Butterflies of Autumn

In Central Florida butterflies can be seen year-round. The population of them decreases as winter arrives. If it gets very cold, as in freezing, they may disappear until it warms up, but they are hiding somewhere safe until the temperatures rise.

Monarch on Agastache 'Black Adder'

The autumn garden is filled with an abundance of pollinator activity, including many varieties of butterflies. Agastache 'Black Adder' is a popular stop for all the nectar-sipping critters in my garden.

Gulf Fritillary on 'Black Adder'

Long-tailed Skipper on 'Black Adder'

Queen butterfly on milkweed flowers

The Queen butterfly is not as commonly seen in my garden as the other species discussed here. However, this year there seemed to be more than normal. The Queen butterfly is very similar in size and pattern to the Monarch.

Queen butterfly on milkweed flowers

Queen butterfly on milkweed flowers

Queen butterfly on milkweed flowers

Swallowtail plant (Christia Obcordata) is definitely not a butterfly even though it appears to have a gazillion wings of butterflies dancing around on graceful stems. This is not a plant that last more than a season in my garden. I buy them when I find them in late summer, pot them up in containers and place them in partially shaded spots. The leaves fade and drop off as the days grow shorter. You can read more about this unique plant in a previously featured post here.

Tiger Swallowtail on Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas  (Pentas lanceolata) are an all-time favorite of mine and the pollinators in my garden. These are the old-fashioned, tall red variety that survive through most winters or return after being frosted back. The value of red pentas in my garden cannot be overstated. I love them and recommend them highly for year-round bright color in the dense clusters of red. Loads of pollinator activity, including hummingbirds depend on them for nectar.

Gulf Fritillary on Pentas (Pentas lanceolata

Tiger Swallowtail on red Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Tiger Swallowtail on red Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Chrysalis of Black Swallowtail butterfly

This summer and early autumn we had the privilege of seeing dozens of black swallowtail caterpillars transform from tiny eggs to each instar stage and molt into butterflies. It was a wonderful learning experience for our young grandchildren and just as thrilling for us to witness each metamorphosis.

New Black Swallowtail butterfly just out of chrysalis

We have pondered how a single Rue herb plant could have hosted so many caterpillars. All the leaves would be sheared off by hungry cats and as soon as they matured new growth would push out rapidly. It's a wonder of nature.

I hope you are relishing autumn days wherever you are. Happy gardening, Meems


If you liked these photos you may enjoy these previous posts also:
Butterflies Galore
Benefits and Beneficials: A Garden Teeming with Life
Autumn Makes A Grand Arrival
To Capture the Sunlight
Hello December


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Meems