We still have a lot of butterflies hanging around here. I’ve finally identified the “mystery” species, which are quite plentiful these days. They are Silver Spotted Skippers, and they really love the Tithonia.
Silver Spotted Skipper on Tithonia
So do some of the other skipper butterflies. I believe the one in the photo below is a Cloudywing skipper.
skipper butterfly
And the one below appears to be a Fiery Skipper. I have had a lot of fun trying to put names to these butterflies!
Fiery Skipper on Tithonia
The Buckeyes are now hanging out on this Golden Jubilee Agastache. The bees like it too, but I guess there’s plenty to share.
Buckeye on agastache
The Buckeyes have a new love too. The Autumn Joy Sedum is just starting to open its blossoms, and they are going nuts over it. I counted 24 of them there one day.
buckeyes on Sedum
We also have some Gray Hairstreak butterflies that are hanging out here in early September. They seem to be Sedum fans as well. These Sedums are so easy to grow, providing fall color as well as nectar for many butterflies.
Gray Hairstreak butterfly on Sedum
I also saw a hairstreak hanging upside down on a mint blossom. I know that bees love mint, but this is the first time I caught a butterfly there.
hairstreak on mint
This has been a banner year for swallowtails in our area. The heat and dry weather may have actually helped them out. Their numbers are waning now, but there are still a few offspring crawling about. This caterpillar has eluded the birds – for now.
swallowtail caterpillar on bronze fennel plant
That’s all for now. I hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse into the butterflies that are visiting HA these days.