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Photos and information on some of the last autumn butterflies in my garden

By Robin Rogers

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas 398351

November 09, 2008 02:25 AM

Swallowtail

I loved the way the late-afternoon sunlight looked shining through this giant swallowtail's wings. The butterflies have been feeding on the last flowers of the lantana, buddleia, and even the basil.

Bordered patch

What appear to be orange fur or feathers on this bordered patch are actually scales. Butterfly scales are like shingles and are both transparent and iridescent. The scales come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes.

Sulphur

A sulphur feeding on the buddleia. Its wings practically vibrate with color against the sky! Unlike many other species, the sulphur caterpillars and adult butterflies don't secrete toxins gathered from the host plant. This makes them more attractive to predators. Fortunately, they're pretty agile in eluding them! Just compare the flight pattern of the sulphur to that of the more leisurely monarch.

The next set of photos will be from our recent visit to Corpus Christi. Stay tuned!

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Shirley Parks

Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX

Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Hi Robin, You are an excellent photographer. I noticed a lot of butterflies this past week as well. I just noticed that you posted in "Inspired by Nature," a group I was unaware of. I'm off to join.

Nov 09, 2008 02:44 AM

Trey Thurmond

BCR Realtors - College Station, TX

College Station , Texas Homes

We haven't had many butterflies this year until October...very strange.

Nov 10, 2008 02:39 AM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

I don't get too many butterflies out here although the occasional monarch will stroll through. Not sure if Mr Monarch got lost on his way to Mexico or on his way to the Pacific Grove or Santa Cruz in California since San Diego generally is not on their migration routes and the milkweed, which they need to survive, is not very prevalent here.

Nov 11, 2008 03:47 AM

Jason Carpentier

RealEstateGame.net - San Antonio, TX

We had a ton of butterflies this year on my side of town, but I didn't get any beautiful pictures like you did. Great job with the photography.

Nov 11, 2008 04:52 AM

Robin Rogers

Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio, TX

CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser

Well Trey, Jason and I must have lured away all your butterflies!

I don't see much milkweed around here, either, Russel, but I guess there are enough other plants that the strolling Monarchs don't miss it!

Nov 11, 2008 06:38 AM

Ann Hayden 636-399-7544

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri - Des Peres, MO

SelectAnn.com

Robin, Awesome photos. I love butterflies. They are so delicate and beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Ann

Nov 11, 2008 09:06 AM

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Robin, Beautiful.

Love your butterfly photos, also loved your bees. What type camera are you using?

Nov 28, 2008 05:35 AM

Carl Winters

Canyon Lake, TX

I agree Robin is an excellent photographer. I don't believe we had as many butterflies this year as in years past. I wonder if it was due to the dry conditions?

Nov 28, 2008 11:19 AM

Hi, Margaret! The camera is a four-year-old Fujifilm FinePix F10 with 6.3 megapixels. I confess I only use a couple of the automatic settings. I really need to take time to delve into its features.

Thanks, Carl and Ceil! The drought might be the reason, as you say, butterflies were scarce. We have a pool, and I started a butterfly fountain (which I must refill today). Butterflies need water, too.

Nov 29, 2008 01:02 AM

Marian Gregor-Ann

Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI

Arbor area Real Estate

Hi Robin, I'm so glad that I came across your post! The photos are fab. I especially loved the sulphur butterfly. My god-daughter collected monarch larva, raised all 24 into stunning fliers. They had a party to celebrate their release (in Wisconsin).

The Horse Girl ~ Marian

Nov 29, 2008 11:16 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Robin - I think your photographs are wonderful and worth a feature! In the first photo if you look very close at the tops of the wings, you can see the blur from movement. Great stuff!

This ones for you Robin, Great job! Featured at: EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVE

Nov 29, 2008 06:42 PM

Thanks, Marian! I wish I'd been at your daughter's party--how fun!

Thanks for the star, Robert! I'm glad people like the photos!

Nov 30, 2008 01:26 AM

You are very welcome Robin and keep those great photographs coming!

Nov 30, 2008 03:57 AM

Marcia Hawken

WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL

Naples Luxury Specialist

Wow, Robin, your photos are incredible! And you say that you use auto settings? You have an eye for color and the shot!

Apr 16, 2010 10:48 PM

Thanks, Marcia! I have an even better camera now, thanks to my husband. As soon as the butterflies appear this spring, I'll have fun with it.

Apr 17, 2010 01:24 AM

Photos and information on some of the last autumn butterflies in my garden

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