Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Painted Lady

There's something new learned every day!  It's so true!  I've been enjoying the "Monarch Butterflies" as they gracefully fly in and then land on the vibrant colorful Zinnias that I planted late this spring - from seeds.  My Hubby & I have noticed that the center of the butterflies are not as vibrant as we believed they usually are.  That prompted him to send an e-mail to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in South Deerfield, MA inquiring why this was the case.  The very kind folks at this very popular tourist destination located about an hour north of us sent back the explanation. 

The butterflies that are enjoying our gardens filled with brightly colored flowers, perhaps as much as we do, are not Monarchs.  They are Painted Lady Butterflies.  The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) looks very similar to a Monarch Butterfly, but the thorax and abdomen are paler in color.

Comparison Chart
The Internet is great!  So often when an answer or method of doing something specific is needed, it is only a click or two away.  And... I see 3-4 Vanessa cardui stopping in for a visit!  :)

Enjoy!

2 comments:

Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook said...

What beautiful visitors you have :)

JG said...

Carol- So pretty to see them glide in and out.
~Judy