Lepidoptera is the order of butterflies and moths. I have discovered so many this year. Mostly in larvae form but still fascinating all the same. Here is my collection of various caterpillars, moths and butterflies that I have photographed so far.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly, distinguishable from other similar species by single dots on the back wings surrounded by orange. This particular one had a torn wing but it didn’t seem to keep it from taking air!Green Horned Caterpillar (see also Tomato hornworm and Tobacco Hornworm), Vegetable gardeners hate them as them munch, munch, munch away! It’s recommended to squash them but I wouldn’t have the heart to. Besides they transform into beautiful Sphinx moths!
Red Underwing Moth
Red Underwing Moth
Red Underwing Moth
Harnessed Tiger Moth, often mistaken for a butterfly because of it’s striking pattern!
Monarch Caterpillar
Monarch Butterfly, so far the best shot I have been able to get of one! They don’t stay in one place long!
Io Moth Caterpillar, Stay away from this guy. Those spikes are tipped with poison which will leave you with a burning, itching rash for an hour or so!Silver Spotted Skipper Butterfly, There are over 3,000 species of skipper in the world. This particular one can be found in 48 states in the U.S.Tent Caterpillar, Various species create “tents” as homes while others like this one will just huddle in social groups in trees.
I am not 100% positive on the identification on this one but I believe it is a Speckled Wood Butterfly.
Speckled Wood Butterfly? Correct me if I am wrong.
White marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar, This caterpillar boasts a long tail and hair tufts that will leave a rash similar to the Io Moth Caterpillar.
Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Another pokey caterpillar with a rashy outcome!
Hummingbird Moth, You can learn all about these guys here in a previous post I put together.
