Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Butterflies, Butterfly-Shaped

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis). Very similar to the Painted Lady (V. cardui), which, like the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), is migratory. Saw my first Monarch as well (last year I noted my first at the end of June); the milkweeds, which Monarchs are so associated with, were only three-four inches out of the ground. I’m using the Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America to differentiate my Ladies and Polygonia. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) keys.

mthew

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2 responses to “Butterflies, Butterfly-Shaped”

  1. Fork in My Eye

    I didn’t even know the American lady existed. I just started collecting butterflies (with my camera) a couple of years ago and am still learning. Just spent a few minutes comparing photos so I can tell them apart. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  2. The Hunt for Red Admiral « Backyard and Beyond

    […] scientific name: Vanessa is the from the Greek for butterfly; the Vanessa genus also includes the Painted and American Ladies; Atalanta was the mythological Greek hottie who was swift of foot but had an eye for the golden […]

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