Thursday, September 6, 2012

Massachusetts Butterflies

The sun had just come out at noontime today, so I headed over to Stearns Farm in Framingham to see what butterflies might be in their flower garden.

 Black Swallowtail


Black Swallowtail


 Lady (I can't tell whether it's Painted or American w/o closed wings)

Lady on Globe Amaranthus

Monarch


 Question Mark

 Question Mark

There are two distinct forms of Question Mark butterflies, depending on the time of year.  The summer form can be recognized by upper hindwing surfaces that are mostly black.  The winter form can be recognized by upper wing surfaces that are fringed with violet and hindwings that are a rich orange.  This Question Mark is a great example of the winter form.  I love the violet wing edges visible in the first photo.  This butterfly was getting minerals from the gravel in the parking lot.  It was so fresh and brightly colored that at first I it looked red.  

A monarch and a cabbage white were also getting minerals in the parking lot.

Monarch (male)

Also seen:


Tachinid Fly

Moth

Some of the flowers:













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