Now's a good time to do some butterfly watching! We're seeing a lot of Monarchs, including their larvae feeding on native milkweed growing along the trail. And there are many more varieties of butterflies to see--all actively feeding on the abundant nectar provided by the flowering native California plants. Take a moment, observe, and you will see a whirlwind of butterfly action! In addition to Monarchs, watch for Cloudless Sulphers (yellow), Gulf Fritillaries (orange, smaller than Monarchs), Mourning Cloaks (black, with white wing edges), Cabbage Whites (white) , Swallow Tails , Skippers (small, orange/tan), and Painted Ladies (orange w/ black wing tips, spots).
Monarch feeding on Lacy Phacelia
Painted Lady feeding on Cobweb Thistle
Hi Dan,
Dori Ito referred me to you while I was doing volunteer pruning at GW College Native Plant Garden. I live in WM Village West and would love to contribute natives from my garden when they reseed. I also have 2 CA native milkweeds that spread by stolons that I could share when it cools down..
Kindly,
Tina Cremer
H2 Xero Landscape
tina@h2xero.com
Great pictures!