YES YES YES!
But how do you tell the difference?
It's all about the eyes...
...the eyespots, that is.
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| American lady (Vanessa virginiensis) |
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| Painted lady (Vanessa cardui) |
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| American lady has TWO eyespots. |
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| Painted lady has FOUR eyespots. |
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Hot dog–we've got American AND painted ladies!
Oh, my goodness, the more I observe and photograph, the better I learn my butterfly species! I'd decided we had American ladies in our Wildscape. But did we have the similar-looking painted lady? I took some photos and did a little research. The answer to my question?
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3 comments:
Beautiful pictures! How did you get the butterflies to stay still for the close up? Ha:) Very informative post.
It was exciting to figure out that we've got both species! :-)
Dear Sheryl,
Hello, fellow Master Naturalist. Thank you for your awesome photos of the "Ladies." That ID help was very useful. Also, Commander Ben is a precocious and talented young man. What a natural teacher.
I enjoy your blog posts & photos. Thanks!
Warmly, Sally
Galveston Bay Area Chapter
Texas Master Naturalists
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