Zebra Swallowtail, at Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, NC

08 Jul Falling in love with butterflies

Posted at 20:16h in Travel Tips by Jim Tobalski 0 Comments

Ex-lumberjack confesses he’s hooked

Yes, I used to be a lumberjack. Maybe the best job I ever had. Then came college, a white-collar career and less time to re-engage in the Great Outdoors.

Things have changed. I’m now an active boomer, retired and curious. People still taunt me to prove that I’m a former lumberjack because, quite frankly, I’m built like a flamingo.

And I love butterflies. There – I admit it. Not something I could have imagined 40 years ago when only the “big stuff” thrilled me: waterfalls, canyon arches, mountaintop sunsets and majestic beasts such as moose and humpback whales. I’ve learned, though, to appreciate nature’s beauty in the little things, like insects.

Butterflies are indeed insects. They have three pairs of legs and three main body regions, which helps qualify them for the world of entomology. Bug experts, I’m sure, have stricter criteria.

Okay, that’s enough science since I’m not an entomologist or an “ologist” of any kind. Following are some of my favorite butterfly sightings over the last few years. Many are from the Carolinas but I spotted some while hiking in national parks and wildlife refuges across the country. I’ve done my best to identify them, but some species are tricky to differentiate. Don’t hesitate to offer an alternative – even if you’re not a lepidopterist.

I hope you enjoy the pageant winners of the insect world. And if you’re an ex-lumberjack viewing this article, I’m proud of you.

Tiger swallowtails love button bush plants.
Tiger swallowtails love button bush plants.
Monarch butterfly populations are decreasing dramatically.
Monarch butterfly populations are decreasing dramatically.
Guess where this Question Mark butterfly’s tastebuds are located. On its feet.
Guess where this Question Mark butterfly’s tastebuds are located. On its feet.
Early spring brings Falcate Orangetip butterflies to Landsford Canal State Park, SC, famous for its spring bloom of spider lilies.
Early spring brings Falcate Orangetip butterflies to Landsford Canal State Park, SC, famous for its spring bloom of spider lilies.
Some insect defenses include blending in, like this Clymene Halloa Moth.
Some insect defenses include blending in, like this Clymene Halloa Moth.
There’s a small meadow right by the crowded parking lot at Crowder Mountain State Park, NC, where I love to look for cool insects like this Delaware Skipper.
There’s a small meadow right by the crowded parking lot at Crowder Mountain State Park, NC, where I love to look for cool insects like this Delaware Skipper.
The “eyes” of this beautiful Buckeye butterfly distract and confuse predators.
The “eyes” of this beautiful Buckeye butterfly distract and confuse predators.
This White Hickory Tussock moth caterpillar is venomous, so don’t touch.
This White Hickory Tussock moth caterpillar is venomous, so don’t touch.
It’s easy to determine what this Smeared Dagger moth caterpillar likes to eat.
It’s easy to determine what this Smeared Dagger moth caterpillar likes to eat.
I needed the help of a lepidopterist to identify this Mesa Rim Cliff Swallowtail caterpillar in Canyonlands National Park, UT.
I needed the help of a lepidopterist to identify this Mesa Rim Cliff Swallowtail caterpillar in Canyonlands National Park, UT.
Butterflies like this Red-spotted Purple have tiny hearts in their wings.
Butterflies like this Red-spotted Purple have tiny hearts in their wings.
I spot great insects and wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway, like this Brown-hooded Owlet moth caterpillar.
I spot great insects and wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway, like this Brown-hooded Owlet moth caterpillar.
Bend down on occasion while hiking and examine the foliage – that’s how I found this Pandorus Sphinx moth caterpillar.
Bend down on occasion while hiking and examine the foliage – that’s how I found this Pandorus Sphinx moth caterpillar.
Butterflies and moths are attracted to specific “host” plants where they lay their eggs. These plants then provide food when the caterpillar emerges, like this Monarch.
Butterflies and moths are attracted to specific “host” plants where they lay their eggs. These plants then provide food when the caterpillar emerges, like this Monarch.
While hiking, it’s easy to miss this small butterfly, the Gray Hairstreak. Up close, it’s breathtaking in my opinion.
While hiking, it’s easy to miss this small butterfly, the Gray Hairstreak. Up close, it’s breathtaking in my opinion.
It’s challenging to capture an Orange Sleepy Sulphur, or any butterfly, in flight.
It’s challenging to capture an Orange Sleepy Sulphur, or any butterfly, in flight.
I see the Gulf Fritillary a lot in early fall along the Atlantic Coast.
I see the Gulf Fritillary a lot in early fall along the Atlantic Coast.
Butterflies have four wings, easily seen on this Pearl Crescent.
Butterflies have four wings, easily seen on this Pearl Crescent.
This White Peacock caught my attention in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL.
This White Peacock caught my attention in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL.
Butterflies, like this Pipevine Swallowtail along the Blue Ridge Parkway, only live for one or two weeks.
Butterflies, like this Pipevine Swallowtail along the Blue Ridge Parkway, only live for one or two weeks.
The Palamedes Swallowtail frequents Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, SC.
The Palamedes Swallowtail frequents Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, SC.
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