This has been a great summer for butterflies in Detroit’s Eliza Howell Park.
Since nectaring butterflies frequent Purple Coneflowers, for about three weeks starting on July 20 this summer, my butterfly watching regularly included a stop at a coneflower clump or two. With the flowers at the top of the plants, some three feet high, the coneflowers provide an excellent opportunity for picture taking.
American Lady (July 20)
Monarch (July 23)
Giant Swallowtail (July 24)
Painted Lady (July 27)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (July 28)
Viceroy (July 31)
Black Swallowtail (July 31)
Red Admiral (August 5)
Clouded Sulphur (August 7)
Pearl Crescent (August 8)
The coneflowers have now gone to seed. But they will bloom again next July and the butterflies will be back. I am also planning to be there.
