Mariton: Butterflies and the Blues

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

(Pipevine Swallowtail by Carole Mebus)

We saw some wonderful butterflies on Tuesday’s Butterfly Walk.  This Pipevine Swallowtail is an uncommon visitor to Mariton.  The blue was irridescent and stunning.  It perched for several minutes and Carole was able to get several really good photos.

(Red Admiral by Carole Mebus

This mystery butterfly had us stumped for some time.  Virginia surmised (I am still not sure how) that it was a Red Admiral that wasn’t exposing much of its forewing.  She was right; as we  got closer it eventually opened its wings.

(Painted Lady by Carole Mebus)

We saw lots of Painted Ladies during the morning, but I like this shot that reflects a different beauty of this spectacular butterfly.  There is still lots of time to check out butterflies at Mariton.

(Indigo Bunting by Carole Mebus)

Finally, to go with the swallowtail photo, I added Carole’s photo of a Indigo Bunting that we saw during the walk.  Compare the blues.