American Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis).....nest in Cudweed.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.) Asteraceae

I have left Cudweed in my yard for several years since discovering American Lady Butterfly caterpillars feeding on them. Already I have found four such nests this year and seen the butterfly depositing eggs on the weed.

I have posted an image of a caterpillar building its metamorphosis abode along with a picture of a butterfly in my Flickr post..... http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeoncanvas/4603232885/

Native Butterfly Garden Plant Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Image taken in Richmond, Virginia - Chesterfield County backyard

All my images are copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Natural Insecticide for Tomato Horn Worm - Parasitic Braconid Wasp is a slow killer of this tomato plant pest

This Tomato or Tobacco Hornworm Caterpillar is doomed. The wasps will hatch out of the cocoons and search for another Hornworm host to attack and lay their eggs in. The circle of life goes on. The caterpillar would have gone on to become a Sphinx Moth. (click on images to enlarge)

Photos by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Now I ask you, honestly..... What could possibly be WORSE than falling?

Hanging on.....

by a mere thread.....

and unknowningly.....

FOR DEAR LIFE!

Oh my, these poor mindless critters ;0)

(click on images to supersize)

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Tired of those in life that focus mainly on the negative? Are you drawn to BAD NEWS or SHOCK & AWE? Strive for BALANCE - Life isn't ALL BAD!

Reflect and BE THANKFUL . . . . .

thankful that you were NOT born THIS victim!

For GREATEST IMPACT..... or to lose your lunch..... click on photo to supersize ;0)

Image by Carolyn Hietala

Yep..... Dropped its drawers in front of God and everyone!

What an insect!

Hard to believe that THIS.....

.....was concealing THAT! Surprise, Surprise ;0)

The story is not over yet.....

More here..... http://30minutesaday2peaceofmind.blogspot.com/

Photos (papilio glaucus) by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly - Update on metamorphosis - Caterpillar now preparing for chrysalis stage

Attached by silk threads to the stem of a plant the caterpillar awaits. The next update will show that the final exoskeleton has been shed to reveal a chrysalis. Amazing! (click on image to supersize)
Photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

American Lady Butterfly - From caterpillar - To chrysalis - To butterfly!

The chrysalis of the Vanessa virginiensis - sometimes called American Painted Beauty - can vary in color as do the butterflies. This one is brightly colored with green, yellow & brown.

Sipping the coneflower nectar

Here the caterpillar is prepared for metamorphosis.


Drab shades of gray for this chrysalis

A favorite food of this caterpillar (at least in my yard) is Cudweed.

In this view of the same butterfly (as shown above) you can see the top wing colors.

More information about this beautiful insect: http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/V/Vanessa_virginiensis.asp

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Halloween Mask - Made in USA by Mother Nature - The many COMICAL FACES of Papilio glaucus

Oh..... what BIG eyes you have!

Goldenrod..... a nice harmonious color backdrop.

Tulip Poplar is a favorite food of this caterpillar in my backyard.


Giving Pinocchio a run for his money with this face ;0)


I'm shy!

(don't forget to click on images to supersize)


Hard to believe it transforms into a gorgeous Swallowtail Butterfly.


Such a sweet sad face ;0(


Almost time for metamorphosis.
Will it be a Black or Yellow Swallowtail? Stay tuned for results.

More information on the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail at Bugguide.net: http://bugguide.net/node/view/491

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

As graceful and serene as she is patient - The Chinese Praying Mantid

Do you see the Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillar she is spying?

Ever watchful is the Preying Mantis.....

and patience is a virtue!

(click on images to enlarge)

Photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Chinese Praying Mantid - Adult hunting among beautiful blue & pink flowers. This one could write a book about "30 minute meals" but would you buy it?

If you have a weak stomach you had better not look at this photograph! Prey being devoured.

I confess that the preying mantis is my favorite insect. They appear so intelligent with their inquiring gaze..... and yet are ferocious merciless killers! (click on image to enlarge)
Photograph by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Tobacco Hornworm or Carolina Sphinx Caterpillar... by either name it is eating my tomato plants!

These Sphinx Moth caterpillars are voracious eating machines! In lieu of insecticides why not pick them off and give your child an opportunity to witness their transformation into moths? They can be housed in a large jar and as long as they are supplied with plenty of tomato leaves will grow quite rapidly. An easy way to keep them clean..... have two jars and move them to the clean one with fresh leaves each new day. A nice science project! (click on images to supersize)

For more info about these insects: Bugguide.net.... http://bugguide.net/node/view/3244#names

Photos by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

An entomologist could easily study the Praying Mantis in my Virginia yard! They are frequently seen and greedily accept insect "presents" I offer.

This caterpillar never had a chance with this expert hunter! Oh, what a tasty morsel. My Catalpa tree was being devoured by the caterpillars...... when full they would fall to the ground and become easy prey. (click on photograph to enlarge)

Photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/