A Sulphur's on the Bus!

Michael, a classmate of my youngest daughter, found this little Clouded Sulphur butterfly as he was boarding the bus to go home from school. He found it on the steps of the bus, no doubt sunning itself, and took it out of harm's way. Michael gave it to Hannah to bring home and care for, knowing that we raise all sorts of butterflies and moths. That was yesterday afternoon. Storms were predicted for last night, so we'll let it go today. --LKR

Wooly Bears!!!

Wooly Bear caterpillars are known as Isabella Tiger moths once they emerge from their chysalis and are winged creatures. Wooly Bears, frequently found crossing roads in the fall, are the adored fuzzy black, reddish brown black striped caterpillars that children of all ages love to find.

Today, my hubby was kind enough to stop the car so I could rescue two out of three I saw crossing the road. Unfortunately, the third one met its destiny on his quest to reach the other side of the road... .

As a life-long observer and seeker, I've only found one tiny one in my entire life. He was nibbling on a stinging nettle leaf as I was looking for Red Admiral butterfly eggs. Dandelion and plantain leaves are also a Wooly Bear's host plants.

It was really fun watching him grow! Unfortunately, like every other Tiger Moth caterpillar (there are lots of species of them) I've ever brought in to observe, I was rewarded with a big, ugly parasitic wasp. When you're anxiously awaiting the emergence of your winged beauty and are greeted with something as ugly as this, it's a great disappointment! --LKR

Some Vanessa Butterflies

This picture was taken earlier in the year before releasing these newly emerged butterflies we raised. The one in front is an American painted lady and the other is a red admiral.

Even though both are in the Vanessa family, their host plants (where they lay their eggs) are completely different. American painted ladies use everlastings, while red admirals dine on stinging nettle and hops. --LKR