Better Late than Never...

[mdehners]

The Gulf Fitillaries(a local Butterfly that looks like a Dollar-store version of a Monarch;>) arrived this week, two months late and in few numbers but better that then none. Which is good because the Passionflower vines are taking over everything, like a prettier Kudzu. Their larvae will graze the vines down to their stems, allowing light to reach the ground to allow Fall plants to get going. The only downside is that they also have a taste for Orchid Cactus so they and the Dragonfruits as well as the Holiday Cacti get dragged onto the screened porch for the next two months....
Cheers,
Pat

Comments

[weofodthignen]

Oh good, I'm glad the butterflies are still alive and flutterin'

Frith,
M

[mdehners]

When I planted the Maypop and the 'Incense' 8 yrs ago, I never expected them to be so Invasive. I think it was the 3rd yr that the Fittilaries started showing up and have ever since. The neat thing is that normally by now the 1st catterpillars would be coming out of their cocoons and the 1st of those who bring their kids to see the Butterflies would drive up. Looks like school will start before the big show begins here...
The only bad thing is that they love Orchid Cactus almost as much and if I don't get them under screens they get wormriddled.
Cheers,
Pat