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In This Issue:
  • The non-Monarch ....
  • Halloween Colors ...
  • Man invented Velcro?
  • When will it pupate?
  • Make your own rearing container ...

  • One-stop Shopping

    Butterflies!
    Shady Oak Butterfly Farm Newsletter
    September 17, 2007

    It's the non-Monarch; often mistaken for a Monarch. What is it? Can you tell the difference between a Viceroy and Monarch?

    Julia's aren't found in most of the US. With a flight pattern and shape like a Zebra Longwing, it adds color and grace to butterfly gardens.

    Velcro is natural in nature. Where is it found in the butterfly world?

    Do you know how to tell when your Monarch caterpillar is about to pupate? There are signs that you can learn ... to save you hour of sitting, waiting and watching.

    Need a rearing container in a hurry? Make your own!

    If you have an idea you'd like to share through our newsletter, please send it to [email protected]. We always appreciate your comments and suggestions.



    The non-Monarch ....
    ... Viceroys!

    Viceroys are so often mistaken for Monarchs that even 'Monarch' t-shirts are sometimes printed with a Viceroy photo and Monarch name!

    Five Viceroy butterflies nectar on the bloom of Water Hemlock in the photo at the right near Citra, Florida

    The Viceroy boasts a line \ and / on each of its hindwings. Monarch hind wings are missing this black line. Think of 'V'. When a Viceroy's wings are open you can easily see this V.

    Attract Viceroys to your garden with two steps:

    Viceroy Butterfly

    Halloween Colors ...
    .... orange and black

    The Julia Dryas julia is found in south Florida and Texas. According to Butterflies and Moths of North America, they have been reported in several other states.

    The Julia is one of four butterflies found in the United States which use passionvine as a host plant. Other species are the Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary, and Zebra Longwing.

    The chrysalises of three of these species somewhat resemble each other. The Variegated Fritillary chrysalis is dramatically different!

    Julia butterflies prefer to lay their eggs on dead passionvine or another plant or object near passionvine. Each passionvine species has its own particular peculiar habits when laying eggs.


    Man invented Velcro?
    ...... think again!

    As a caterpillar pupates into a chrysalis, it wiggles out of its skin. Its old skin falls and it is left attached on the object on which it chose to spend a week or more. But how does it attach to the silk pad it lays?

    Velcro! Nature's velcro, that is. The silk mat is a mass of silk fibers laid in a mat or bump, depending upon the species. The tip of the chrysalis is covered in small hooks, like velcro. The new chrysalis reaches around its old skin and attaches itself to the silk mat or pad.

    More Photos of a Cremaster

    When will it pupate?
    How to tell, within minutes!

    A caterpillar will hang in a 'J' for hours ... overnight ... before pupating into a chrysalis. Rather than stand or sit for hours waiting to see the three-minute miracle, learn the signs of immediate pupation.

    How to tell when a Monarch is about to pupate

    Make your own rearing container ...
    .... no hassle and disposable!

    Need a rearing container for a caterpillar quickly? Make your own ... and throw it away when you're through!

    Disposable means no need to disinfect it for next year's crop of crawly critters. If you prefer not to make a disposable, perhaps you'd be interested in a re-usable zippered screened rearing container that folds flat and is easily washed .

    Make your own disposable rearing container.
    Helpful Butterfly Links
  • Seed Swap Mailing LIst
  • Garden Gifts, Stained Glass, Butterfly Feeders, and More
  • Celebrate Your Event With a Butterfly Release
  • What would you like to see in the next issue of Butterflies? Please send us your suggestions.

    Until next time, Edith, Stephen, Ester, Michelle, and the gang

    phone: 877-485-2458
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