How do butterflies mate?

It is absolutely amazing to see a pair of butterflies on the dating path!

When butterflies are planning to mate, you will see them flying together with one

higher than the other. They will fly together for a while and then you will see on land and of course we know what happens from there.

So the next time you see two butterflies of the same type and they are flying with one

somewhat above the other, you will know what is going to happen!

Butterflies in the garden today

Queen Caterpillar and a Queen Butterfly

Giant Swallowtail

and a pair of mating Swallowtail's

Monarch Butterflies embarking on a journey

Believe it or not it is about time for the monarch butterflies to head to Mexico. I have heard that some will stop in South Florida
around Miami. The eggs that are laid now are the butterflies that will live the longest unless...they get hit by a car, eaten by a lizard or who knows! What an amazing journey they will have. Do they have camera's? Funny ... It makes you wonder what they think about or what they communicate about especially in the mating dance.

Anyways, if you see a monarch in your garden, wish them a safe journey. They will need it!