Saturday, July 18, 2020

Hackberry Emperor Butterfly (Asterocampa celtis)

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I was able to write and photograph for the blog I started years ago, Discovering His Creation. Yesterday while taking my son to an appointment a Hackberry Emperor Butterfly landed on my car door and seemed quite happy to just sit there. I was told at first I would have to stay in the car while he went in. I was hot and not feeling well in the heat. I was sitting there praying and suddenly comforted to see one of my favorite things a butterfly. God sends comfort when our hearts are troubled and this He did when I needed it. .....Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. Psalms 86:17
(By the way they did later tell me I could come inside and I didn't have to stay in the car the whole appointment.)

Back to the Hackberry Emperor though who gets its name from the Hackberry tree. It lays it's eggs on and receives food from the leaves. Not a tree I'm familiar with but maybe I will will search for these where I live. As an adult they have a variety of other other food sources fruit, sap, surprisingly not flowers often. They can be found in a lot of North America. They range as far south as Central Mexico and as far north as parts of Eastern Canada. They can be found as far west as Arizona, New Mexico and the Rockies.

I find it a joy to look for and discover new things about God's creation. Maybe a butterfly or a flower bring comfort. They show us what a great Creator there really is. I hope you know this Creator that gives eternal life through Jesus His son. Today is a good day to know Him while DISCOVERING HIS CREATION.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Cecropia Silk Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

Stepping outside this morning to take out the trash I was a little surprised to see such a large moth. Cecropia Silk Moth is the largest native to the North American continent. In fact I'm not sure if I remember seeing any this large here before but it is common to Alabama. I guess I just wasn't in the right place at the right time to catch sight of one of these. I ran to get my camera still in my gown and fuzzy bedroom slippers and got close to take a few pics. At first it looked like it might be dead but it moved around a little. (They don't live very long anyway maybe 2 weeks.) Later I was surprised to see that it did fly off or I believe it did since it was gone. I'm thankful though that The Great Creator allowed me to discover another one of His creations. I hope you'll take time to Discover His Creation also.

Cecropia Silk Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

I had not planned on or thought about writing a blog about mistletoe and learning about it. I looked up though and noticed it growing in a oak tree in our yard. I use to see it in a very large oak tree that has been gone from our backyard for years. This is the first I've noticed it in this one though. It was easy to see because all the leaves have fallen off. I am familiar with Mistletoe but only because of it's popularity during Christmas. Most think of it as a tradition of kissing under during Christmas. The origin of that tradition goes back many years probably to the ancient Druids. They used it for fertility. Later in the 18th century it had become incorporated into Christmas celebrations. Obviously I know it has nothing to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus! Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant and it grows on a variety of trees and shrubs. All parts are poisonous but Native Americans used it externally to treat Rheumatism. Modern research has found compounds that could be used to treat cancer, hypertension and smooth muscle problems. As always nothing for a novice to experiment with especially when a plant is poisonous. With that said amazing information still seems to be hidden within many plants God put here.

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

I can't tell you how long it's been since I saw a Monarch Butterfly in my yard. I do remember them from my childhood but can't say I remember seeing any since that time. This summer was different though I was able to catch sight of them several times. Trying to take pictures of them with their wings open though has been hard. Monarchs are able to fly long distances, even 1000's of miles. They do this in the fall as they make their journey to California and Mexico. During their winter stay there they are inactive and remain very still. They live off of the stored fat in their abdomens. Adult Monarchs eat nectar from flowers while the caterpillars eat only Milkweed leaves. You can find Monarchs from Southern Canada and throughout the United States, South and Central America. Keep watch for them in Australia, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands where they can also be found. Interesting that they have taken Monarchs to the International Space Station and bred them there. The Monarch and many other butterflies are beautiful creatures of God's creation. Look around you and discover God's beautiful creation where you are.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Monday, September 21, 2015

Longtailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)

Along with some of the butterflies I've seen during the past few summers also came another new one for me this year. The Longtailed Skipper has a touch of blue-green and dark colored wings that caught my eye as it enjoyed the Zinnias. It can be found in the Southern areas of the United States but can travel as far north as Illinois. They sometimes stray west to Arizona and southern California. They will not do well in cooler temperatures and live in subtropical and tropical South America. Keep a watch for them in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic where they can also be found. I love to find and photograph new butterflies,flowers ect. There is so much yet to discover about God's creation where I am. Take time to enjoy and discover the beauty in God's creation where you are.

Longtailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

This is the first Pearl Crescent I've seen in my yard or at least since I've been learning the names of some butterflies anyway. It was flying around the Zinnias and the Periwinkles. It's said to be found in all parts of the United States except the west coast. It can be found in parts of Canada and Mexico as well. The female color is usually darker than the males and with paler median spots. The males have black antenna knobs and females do not. For the past few years I have been discovering more about butterflies and enjoying the beauty God gave to them. I'm learning new names and each year God opens my eyes to see and discover His creation where I live. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

Friday, August 7, 2015

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)

For whatever reason moths seem to like hanging out at our front door. Maybe because of the porch light. I never remember when I was growing up seeing such interesting moths as I have the past few years though. The Spiny Oakworm has stayed in the same spot next to our front door for the past few days. My son first noticed it and it's hard not to see it when going in and out of the front door. The females are larger than the males and have small black specks on the wings. The forewing also has a small white spot on it. Males are redder than the females. They can be found throughout much of the eastern United States from southern New England to central Florida, west to Texas, Kansas and Minnesota. So much of God's creation can go unnoticed but He has opened my eyes to see a new world that maybe I overlooked before. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)