The dominant species was the monarch - and likely attributable to the abundance of milkweed host plant growing around here. I suppose if more individual landowners and homeowners made an effort to favor pollinator habitat in lieu of sterile and manicured landscape we could provide these winged critters and all of their insect cousins a better start to life and survivability in general in an increasingly chemical dominated world.
At the time of this posting we still have monarch caterpillars that have yet to pupate. We have chrysalis attached to the house, the porch furniture, garden plants, the shed and just about anywhere else you might care to look. There are adult butterflies yet to emerge although the current generation flying-about should begin staging for the annual migration before too long.
Just like the orioles, tree swallows and redwing blackbirds have all left us for their southern homes - the monarchs will follow. The eastern tiger swallowtail pupa overwinter as well as the first and second instar larvae of the viceroy.
As we prepare to say goodbye here are some photos to remember them by...
click on images for a closer look
Viceroy
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (black phase)
Monarch
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