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Butterfly Invasion ~ They're not what you think

The past couple of days have brought us an invasion of butterflies all over San Antonio. Although they are smaller than Monarch butterflies, we at first thought they were Monarchs migrating south to Mexico. They have similar coloring to the Monarch.

Well, we were wrong. It turns out that these are American Snout Butterflies that are born right here in San Antonio. The sudden population explosion is simply a sign that our drought is now over. During a time of drought they don't breed but after a drought is over they breed on the leaves of the Hackberry trees. It takes about 10 to 15 days to produce the butterflies; first the eggs hatch, the caterpillar eats, and they then turn into butterflies.

Sadly, some of them have sacrificed their lives on our windshield. They should be around for about two weeks, according to a zoo spokesman via Randy Beamer, WOAI. I don't know where they go after that... maybe south to Mexico?

Posted by Shirley Parks, North San Antonio TX Real Estate 210.414.0966 on 10/18/2009 09:47 PM

Comments (20)

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20 Comments on Butterfly Invasion ~ They're not what you think

OCT

How very interesting. I do hope your drought does stay at bay.

I would love to see the butterflies there! I went to Texas Tech to school--- and I miss TEXAS ! Kathy

Hi Kathy, My stepson went to Texas Tech Law School. Whenever I have lived out of Texas, I have missed it terrible. Enjoy your golf!

Hi Sabrina, We had such a hot dry summer. It was terrible. I am so happy it is now behind us!

A smaller version of the Monarch - well at least as beautiful. I'm glad for the signal that the drought is over! We planted a hackberry tree on our lot, Shirley, because they are supposed to be drought tolerant - but I haven't seen any butterflies here lately, I guess they are smart and moved to warmer climes!

OCT

Very interesting! I never knew that about butterflies. I bet it would be cool to see a ton of them, I don't think they like Mass much.

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Shirley, thats an interesting fun fact about San Antonio. These butterflies look pretty from your picture.

Wow! I love butterflies! I bet it's beautiful to see them everywhere. Well,...probably not on your windshield.

I haven't seen many butterflied, but have seen an abundance of moths!

My back yard is filled with them right now. It is a pretty sight.

My little puppy is determined to catch one, very funny to watch.

Love butterflies. Need to work on my back yard to attract some more.

OCT

Hi, Shirley:

These particular butterflies love our batface flowers. I tried to take a photo of the flocks of American Snouts (what a horrible name for a beautiful creature), but it just looked like a colorful mosaic.

Your photo is a rare sight of one with its wings opened.

Cheers,

Robin

Wow. I was wondering what type of butterfly and why there we so many in San Antonio! Now I know.

OCT

Ever since reading this post I've seen lady bugs everywhere Shirley! They are taking over!

Sincerely,

Kathleen

OCT

I don't think they are as bad as we had about ten years ago. They sure can mess up the front of your car and windshield.

Shirley hope everything is OK haven't seen you on AR for a couple of days.

OCT

That is too bad that some of them have sacrificed themselves to your car. You should buy a nicer car. LOL

Shirley

Very beautifu! Never seen one before. We had a load of real Monarchs today on our wild sunflowers.

OCT

Hi Mary, Colorado looks beautiful this time of year; not warm but beautiful.

Hi Kathleen, Mass is probably too cold. :o)

Yes, they are pretty, John.

LOL, Chris and Maria.

You seem to have a lot of bugs and insects in your subdivision, Donna. I like all the pictures you have shared.

That must be entertaining to watch, Melissa.

Hi Gene, Ask your garden store which plants attract butterflies in your area.

They move very fast, Robin.

Hi Brenda, Glad to share.

I love ladybugs, Kathleen, and they are supposed to be good luck.

Hi C&C, Thanks for missing me. I shouldn't say this, but I have gotten a tad weary of AR lately. I need to stop clicking on negative posts and stay on the sunny side.

Hi Jim, I have a Mercedes Benz. I guess I'll have to get a Rolls Royce. ;o)

That was surely a beautiful sight, Trey.

Hi Shirley... I was just mentioning to someone that I have not seen many butterflies around. Maybe because we didn't have a drought up here they were just more thinly spread out across the summer months?

OCT

They moved in to my home...........I was swishing them out, gently of course :)

Puppy and kitty did not share my kind regard. I'm afraid we lost a few. I wonder if these were the same or the ones that came to my yard and hatched on my passion fruit vine, it is huge.

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