A Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) nectars on butterfly bush.In this view, notice the partially coiled proboscis. This is the “straw” through which the butterfly sips the nectar.A Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) enjoys the blossoms.Our state butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), is familiar to most. Spring and late summer are the best times to see these large yellow leps.Same butterfly as above. I’m not sure if the white spots on this butterfly’s body are specks of pollen or some kind of mite.A Monarch (Danaus plexippus) joins the group.Not as large or colorful as the others in this collection of leps, a Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius) rests on a nearby leaf.From above, Carolina Satyrs are even less colorful. These butterflies don’t typically visit flowers but get nutrition from carrion, fruit, and mud.This male Rhinoceros Beetle (Xyloryctes jamaicensis) is hiking across the path on his way to who knows where (8/30/12).Here’s a female for comparison. Notice the lack of a horn (10/9/10).
