I awoke this morning to discover two of the remaining four Swallowtails completing the final transition to adulthood. One had fully emerged from its cocoon and was already hanging from the side of the water bottle drying its wings. The second, was still busy. I managed a couple of shots. Not the best of … More It fluttered by: New Swallowtails
Was out of bed early this morning … 5:30 … and after making a coffee and pottering about for a bit I went into my office and was greeted by this … Having emerged from its cocoon not long before this shot was taken. I coaxed it from the plastic container, and it eagerly climbed … More It fluttered by. All Change!
Citrus Swallowtail caterpillar in defensive posture. When feeling threatened, as is the case here, the caterpillar will extend this impressive double branched horn-like protuberance to ward off attackers. In this instance the threat was moi as I was attempting to gently lift the caterpillar from the leaf it was on to relocate it. As I … More Feeling a little horny?
Two days ago, the little Swallowtail caterpillar looked like bird droppings … but now it has it’s ‘Second Coat’ which it will wear until it has fattened up and then pupates. I brought the lemon tree seedling inside and it sits on my desk. I’ll soon confine the caterpillar to a large enclosed plastic bottle … More All Change
Citrus Swallowtail – first form. 1/11/19 Ark
Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli) Pea Blue or Long-Tailed Blue (Lampides Boeticus). Male. Photographed yesterday afternoon. Ark
I have made mention a couple of times that once I acquired a digital camera I embarked on a quest ( cue music) to photo catalog all the flora and especially the fauna that resides in and/or visits our garden. In the beginning it was fairly easy, and the files quickly filled with all sorts … More Quelle Surprise!
Gold spotted Sylph (Metisella metis metis) Back Garden – 22/8/19 Painted Lady. Front Lawn 22/8/19 Ark
Painted Lady 12/08/19 Ark
African Monarch in flight Painted Lady on Lavender African Monarch Female Diadem. Photographed 11/ 12/ 13/5/19 Ark
Female Diadem Male Diadem Ark. Photographed this afternoon Common Diadem Alternate common name: Diadem Afrikaans common names: Blouglans (male), Na-aper (female) Wingspan: ♂ 60–65 mm ♀ 70–80 mm Notes: Male is a strong fl ier and is territorial on hilltops and in forest clearings. Sexes dimorphic, distinctive. Polymorphic females are mimics of all forms … More It Fluttered By
If you want to attract the right kind of diner you have to ensure you lay on the right food. African Monarch lunches on Lavender. 30th April
