Raising caterpillars gives you lots of face time with these amazing little creatures, and many great photo opportunities. This week we’re featuring Jill’s favorites among the caterpillar pictures she’s taken here at MOSI and at home in her own gardens. Which is your favorite?
In Your Face: Flannel Moth
Superior Spines: Imperial Moth
Spiraling: Gulf Fritillary
We Are Family – Polydamas Swallowtail Larva and Eggs
Crowded House – Monarchs on Milkweed
Golden Glow - Orange-Barred Sulphur
Raindrop On My Head: Gulf Fritillary
Head-to-Head: Zebra Longwings
Oh, Hello: Gulf Fritillary
Walking on Air: Polydamas Swallowtails
Lovely pictures. Jill, do you know where I can find out information about what butterflies occur on St Lucia? I am going there at Christmas and hope to be able to see some very different butterflies from here in Scotland, but I am finding it very difficult to find any information anywhere. Thanks very much for any help.
ReplyDeleteNick, finding a good source on butterflies in the West Indies can be especially tricky.
ReplyDeleteThe definitive guide on the topic: "The Butterflies of the West Indies and South Florida" by Smith, Miller and Miller is out of print and copies of it sell for as much as $2,000 each.
"A field guide to the butterflies of the West Indies" by Riley isn't as extensive, but you can probably find a copy for less that $50 USD.
You can use the Butterflies of America Interactive List to help you sort some species. Type St. Lucia in the search box just under the navigation bar and that should sort for only species sighted in St Lucia. The website is here: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/list.htm
Hope this helps!
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. That web site looks very useful. I am sure I will spend some time checking through that. I have managed to buy a second hand copy of Riley's book, but as it was written in 1975 I imagine things will have changed since then.
Thank you again for your help. Keep up the good work at the butterfly garden. I really enjoy reading your blog.
Nick