Monarch And Queen Butterflies In The Garden

I actually thought I posted this pictures last night, but I guess I just uploaded them and forgot to create a blog post.

It’s a little early for the Monarch Butterflies to have already made it down to Houston as part of their migration, so I have to assume these are local Monarchs.  There is actually a pair of them, who were actually mating today.  The male has been flying around for nearly 2 weeks so he’s probably coming close to the end of his lifespan.  The female is a recent visitor.  On a related note, my Milkweed is looking the best it has looked in years.  I think all the rain we have received has really helped with that.

Male Monarch Butterfly Getting Nectar From Milkweed

In addition to the Monarch Butterflies, I had a Queen Butterfly make an appearance the other day.  I really like these Butterflies, and I wish they would frequent the garden much more than they do.  I have personally witnessed at a wildseed farm, and in my own backyard, that Queen Butterflies really are drawn to this nectar plant called Blue Mistflower.

Queen Butterfly On Blue Mistflower 2012