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A Giant In The Butterfly World
The largest butterfly in North America, with a wingspan of up to 6.9 inches. The Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes). And in a less often seen, ventral view. As an adult, the Giant Swallowtail dines on the nectar of many species of flowers as well as liquid from animal feces. Quite the contrast, don’t you think?…
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Maize Flower Fly
Maize Flower Fly (Toxomerus politus). This was a challenge to figure out this exact species. But perhaps the challenge is nearly all the fun! These attractive flies enjoy being around us for our sweat, which provides them a source of water and salt. But it is not a Sweat Bee (Halictidae). Keep in mind, flies…
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Fall Phlox
Fall Phlox (Phlox paniculata), native to parts of central and eastern United States, and southeastern Canada. I found these flowers blooming along the Buck Hollow Trail, in Shenandoah National Park. The plant is a herbaceous perennial is generally 2 to 4 feet tall, and can sometimes get to be 6 feet tall. The flowers are…
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One Of Many Asters
This, Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium). Native to some parts of central and eastern United States. Found in dry forests and woodlands. Insects that are attracted to the flowers include bees, butterflies and skippers. Butterflies and skippers seek nectar while bees also gather pollen. The ultimate accent color for autumn, set against the warm colors of…
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A Shadow Darner
Looking like a piece of stunning jewelry with wings. A Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa). A large insect up to 3 inches in length. They’re found in all provinces of Canada with the exception of Newfoundland, and in the contiguous United States with the exception of Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Amazing in flight,…
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Migration Begins
A juvenile male Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) on his way to Central America or maybe all the way to southern Mexico. If he is a bit less ambitious though he may only go south as far as the U.S. Gulf Coast. This summer the Hummingbirds have pleased me with their abundance, emptying 1/2 gallon of…
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Earlier And Earlier Sunsets
Two months ago, July 10th, the sun set here at 8:38 p.m., and this evening it set at 7:30 p.m. Summer is now marching into autumn. As the days become shorter, trees sense that change. Their chlorophyll production slows, their leaves lose the green they started out with in the spring and other colors emerge.…
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Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse. GrandKitty. Pumpkin Inspector. _______________________________________________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!