It’s hard to fathom how many different kinds of
butterflies and moths there are in the world until you attempt to identify
one. Can you believe I just spent about
forty-five minutes trying to give this guy a name?
 |
| The Postman is feeling a little randy. |
As it turns out, I’m still not sure if it is a
Piano Key Butterfly or a Postman Butterfly.
But, I guess it really doesn’t matter for my purposes, which is just to
show off the photos I took when I went to Magic Wings with my daughter Carrie
last week. In fact, I came across a site
on the Interweb that says that the Piano Key and the Postman are one and the
same. So I will go along with that bit
of wisdom. It is the Heliconius Melpomene. Yes, it does makes me feel smart to spout the
Latin name even though I managed to wriggle my
way out of taking Latin 2 in high school.
This beauty is the Cairns Birdwing (or Ornithoptera euphorion) and is a native
of Australia.
And here is the Euploea core aka the Common Crow butterfly. He is common in south Asia. This particular Common Crow was having a hard
time settling down. I just love those spots.
This is the aptly named Zebra Longwing or Heliconius charithonia. He is found in South and Central America
and as far north as Texas and Florida.
This Malabar Tree Nymph (Idea malabarica) was interested in Carrie’s camera. This species is normally found in India. I think this is one of the jauntiest
butterflies going so I call it the Prom Dress Butterfly.
But, here’s my particular favorite because I
love blue. It’s known as Peleides
Blue Morpho, Common Morpho, or The Emperor (Morpho peleides). This
butterfly is found in Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Can you imagine stepping out your front door
and finding these flying around? That
would be sweet.
We had a terrific time at Magic Wings. I am grateful to have a place to go to see
these magnificent creatures in the flesh.
But both Carrie and I decided that we won’t be going back until it gets cold out
again. I guess butterflies like the kind
of weather that makes me feel like a wet rag.
That’s not so great when it’s 70 or 80 degrees out F. but does feel nice
when it’s 10 degrees F. out.
The butterflies seemed particularly active when
we were there. Could it be mating
season?
16 comments:
incredible exotics. just beautiful. the only one i knew was zebra longwing. :)
What a gorgeous variety of butterflies! They are so pretty.
I love looking at butterfly photos, and Magic Wings is a wondrous place. I love to get their $1.00 identification page to see how many I can find. Thanks for sharing.
i will say no matter what their name(s) (are) is - they are all so unique & lovely. wow, what gorgeous creatures. i always wonder how decide they are moths or butterflies. i know there is a difference. guess i need to look it up. i appreciate that you took the time to research. i have been in a similar situation & it is very tough. you end up learning way more than you thought you would. ha. ha!! ( :
Oh, my, you have some BEAUTIFUL photos here! I enjoyed looking at these so much. I think my favorite is the very first one, though the Blue Morpho is lovely, too.
I don't know the names of animals and plants like i'd like to. I feel bad that I don't know the names of all the trees in my neighborhood. I think I need to start walking around with a field guide. :-)
Oh you are SO fortunate to be able to have one of these near enough to go to...the last one I went to was in FL...some of the butters you have captured I saw there...BTW? Carrie has a great camera...I started out with a Lumix and still wish I hadn't sold it....beautiful images!
This is Carrie's second Lumix as she inherited mine when I graduated to the Nikon. They are indeed great cameras and sometimes I envy her the fact that it is so light weight. Of course, the camera doesn't make the photographer, the photographer makes the camera do the right thing.
A butterfly house, heaven on earth!! Gorgeous captures of your magical experience!!
My first thought on the first butterfly was "postman", but I don't know for sure. These are beautiful images...wow. The butterfly on the camera is awesome! Never have seen that before.
I don't know most butterflies, but these are gorgeous! Awesome colors!
Wonderful series!
gorgeous shots, the butterfly on the camera tickles my fancy..
what equipment do these beautiful butterflies?
Wow - these are outstanding photos. I especially like the one on the camera - but all the butterflies are stunning.
All these beautiful butterflies Barbara, and yes, it is also difficult to identify them. I have enjoyed all the beautiful colors they have :-)
Butterfly exhibits are colorful and so very warm and humid, I agree, Barbara. But the beauty captured is worth the discomfort as you have shown us here. Although I do agree that a colder weather visit would be nicer.
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