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| Northern Crescent |
A highlight of 2025 (as with many years) was observing and photographing butterflies. Even a short span of time tracking and counting the various species is fun, cathartic, and physically and mentally refreshing and healthful. The butterflies (and one moth) included here are among many I saw and reported to
wisconsinbutterfies.org this past year. They're included in roughly the order I observed them
—from spring through fall.
All butterflies (and the Luna Moth) shown here were observed at local natural areas, botanical gardens, and on our property. Here's to another great year of beautiful and graceful inspiration!
That’s quite a collection of butterflies, including Bronze Copper, an uncommon one, and Baltimore Checkerspot, local to some areas. Those two are favorites of mine. Lots of lovely images!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom. I haven't seen many Baltimore Checkerspots; in fact that was the first one I photographed for Wisconsin Butterflies. The sightings certainly vary from year to year and by location. There were a few regulars that I saw but didn't capture on camera in 2025. Also, the season seemed to start off slow, but the sightings increased dramatically through the summer. Every year is different.
DeleteYou had a great assortment this year, Beth! I love the Luna Moth, which I can't say I've ever seen here, even in the local butterfly exhibit. It's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris: I agree: Luna Moths are nifty! They're luminous and graceful, and they glow at night. Moths, in general, are as fascinating as butterflies, so when I see them I often include them in my counts.
DeleteSimply Wow for the photos! They're amazing... It's a nice way to end the year. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi, Fred! The butterflies are so inspiring, and I simply love to view them, photograph them, and simply enjoy them. :) All the best to you and yours in the New Year!
DeleteGreat posting of the butterfly diversity in your area!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's such a joy to see them during the warm months, isn't it? Blessings to you and yours for the new year!
DeleteBeautiful set of photos, Beth. I have many of these in my garden, but I've never seen a Luna Moth--great capture of that! Wishing you all good things for 2026--and beyond! Tina
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. :) I must admit the Luna Moth was very easy to photograph. I simply happened upon it while it was resting on the ground. Some of the others were tricky. I don't know about you, but I find the very common Cabbage Whites to be tough to capture on camera! They move from plant to plant so quickly!
DeleteThose are wonderful! I don't see as many butterflies as I used to, and not much variety.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. 2025 seemed to start out slow--my first few outings were pretty sparse. But it ended up being a great year for butterflies. Maybe it was because we had a dry year in 2024, but plenty of precipitation in 2025. So perhaps the plants were healthier this year and provided plenty of nectar.
DeleteHi Beth, you took some great photos. I have not seen a Luna moth in years.
ReplyDeleteWe had a good year in the garden for a variety of butterfly too. We also raised several monarchs. :-)
Thanks, Carla. I don't see the Luna Moths very often either; maybe every couple of years or so. They certainly are stunning creatures. I only raised one monarch this year--the one in the last photo. I used to do more. For various reasons, I've cut back. But I continue to provide milkweeds and habitat for them. :)
DeleteBeautiful butterflies, one of the highlights of summer. My favorite may be the swallowtail.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed--definitely a highlight of each year. :) The Black Swallowtails seemed plentiful this year--perhaps because all their host plants were so healthy, with plenty of rain.
DeleteEach one is so unique and beautiful! Love the pictures! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jackie! Thanks!
Deletethank you Beth! It's wonderful to look at butterflies on a winter morning :-))
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Hollis. I'm already tired of winter. ;-)
DeleteSuch beauties Beth - many of them unknown to us. Wishing that your 2026 is filled with butterflies and beautiful blooms xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna. You are so kind. I wish you and yours the best in the year ahead!
DeleteCan't to see these garden buddies again. We're already halfway to spring! Eliza
ReplyDelete