The milkweed is in bloom, and with it comes bees and butterflies. Master gardener Ellen e-mailed me that she saw a Monarch butterfly in the garden yesterday, so I returned today to get a shot of one of these increasingly rare specimens.
There I stood, deep in the field of milkweed, each flower supporting several bees, and their fragrance heavy in the hot noonday sun. I barely breathed, fearful of disturbing a cranky bumblebee. I had given up on documenting any butterflies when this Painted Lady alighted and spread her wings for me, just long enough for one good capture. Perhaps it was too hot for the Monarchs. They say only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.
Amazing !! to my Boss ...I want to be you!! Your pictures are awesome and your writing is ...well ...just perfect too!
I need to see the milkweed ...and I miss my garden! Home to Virginia soon!!
Beautiful capture! But I don't think it's a Painted Lady- I think it's a Great Spangled Fritillary (Runner-up might be a Checkerspot- but the colors aren't exactly right, nor are the markings). The Painted Ladies are more tan/brownish with orange, dark brown/black and white markings. Whereas the Fritillaries have that beautiful orange/copper coloring with yellow highlights and white markings. I'm certainly not a butterfly expert, but this one matches the Fritillary in my Audubon book better than the Painted Lady. All that being said, it really is a great shot! Bravo to you for braving the bees!
@olivetreeann Ann, you are a wonder. I had never heard of a Great Spangled Fritillary, but now that I have, I claim it as my favorite name of all time.
@allie912 When I took that shot back in 2012 and found out the name of the butterfly, I decided it was the best butterfly name of all time too! Great minds think alike. And of course, I will never forget what they look like either!
I need to see the milkweed ...and I miss my garden! Home to Virginia soon!!
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2012-07-07