We had another release last night. I didn't find him until very late, after midnight, just as I was going to bed and I wasn't thinking clearly so I'm glad I have some video of the event so I can reinterpret his behavior. I thought he was weak and couldn't fly properly but he was just disoriented by the clear plastic and it was too slippery for him to climb the walls. Mr Swallowtail didn't have any problem with my hand and was actually extremely friendly, in fact, on the first release attempt he flew back to me and then zoomed back inside and disappeared. I was pretty frantic for a while until I found him on top of my china closet. He flew aimlessly for a bit but finally accepted my finger again and I think he might have stayed indefinitely but I was sleepy so out he went and this time, Mr Butters was gone.
Seen from above.
Through the side of the terrarium.
I transferred him into this one because his original digs were icky from all the frass (caterpillar poo).
Just lovely to hold, he seemed very aware of his surroundings.
Check out the Life Cycle of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly here.
16 comments:
SO beautiful!
Amazing. This would make a great children's story...from butterfly POV.
He's a beauty, Paula.
How did you get started doing this?
Later, barb
How beautiful!!!
This must be an omen of some very good fortune.
d moll, words really can't say
AH, I would love to know what kind of sensory perception was going on
b, I fell into it. I planted fennel and then eggs were laid and I decided to go for it. It's been very enlightening in terms of observing their behavior.
Sharon, hey girl!
BC, I don't know what it portends but it's been a welcome distraction in the midst of our drought. It's raining these days but before, when I first started, it was quite unexpected to find butters thriving.
Let's start with the name -- Adrian, Augustus, Marcel...
Do you happen to know if there's the staggering number of butterfly species that we find with birds? Just based on volume, I've half-consciously decided to forgive my ignorance on plants and some critters like butterflies in order to focus (sort of) on birds.
AH, Maurice (Morris), Ralph (Rafe)...
B52, yes, there are many, many, many. And some indigenous only to a small area. I would give anything to see one of the pretty blue ones (can't remember the name) that live in the tops of live oak trees.
You bonded with a butterfly. So beautiful!
So pretty. I like the red eyes with the blue eye browns on his wings. Didn't know they frassed.
and of course your favorite subject shines in the banner photo. I was at a Home Depot the other day and that very same looking flower/plant was for sale. I've never seen it before; sometimes the Depot doesn't always sell plants appropriate for this area.
Miles
WV: Cuhfoo. Bless you.
I remember catching and carrying butterflies when I was a child. Funny how I don't see such willing passengers anymore.
The love the colors of this butterfly. First time I have seen a black one. Have a wonderful Saturday!
What a beauty! And I love the bunny in the header. Hope all is well with you.
Re the bike picture...this is the first one I've seen with two wheels in front. Most have two wheels in back. And it's a BMW!
Fabulous! Great sequence of shots and love the lesson too.
Genie
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