Ah, the little Skipper butterfly. Too often ignored or considered a moth. If you look closely it’s antenna’s is hooked backward; a trait unique to the Skippers. The antenna on the top (left side) shows this feature. Coincidence that it is feeding on the also underappreciated Dandelion. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The Black Swallowtail butterfly resting on a remaining Marigold summer bloom. For more information on this Illinois native CLICK on the image above. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
As the colors of the Coleus plant fades due to cooler days and fewer hours of sunshine, an aging Black Swallowtail feeds and rests. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Close up of late summer yellows that are so prevalent in the Midwest prairies. They are beginning to change from flower to seeds. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Reflections from rain drops on the petals. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The open spaces between the tall thin stands of priaire yellows makes it seem that this small space is actually quite large. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Spying a Monarch butterfly is icing on the cake today; soon they will migrate South leaving stands of seedheads and golden grasses. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Chicago’s downtown looking south from Lincoln Park’s South Pond and prairie-land. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Native prairie perennials, Bee’s Balm are apart of this restored prairie land. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Two Green Heron enjoy the South Pond along with either a Painted turtle or a Red Ear Slider. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Prairie perennial, Rattlesnake Master. Ouch!! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Prairie Cup Plant reaches out to the sun. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Yellow is the color of the late summer prairie. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Restored prairie-land around Lincoln Park’s South Pond; an effort for a sustainable ecosystem. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
There are many varieties of Allium so I don’t dare guess at the specific Allium shown here. Alliums include onion, garlic and leek varieties; this one was decorative in purpose. The Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae) rests momentarily. It is probably the most readily visible butterfly in the Midwest, so it’s beauty is too often overlooked. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Hiding amongst the Coneflowers (Echinacea) is the wondrous Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly. Here one rests on the Conflower, but it’s preferred food is grasses while it lays eggs on the Milkweed plant. Monarchs in Chicago (and other northern places) and then travel over 3000 miles to Mexico for the winter. It will be a new generation that travels North next summer. CLICK the image above to track migration via “Journey North”. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Years of butterfly observation have taught me that Monarchs toward the end of their life fly slower and slower making them easy to catch by hand and hold for a short time before setting them free. They are fascinating to observe close up. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Native Floridian, Firebush (Hamila patens) in budding stage. Heat and drought actually stimulate growth in the Firebush.. This plant is a favorite food and resting place for birds and butterflies. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Primarily red, some show orange coloring like these buds. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Each of these images is of the Passion Vine (Passiflora) species. They are evidence to me of God’s passion for beauty and attention to detail in his/her creations. The colors are arresting, and their unique design are worthy of equal consideration.
Any habitat for butterflies includes flowering plants as well as assorted grasses. Many caterpillars favor the Passion Vines (Passiflora) as their food source. These images were taken last winter at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Florida. For more information check out their website: www.butterflyworld.com.
Striking Passion Flower Vine. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Passion Flower “Lavender Lady” at Butterfly World. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Passiflora “Piresii” Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Passiflora “Susan Joy”. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
