her. Many...

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@MikeEC good luck and watch em go!

A friend heard I was posting local photos and offered this to me to share.

Leafhead comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Kinda makes me hungry for cotton candy. No-wait, mango sherbet!

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@Silverwhisper now that you mention it, that *does* sound good...

Some Hairstreaks.

Sheannutt comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Oh wow that is really beautiful

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Thank you ;)

Some Hairstreaks.

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Did you do coloration of the butterfly? I love the purple/orange thing happening. Those 2 colors are amazing together

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

It's au natural. It was a shot I just couldn't resist! Out of all butterflies, Hairstreaks are probably easiest to photograph because of their approachability. Being enraptured in Butterfly Milkweed helped too ;)

A couple of views of the flower bed in front of my house.

FrayedBear comments on Jun 26, 2018:

I love the fact that you are the only one in view that is not just dog poop turf owned by unimaginative anal retentives.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@FrayedBear My only headache is that they are mainly oak leaves, and those acid things don't degrade fast. I end up raking more away in Spring than I actually get as soil

I make costumes!!! I'm the weirdo in the green skirt.

Leafhead comments on Jun 26, 2018:

I bet you are the go-to person for Halloween!! Very cool indeed.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@Freespirit64 Ren fest was my other image. I love those things! I'd go every year in Feb down in So. Fla. Rock on, sister!

A couple of views of the flower bed in front of my house.

FrayedBear comments on Jun 26, 2018:

I love the fact that you are the only one in view that is not just dog poop turf owned by unimaginative anal retentives.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@MikeEC I let my leaves fly in the Fall, and only rake walkways. Beds and garden areas are leaf covered to provide cover for over wintering critters like toads, fireflies and hummingbird moths. I rake in Spring when the snow has melted and the ground has warmed somewhat

It’s very yellow. And it makes me sneeze. That’s all I know. ?

WalterWhite comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Yes, I think these are the ones featured in an old Star Trek show one time, and the pollen takes over the people minds eventually and they go mad with happiness. Was nice knowing you. :)

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Trekkie alert ;)

Cone flowers popping out in our mailbox habitat:

MikeEC comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Beautiful native perennials, and definitely in at least the top 10 favorites of monarch butterflies ?

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@MikeEC You're in good company. Bees, butterflies and even Hummingbirds will come to Zinnias.

I had to cut down/dig up two Viburnums this spring, that I managed to kill by overtrimming last ...

AmiSue comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I love Japanese Maple but you have to consider whether you want such dense shade in that spot as well as the likelihood that many of your plantings won't thrive under it. I like a Birch for the spot. Dappled shade, lots of leaf movement, white bark is striking.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Birch is a good tree for light shade, minimal mess and it's a host plant for the giant Polyphemus moth

I love dragonflies and hummingbirds so enjoyed these. Hope you will too!

jaybex81 comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Was out walking with my son today and he saw his first dragonfly. He was amazed by the colour and how large it was.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@hipchick57 I collect butterflies (Not real ones of course)

Ring neck parrot visiting my garden today.

MikeEC comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Beautiful! That is something I will never see in my garden here in the USA Midwest. I always made sure I planted some flowers in my mom's backyard so she could watch the goldfinches that would land on them and feast on the seeds. She always called them "parakeets," and I never corrected her. Many...

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@Abbelyne My bad. That post was meant for Mike. I posted under you inintentionally.

Cone flowers popping out in our mailbox habitat:

MikeEC comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Beautiful native perennials, and definitely in at least the top 10 favorites of monarch butterflies ?

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Coneflowers, Liatris and Goldenrod are the top three perennials for Monarchs. Top annuals are Zinnias and Tithonia. Tithonia is a huge draw

Cone flowers popping out in our mailbox habitat:

HippieChick58 comments on Jun 25, 2018:

How do you keep the damn bunnies away. (I never call them just bunnies, it is always damn bunnies, they've eaten so many of my plants and always the coneflowers.)

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

I live in the Midwest and what works for me, somewhat, are designated "bunny depots". I deliberately leave the lawn long where there is White Clover, their absolute fave, as well as Bird's Foot Trefoil. This keeps them from most of my more prized plants, until they have 200 babies that is. How does one go about inviting a fox for dinner?

Cone flowers popping out in our mailbox habitat:

AmiSue comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Mine soon as well. The best thing about the coneflowers are the little yellow verio birds that come when the flowers die back.

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

We have the little Goldfinch raptors that tear into our coneflowers, cup plants, etc.

They legalize alcohol and cigarettes. Yet, illegalize marijuana. Go figure.

whiskywoman comments on Jun 26, 2018:

too much crime because of alcohol and the ppl wanted to be drunk and its the only drug where withdrawal can kill you

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Many legal pain killers and sleeping pills can kill you as well in withdrawal if you quit cold turkey. Too damn many end up dying of overdoses

Ring neck parrot visiting my garden today.

MikeEC comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Beautiful! That is something I will never see in my garden here in the USA Midwest. I always made sure I planted some flowers in my mom's backyard so she could watch the goldfinches that would land on them and feast on the seeds. She always called them "parakeets," and I never corrected her. Many...

Leafhead replies on Jun 26, 2018:

Try planting Cup Plant (Sylphia) in your garden. It gets tall, and needs room to spread a bit. But it has a special connection with American Goldfinches. The perfoliate leaves catch rainwater in which the birds bathe. Birds almost invariably poop when they bathe, a bonus for Sylphia. In turn, the birds get lots of yellow flowers and seeds to eat.

Pretty classic caterpillar damage to the Virginia creeper vines that grow up the outside of my ...

Leafhead comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I for one am rooting for Eight Spotted Foresters! They're really cool

Leafhead replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Insectra If you like cool caterpillars, you would absolutely freak for the Ruddy Daggerwing. The larvae look like little dragons, and the chrysalis looks like a big green mosquito. The adult is orange inside, and looks just like a dead leaf when it folds it's wings. If you ever get to South Fla, you might want to examine Strangler Fig leaves, the host plant for these fascinating caterpillars

Pretty classic caterpillar damage to the Virginia creeper vines that grow up the outside of my ...

Leafhead comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I for one am rooting for Eight Spotted Foresters! They're really cool

Leafhead replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@Insectra Way to go! I'll have to grow more Virginia Creeper, Japanese beetles or not

Ahahaha!! Rita!

Free_2B_Me comments on Jun 24, 2018:

Spider-lizard, spider-lizard, does whatever a spider-lizard does...!?

Leafhead replies on Jun 25, 2018:

Can he swing from a thread, No he cant; he's a lizard...

I saw this really interesting flower today. What is it?

EricJones comments on Jun 25, 2018:

It might be blue star sea holly. I googled the image and they look the same.

Leafhead replies on Jun 25, 2018:

They are indeed perennial to zone 3

I saw a monarch here yesterday

JenBeberstein comments on Jun 24, 2018:

I saw a swallowtail but no monarchs for me, yet!

Leafhead replies on Jun 25, 2018:

@btroje Lots of Monarchs, skimpy on Swallowtails :(

Some moths of interest

pixiedust comments on Jun 24, 2018:

Is #2 some sort of glass-winged variety. The glass-winged butterfly is extinct so I never considered the existence of a glass-winged moth.

Leafhead replies on Jun 24, 2018:

@pixiedust Poetic indeed. It's been a busy summer around my porch screen, though I keep the doors mostly closed to keep the parasitoids out and away from my caterpillars. I have seen more butterflies than I can count on my last two butterfly outings, mostly Baltimores. Not a lot of Monarchs, but lots of caterpillars earlier in the Spring.

Some moths of interest

pixiedust comments on Jun 24, 2018:

Is #2 some sort of glass-winged variety. The glass-winged butterfly is extinct so I never considered the existence of a glass-winged moth.

Leafhead replies on Jun 24, 2018:

I actually thought it was a Syrphid fly at first. A mimic of a mimic?

Is anyone good at identifying snakes I have baby birds in my garage?

BucketlistBob comments on Jun 17, 2018:

Snakes.... don't like them.

Leafhead replies on Jun 24, 2018:

I'm not crazy about spiders either, but I don't kill them. I relocate them if I'm not standing on a chair!

Is anyone good at identifying snakes I have baby birds in my garage?

ellyjaye comments on Jun 17, 2018:

First off, google "(your state) snakes" so you can see what snakes actually inhabit your state and ecosystem. It's very unlikely it's a venomoue snake, and the markings do not look any of them, anyway. Second: Make any animals you keep outside predator proofed. If your ducklings are not in a ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 24, 2018:

Make America GREEN again!

This has to change

Leafhead comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Add Abilify and/or any SSRI on the market now, including Paxil, Prozac, etc to that list of wonderful drugs

Leafhead replies on Jun 24, 2018:

@SeeCanU Just got off Cymbalta (Duloxatine) last year. The withdrawals were *horrific*. Complete insomnia for 6 weeks, flu like symptoms and vertigo to the point that I could not drive. Not to mention nausea and increased seizures. I might as well have been withdrawing from fucking heroin. Planning on dumping Ability soon, but that one is impossible

I got a 15 gallon Pomegranate tree, when planting it I noticed it has ants that looks like are ...

WalterWhite comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Lots of good relatively non-toxic ant baits out there which they will feed on and bring back to their nest. The ants grow and farm the aphids underground and out of reach of natural predators like lady bugs. Aphids can just be washed off plants with a gentle hose spray anyway, but best to get them ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Silverwhisper Ants on some plants, like peonies, are good. They invite ants by exuding sweet or waxy substance on their buds and new growth. The ants then defend the plant

I got a 15 gallon Pomegranate tree, when planting it I noticed it has ants that looks like are ...

WalterWhite comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Lots of good relatively non-toxic ant baits out there which they will feed on and bring back to their nest. The ants grow and farm the aphids underground and out of reach of natural predators like lady bugs. Aphids can just be washed off plants with a gentle hose spray anyway, but best to get them ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Silverwhisper I know that Braconids can easily penetrate small spaces and infest aphids. They are a fraction of the size of ants and go unnoticed by ants. For ants, I recommend a good old fashioned flooding.

I just love cactus flowers.( not mine)

SkotlandSkye comments on Jun 23, 2018:

This cactus actually is mine...with my pepper plants in the blue containers in the background :-) We are fortunate to have so many wild cactus here that bloom every spring. This one I actually brought back from a hike last year :-)

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@SkotlandSkye That is sooo true. We have prairie restorations here, including burns and reseeding. Oak savannas are valued above all here

I love butterflies.

springlover comments on Jun 23, 2018:

they are just beautiful. thanks for sharing!

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

You're very welcome ;)

I love butterflies.

pixiedust comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Those are marvelous pictures. Butterflies are so lovely and colourful, aren't they?

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@pixiedust The Luna is absolutely on my bucket list of leps to see and/or raise or even snap on this property! Seeing firsthand the Monarch migration is also on my bucket list. And believe it or not, I use a Samsung phone to shoot with. I have great cropping capability, so I don't have to zoom, but I can blow my pic up a bit and crop them afterward. I don't always get the best resolution, but it all depends on my models and how close I get.

I love butterflies.

pixiedust comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Those are marvelous pictures. Butterflies are so lovely and colourful, aren't they?

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

One of the prettiest sights are indeed Lepidopterans, butterflies and moths. Here are some of my latest releases 1 thru 3 and 5 are Monarchs; 4 is a Polyphemus moth

I received the turtle and it's a beautiful, adult female, Eastern box turtle with sequins and beads...

Besalbub comments on Jun 22, 2018:

It could be that the bedazalier was trying to help the turtle to be more visible for when it was crossing the road . Maybe ?

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Insectra I'll move anything out of the way that isn't venomous or snapping at me.

I got a 15 gallon Pomegranate tree, when planting it I noticed it has ants that looks like are ...

WalterWhite comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Lots of good relatively non-toxic ant baits out there which they will feed on and bring back to their nest. The ants grow and farm the aphids underground and out of reach of natural predators like lady bugs. Aphids can just be washed off plants with a gentle hose spray anyway, but best to get them ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

No ant bait needed. Just get rid of the aphids. A blast with soapy water or soluble fertilizer will bring them to their knees. All six of them. Plus, sooner or later the predators will come, such as lacewings, ladybirds, braconids, Syrphid larvae and other insects, and will control the aphids naturally.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

WalterWhite comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Farmers have been genetically modifying animals and plants for centuries, and it is just that now modern science has a faster way, as it does for many things. Every banana you eat nowadays is a GMO cloned one of one species. Some people will have fear and mistrust, and they may avoid them is they ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@Silverwhisper Not to mention it's made from bugs! But I'm game for anything. I say if something is bugging you, eat it. Locusts eating your crops? Don't spray em, eat em. Bugs are about 0% body fat and all protein. The quickest way to drive something into extinction is to create a market for it. That goes for all invasive species. Eat the weeds too. Starting with garlic mustard.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

kenriley comments on Jun 21, 2018:

I say no to GMOs

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@FrayedBear Taken into context, GMOS themselves are no threat. Modern day farming techniques, however, have become selfish, toxic and lazy thru the use of Roundup and resistant GMOS. Stop putting poison on our food and in our water

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Well studied GMOs are not a threat to anyone.

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

@wordywalt No, but it is used in conjunction with GMOS bred and genetically engineered to totally resist Roundup so that farmers can just broadcast that shit willy nilly. I am not opposed to eating the GMO, but I do object to eating poison on my food

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Well studied GMOs are not a threat to anyone.

Leafhead replies on Jun 23, 2018:

What about RoundUp?

Strange little moth on my Echinops this AM.

Insectra comments on Jun 22, 2018:

The other one is a chickweed geometer moth.

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Thank you

Strange little moth on my Echinops this AM.

Insectra comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Oh yes! One of the Sesiids. I'm not very good with that group, but they're fascinating. There's one species, the maple callus borer, (I can't remember if I've posted the pic before) that will routinely come to lights at night. Most of the others that I'm familiar with come to pheromone traps.

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Thanx. I thought it looked like some sort of borer.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

WalterWhite comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Farmers have been genetically modifying animals and plants for centuries, and it is just that now modern science has a faster way, as it does for many things. Every banana you eat nowadays is a GMO cloned one of one species. Some people will have fear and mistrust, and they may avoid them is they ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

@Silverwhisper Completely agreed. As the old joke goes, what's worse than biting into an apple and finding a worm? HERPES!

11, 12 and 13 for the season so far

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 21, 2018:

You are so lucky to have those beauties on your property

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

To bring Black Swallowtails, a planter with parsley, dill and fennel would be ideal.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

WalterWhite comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Farmers have been genetically modifying animals and plants for centuries, and it is just that now modern science has a faster way, as it does for many things. Every banana you eat nowadays is a GMO cloned one of one species. Some people will have fear and mistrust, and they may avoid them is they ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

I'm not opposed to the GMO directly; it's how today's farmer treats the environment thru use of herbicide resistant GMOs. I don't care to have that sh*t on my food, no matter what it's genetic makeup. Farmers need to SHARE. Farming every square inch is not necessary. And broadcasting of poisons is both ineffective and downright bad for the environment. We all have to live here.

Chipmunk in the wire!!!!! We really like our chipmunks.

AmiSue comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Have to say - when a critter, usually bunnies, shows a preference for eating a particular plant - I plant more of it. I'll always choose a live critter over my plants.

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

I am sorry for the loss of your little pet bunny :(

Chipmunk in the wire!!!!! We really like our chipmunks.

MissKathleen comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Never having had the problem, my first instinct is “more cats”, but maybe you will find something here https://www.domyown.com/chipmunks-c-392.html

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Cats can reduce the numbers somewhat but cannot get into holes. Plus, cats hunt birds. I say SNAKES!! Native Colubrids, of course...

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

J-MaisOui comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Thank you for sharing those pics.Are you a photographer? Im a nature lover too. Gorgeous Monarchs. I don't get much of a variety of butterflies where I live in Fl.

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

@J-MaisOui PS: Try planting some White Vine (Sarcostemma) on a fence or trellis. Give it ROOM. Will bring Soldiers (Danaus eresima), relatives of Monarchs. Likes rocky, alkaline soil. Zone II salt tolerance.

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

J-MaisOui comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Thank you for sharing those pics.Are you a photographer? Im a nature lover too. Gorgeous Monarchs. I don't get much of a variety of butterflies where I live in Fl.

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

@J-MaisOui Man do I miss Florida!! I could garden year round, and I especially miss such Leps as Zebra Longwings, Polydamas Swallowtails, and especially those little black moths that feed on Breynia (Snow-on-the-Mountain) in the Spring (Snowcap Spanworm?) Have you tried planting Cassia, Passion vine and Aristolochia vine? And letting bugger-ticks grow in the periphery of the lawn will bring beautiful Long Tailed Skippers. Cannas will bring in Brazilian Skippers, but get eaten a lot by the larvae. Pix will be greatly appreciated indeed :) I'll be sending more Pix from the Midwest as I snap them

It rained all day at work.

Sticks48 comments on Jun 21, 2018:

El K'Bong!

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Now *that's* going back a few decades hehehe

Have at it, Dot........

DotLewis comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Oh, I hope you did not enter there! I've encounter this kind of dark place before, what lurks there is something you don't want to meet up with. I can make out some grating over the opening but the type of dark entity that dwells below will not be deterred by mere grates. Keep my warning in mind ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Scared of a little spider? LOL (Me too...)

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

Surfpirate comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Maybe it's because I studied genetics and microbiology for 3 years that I don't trust GMO's and I am NOT saying that there is anything dangerous about GMO's just that I don't trust them because I don't trust the Agribusiness players behind almost all of the GMO foods. The FDA used to be a check ...

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

Coming to a rural farming community near YOU! GMOs, cancer, pollution and extinction events, all from use of GMOS and Roundup in our food.

11, 12 and 13 for the season so far

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 21, 2018:

You are so lucky to have those beauties on your property

Leafhead replies on Jun 22, 2018:

@AmelieMatisse Bummer. Do you have a porch?

Chipmunk in the wire!!!!! We really like our chipmunks.

AmiSue comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Have to say - when a critter, usually bunnies, shows a preference for eating a particular plant - I plant more of it. I'll always choose a live critter over my plants.

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

Bunnies do not chew wires and cause fires the way Munk do, thankfully. I control bunnies by growing abundant white clover in the lawn. This keeps them busy and off most other plants. White clover is a bunny fave. Other things I simply don't bother with, like Fennel and Campian. I choose more resistant alternatives.

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

J-MaisOui comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Thank you for sharing those pics.Are you a photographer? Im a nature lover too. Gorgeous Monarchs. I don't get much of a variety of butterflies where I live in Fl.

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

I'm just an amateur snapper who found the cropping app on his phone lol. My main thing is raising and releasing these beauties, as well as restoring habitat, educating people and giving out as much Milkweed as I can grow. Pix are a wonderful way to share Nature's wonders with others.

11, 12 and 13 for the season so far

AmelieMatisse comments on Jun 21, 2018:

You are so lucky to have those beauties on your property

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

Luck and some planning, as well as some work in raising. You can have them too, with tow steps. First, swear off all pesticides. Second, plant native food sources for butterflies in your area. Butterfly gardening at its simplest boils down to just having Milkweed growing in your garden. Not only is it the sole host for the Monarch, but it provides nectar for everyone. Add some Fennel, Cosmos and some Everlasting to your garden and see what happens!

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

Qualia comments on Jun 20, 2018:

VERY NICE!!! In S.E. Michigan this is the earliest year I've ever seen so many monarch cats on our plants. Love the polyphemus. Did it just appear one day or did you raise it? And if you reared in what did you use?

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

@Qualia Around here Polyphemus tends to go after birch, though I read it will lay on several trees, including Black Cherry and walnut. The birch tree is actually a "commandeered" tree on my neighbors property.

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

jacpod comments on Jun 20, 2018:

I have so far this year only seen cabbage whites. still pretty but would like a bit of variety and donkeys years since I saw a ladybird.

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

@jacpod My best advice is to Google butterflies in your area and read up on what they eat. A few native Irish wildflowers will provide nectar, and host plants will support the caterpillars

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

CaroleKay comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! There are butterfly groups here, I'm sure they would love to have you, as well as the gardening and creative groups

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

@CaroleKay Mexican Flame Vine is excellent

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

Qualia comments on Jun 20, 2018:

VERY NICE!!! In S.E. Michigan this is the earliest year I've ever seen so many monarch cats on our plants. Love the polyphemus. Did it just appear one day or did you raise it? And if you reared in what did you use?

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

A friend found a Polyphemus cocoon while gardening. I kept it until it eclosed.

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

CaroleKay comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! There are butterfly groups here, I'm sure they would love to have you, as well as the gardening and creative groups

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

I've been to all the gardening and critter sites, Inc butterfly sites. But I feel as though I am preaching to the choir. I like to get other people involved, even if they are not so "green"

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

Pen-n-Ink comments on Jun 20, 2018:

I can't tell ya where they belong but I do enjoy your butterflys.

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

Thank you

It's about time.

zorialoki comments on Jun 21, 2018:

"it's about time, it's about space, it's about time I slap your face", can't remember the rest of that little ditty

Leafhead replies on Jun 21, 2018:

That's from an incredibly old and obscure sitcom, Circa: "My Mother the Car", "The Time Tunnel" and others Now I'm just dating myself...

[facebook.com] not mine but I love this beauty

graceylou comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Beautiful colouring and patterns. I have to admit that I have a phobia of butterflies and moths. But I respect them and think they are beautiful creatures.

Leafhead replies on Jun 20, 2018:

@graceylou I agree, though I will kill Japanese Beetles without hesitation or remorse. Dirty bastards.

Here's an idea to lure beautiful models to your camera.

Sheannutt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Your cheesy phone sure does take wonderful pictures I like these

Leafhead replies on Jun 20, 2018:

@Sheannutt I love inviting Nature in. Although it's always invigorating to go on an outing, coming home to my humble but busy garden is always a pleasure

I know there are several garden sites here, but I consider gardening a craft .

jacpod comments on Jun 20, 2018:

I have so far this year only seen cabbage whites. still pretty but would like a bit of variety and donkeys years since I saw a ladybird.

Leafhead replies on Jun 20, 2018:

Try some Milkweed native to your area, some Fennel or dill, parsley, Everlasting and Pussytoes. Holly hocks and globe thisles for Ladies. Nettles for Red Admirals. Depending on your location, Wild Black Cherry for Tigers and Red Spotted Purples in the Midwest, and Tulip Tree on the East Coast.

My latest release

AstralSmoke comments on Jun 20, 2018:

They sure are beautiful creatures.

Leafhead replies on Jun 20, 2018:

@AstralSmoke I have always said that flowers were only half the garden.