After many days of rain, today the sun finally ruled the day. In celebration, the Joe-Pye-Weed was abundant and their butterfly friends as well.
I go back and forth on what butterfly is pictured here. One minute I think it’s the Monarch, the next I’m sure it’s the Viceroy. At the moment I write this, I am nearly certain these are male Monarchs. Bottom line; it is just so beautiful it really doesn’t matter to me which it is.
Enjoy.
Coming in for a landing.
(Click to enlarge and see if you can spy another landing.)
In its habitat of Joe-Pye, Purple Loosestrife, and water.
The photos above and below show that even as a sliver with its wings closed, it is striking whether against the sky or the foliage.
Look closely at the butterfly on the right and see the bee it is about to bat away. I saw this several times today – it uses its wings to swat bees approaching the flower.
Everyone wants a piece of the Pye!
Afterthought: A comment from a reader has prompted me to add a bit about the Joe-Pye-Weed. This information comes from A Countryman’s Flowers, by Hal Borland, photos by Les Line. Joe Pye was a Native American, or Indian, who lived in the mid 1700s. He was known for his skill as an herb doctor, especially in reducing fevers. Historical records show that in the 1770s he purchased rum from a tavern in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Rum was used as an ingredient in herbal potions. Joe Pye is one of few herbal doctors for whom a plant has been named.
I remember from last year’s observation of the pond that with the arrival of this plant a new burst of energy occurs at the pond as Joe-Pye-Weed attracts so much attention from the winged ones – as does the Purple Loosestrife, which has blossomed through the past few weeks.
Shortly, I’ll be writing a post about the blossoms of July/August. It is a colorful and exciting time around the pond.
SilverLining 