July 17, 2025

Two Sleepy Orange butterflies (Abaeis nicippe) sitting on some rotting wood out along the road. They’re butterflies with a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches, though you will seldom see them with their wings open, unless they are flying. And quick fliers they are, staying close to the ground.

Their caterpillars prefer to feed on plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). As adults they seek out the nectar of a wide variety of flowers. Males in particular enjoy the practice of puddling, drinking from wet soil, or puddles, and animal droppings, to obtain the minerals and salts that can be found there.

Like many butterflies, they’re adding color to the summer landscape.

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