So many butterflies!

[Queenie O.]

The pesky flies of June are just a faded memory, and through July and now into August there has been a bonanza of butterflies here in my yard. Usually there are quite a few, but this year there seem to be just so many. Even along the main roads heading to the city I've seen butterflies flying to and fro across the road. The most often seen is the black and white patterned Paper Kite, or Rice Paper butterfly, but there have also been many other colors and more swallowtail varieties it seems. Many shrubs have the hard shaped chrysalis pods that show there are more to come. They really are pretty and peaceful to watch. I guess many regions of the Philippines have particular varieties only seen there. Have you folks seen many lately too? In more urban areas do people still see many around?  Here are some photos I took outside that I thought you might like to see.

Queenie

[mogo51]

Great photos Queenie, they are such beautiful creatures.  When I watch them they seem to bring some peace to a crazy world.

[Queenie O.]

21 minutes ago, mogo51 said:

Great photos Queenie, they are such beautiful creatures.  When I watch them they seem to bring some peace to a crazy world.

Thanks Mogo. I agree-- they are so graceful and give a sense of peace to watch them.

[OnMyWay]

I have been seeing a lot here too, but every time I try to get a pic, they don't seem to want to sit still!  Nice pictures!

[Queenie O.]

2 minutes ago, OnMyWay said:

I have been seeing a lot here too, but every time I try to get a pic, they don't seem to want to sit still!  Nice pictures!

Thanks OMW. Try sitting still a bit out of their vision, and when they get preoccupied with a flower you might catch a shot.

[OnMyWay]

1 minute ago, Queenie O. said:

Thanks OMW. Try sitting still a bit out of their vision, and when they get preoccupied with a flower you might catch a shot.

If I could find one of those foggers they use for bees, I could try that!  

[Queenie O.]

This showy butterfly called the Luzon Peacock, is one found only in that area I would think..

[Queenie O.]

There is a dill shrub here where many seem to congregate at night to sleep, and in the early morning they hang and slowly move their wings, as if warming up before takeoff.

[davewe]

Let's hope they remain, at least till I get there next year 

Not to start an environmental debate but one of the great tragedies is how few butterflies there are in many parts of the US. When I was a kid they were everywhere. Now, seeing one is a rare occurrence -  like spotting a leprechaun.

Edited August 5, 2016 by davewe

[RBM]

There is a nice sanctuary in Mumbalcaul  where many species are on display.

Some years ago went to house in Pardon Cebu, a brother and sister kept saying a beautiful garden full of butterflies. Gave us a tour and explained the whole system of how they breed and multiply. Not sure still going good but was very educational.