PKCaptSun
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The habitat sees two more firsts
Once again I was in the right place at the right time. Even better, I didn't rush my time in the garden this morning.
I had been watching, counting and photographing butterflies in the newest addition to the garden when I happened to look over and something caught my eye. It tok me a moment to realize that I wasn't seeing another Gray Hairstreak, but rather a Red-banded Hairstreak. It is the first ever seen in the habitat.
Then a short time later I nearly went back inside for a bite to eat when for some reason I happened to look over at the top of one of my Candlestick Senna plants. I saw motion near one of the flower heads, a medium sized dark colored butterfly that didn't match anything else I had seen during the morning.
I set my zoom lens to maximum to get a closer look before I tried getting close enough for a shot. What I saw stunned me but I had to be sure of what I was seeing. That was about the time that the newcomer started getting bothered by other butterflies. I prayed that it would stay around and land again. When I finally got my close look I was astonished to confirm that it was a Great Purple Hairstreak.
Anyone can ask PR how obsessed I have been with this species lately. I have wished to see them in my yard many times.
These two put my species count for the year up to 42.
--- BOTM Winner Dec 2008 Aug 2009
PKCaptSun
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9/19/2009, 1:34 pm
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Queenyforever
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
Oh that is so wonderful! I am so very glad you got to see them both. And 42!?WOW....
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“Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.”
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9/21/2009, 12:36 pm
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PKCaptSun
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
I've actually been seeing the Great Purple Hairstreaks almost every day over the last several. They adore a plant here called Frostweed. Then again so do a lot of other hungry nectar feeding butterflies.
There was another first for the year a few days later so now I'm at 43.
--- BOTM Winner Dec 2008 Aug 2009
PKCaptSun
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10/5/2009, 3:12 am
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Queenyforever
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
43!! Wow.....perhaps you need to plant even more Frostweed for next year..
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“Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.”
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10/6/2009, 10:57 am
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PKCaptSun
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
With the way that Frostweed re-seeds itself I won't have to bother planting more. I will be planting more in different locations though either with seed or transplanting seedlings when they come up.
Now on to the pics of my firsts. I actually forgot to mention a new moth species that showed up too.
Great Purple Hairstreak (Male)
Great Purple Hairstreak (Female)
Red-banded Hairstreak
Snowberry Clearwing Moth
--- BOTM Winner Dec 2008 Aug 2009
PKCaptSun
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10/18/2009, 9:41 am
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Queenyforever
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
Oh...so pretty! I love the wing structure on the Hairstreaks. They are gorgeous...
And that Clearwing Moth, what a shot! Right in mid flight....fantastic.
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10/19/2009, 7:09 am
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PKCaptSun
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
I really want to get the chance to raise some Great Purple Hairstreaks. It may be the only way that I ever get to see the color on the top side of the wings. They always keep the wings closed when they land. The inside is the same vibrant blue that you can see a little of on the underside.
The caterpillars eat Mistletoe so I'm going to check some of those plants in my neighborhood. This late in the year I probably won't find caterpillars but I may find pupa that I can bring inside.
Those Hummingbird Moths are hard to photograph because they move so erratically.
--- BOTM Winner Dec 2008 Aug 2009
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11/1/2009, 1:46 am
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Queenyforever
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
I remember just trying to watch those Hummingbird moths....to figure out what the heck they were. Definitely hard to follow! :hb:
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11/4/2009, 1:55 pm
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PKCaptSun
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
It turns out that I have one of the host plants for the caterpillar of that moth. Next year I'll be sure to keep my eyes open. I'd love to raise some of those.
--- BOTM Winner Dec 2008 Aug 2009
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11/14/2009, 3:54 pm
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Queenyforever
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Re: The habitat sees two more firsts
Good for you! That would be totally fun!
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11/17/2009, 12:36 pm
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