Monday, June 04, 2007

The Question Mark

The Question Mark Butterfly
came in right before dusk.
I had not seen one yet this year.
This butterfly is about 2 1/2 inches across.
They feed on rotting fruit.

6 comments:

Sheila said...

Lovely. Well captured, on film that is..!
I thought, looking at these photos, about a huge display case we had at my High School. It was filled with butterflies, all held with pins, there was another filled with beetles. I always found it morbid, to see the beautiful creatures impaled in that way.
I wonder if they are still there, and if so if any of the species are now extinct. Just thinking out loud, please excuse me...!
xx

NatureWoman said...

What a beautiful butterfly!

Q said...

Dear Sheila,
I have seen the mounted butterflies before. I like to think the butterflies were already "dead" when the monting happened.
I have a new reference book and all the photos are of mounted butterflies and moths. I think live photos are much better.
So many of the butterflies are extint as the rain forest is being destroyed and they have lost their habitat.
I love listening to you think out loud...
Makes me think too.
Thank you for thinking out loud with me!
xx
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Naturewoman,
I love butterflies. It is fun to learn their names too.
I saw the Question Mark last year and was so happy to see they have returned to the gardens.
Sherry

Naturegirl said...

Could this be a ~Gray Comma!~
I am looking at my book
~the field guide to butterflies~ hugs NG

Q said...

Hi Naturegirl,
The Gray Comma is not in my butterfly book so I did a bit of research. I guess it could be but I think this butterfly is bigger than the Gray Comma. All of Commas do look similiar. The Question Mark is a Comma too. I need to see a range map to see if the Gray Comma is in my area. I know this butterfly is different from the Eastern Comma as I have them also in the yard. I need a better butterfly field guide too.
If it is a Gray I would be extra pleased!
Thanks for looking butterfly up.
They can be tough to id.
Sherry