"Nobody Suspects the Butterfly"

- Bart Simpson

 

Eastern Black Swallowtail, Gulf Fritillary, and Hummingbird Moth. They reeallly liked these flowers. Late afternoon in August 2002 near Aldridge Creek, Huntsville, AL.

This fella got me started on butterflies a few years ago. It was a February day and the temperature shot up into the mid 60s F (mid 10s C). The last thing I expected to see was a butterfly. But this one was apparently warmed enough to come out of hibernation and fly around a bit. This prompted me to do a little research and I came to appreciate these specialized creatures more. Unlike most other butterflies, Mourning Cloaks are able to hibernate as adults. February 2002, Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL.