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!

Hawk moth or spinx moth

Have you ever found a large green caterpillar that has a tail on it?
Some people call them horn worms. Well, they are actually hawk moth caterpillars.
When they fly usually late afternoon they resemble a hummingbird.
I happened to catch one and raise him in my butterfly net. This morning
he appeared from his cocoon after 13 days. It was amazing. I released him
shortly after. I will post my photos!

Creating a Butterfly Garden

Make a Smilebox photobook

Black Swallow Tail

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Black Swallowtail
How many of you have fennel, dill or parsley in your yard? Do you ever see caterpillars on them? They will eat, grow, eat and grow until there is not leaves left. If they are still hungry they may starting eating the green off of the stalk. Don't worry, the plant will grow again. Do not spray them whatever you do. This will not last forever! The season will soon be ending.