Walk in the Rain

On Tuesday, I was scheduled to do two butterfly walks, from 3-4 pm and from 4-5 pm. It rained and drizzled and misted all morning. The weather didn't clear in the afternoon, but at least it wasn't raining. Some hummingbirds were flying, but that was about it. No butterflies were flying in the UC Botanical Garden. So Andy brought the specimens up, and we spend most of the time talking about the specimens and butterfly gardening. Then, just when we were getting ready to pack up and go for a walk, the Monarch emerged. So, we showed that around, and then went for a walk. We saw water striders and a snake. Then when we got back to the entrance, we had another look at the Monarch, which had expanded its wings. Most everybody seemed very appreciative, even though we didn't get to see insects in flight. 

Another Butterfly Presentation

This morning, at the Tilden Botanic Garden, Andy and I gave a presentation for the Women's Chemist Society. As usual, people were fascinated by the video and the live specimens. I had done a bit of research on chemicals as they relate to butterflies, but we mostly talked about rearing and gardening. A docent for the Tilden Garden was there and suggested that we do a class for them. They are booked for this year, but maybe next year.

Bug Day at UC Botanical Garden

Yesterday, Andy and I participated in Bug Day at the UC Botanical Garden. What fun! Andy put together many beautiful displays. He included Cabbage Whites, Anise Swallowtails, Pipevine Swallowtails, Monarchs, etc. We had a big picnic table in the shade (although it did get sunny around noon). Many people came to see the live specimens, both children and adults. Some people had raised several species before, some knew almost nothing about butterflies. Several other educational tables were spread around the garden: bees, compost, and aquatic insects, to name a few. Also, some of the docents did crafts with the kids: fuzzy spiders, bee houses, butterfly wands. The weather was perfect! What a great way to spend father's day!

Mylitta Crescent -- Phyciodes mylitta

Myletta Crescent at the UC Botanical Garden on 11 June 2013.

Presentation at Clayton Valley Garden Club

Yesterday, Andy and I went to Clayton and did a presentation for the Clayton Valley Garden Club. Below is a picture of Andy showing live specimens to a couple of people who attended.  We had a big audience, about 40 people. They all seemed very interested and asked great questions.

Pipevine Swallowtail Eggs

For the first time ever I have Pipevine Swallowtail eggs in my backyard!!!!!!!!! I have waited forever for this moment!!!!!!  I hope they like it here!!

The eggs are the rusty-gold blurry dots near the end of the Aristolochia Californica vine. They are generally laid in groups. Most butterflies lay their eggs one at a time, the the Pipevine Swallowtail lays its eggs in groups. 

Pipevine swallowtail

Below is a picture of a Pipevine Swallowtail. This butterfly was in my backyard in Berkeley, California yesterday. I have had pipevine, Aristolochia Californica, for more than ten years, but I have never seen the associated butterfly or any caterpillars on the plant. I am very excited about this long-awaited butterfly showing up in my backyard. I have heard that the wilder areas nearby are very dry because all of the rains were so early this year. As a consequence, the butterflies are visiting watered gardens to find lush hostplants. I have no way of testing this, but it seems like a plausible explanation. I am hoping that I find eggs soon.