Mylitta Crescent

My last butterfly walk of the season was last Tuesday. It turned out to be the perfect day because it was also the day of the nuptial flight of the termites. It was magical watching their wings glint in the sun. And the kids loved watching them come out of the ground and fly off. We also saw cabbage whites and skippers. I found a tiny cabbage white caterpillar and showed it to everyone. People so rarely see the tiny specimens and it is so nice when I can find them. Late in the walk, when only one person was left, we saw the Mylitta Crescent pictured here. Andy took the photo. Isn't it lovely?

American Lady Adult

My first American Lady butterfly emerged today. I'll have to take it up to the UC Botanical Garden to release it.

American Lady Pupa

Some of the American Ladies have now pupated. I kept them in a basket with netting to cage them in. This one pupated on the basket handle. I have read that this species can overwinter as a pupa or an adult. I hope it emerges soon so I can get a good picture.

I also read that the caterpillars eat Edelweiss. I wonder if I could grow that in my garden. Apparently it grows in Castro Valley, not too far away.  Maybe I should try it.