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)

                   Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

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) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

After getting out of the car with a few grocery bags in my hand I noticed this Black Swallowtail. It was flying around the Zinnias. I ran in to get the camera and I was hoping it would still be there when I came back. Thank God it was ! Another butterfly added to my list ! This butterfly can be found in most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains and south to the northern tip of South America.  It also can be found in Australia. Normally Black Swallowtails live 10 to 12 days but some can live up to 35-40. I love to capture pictures of butterflies but sometimes you have to be quick or they will get away. Ocassionally I can be found chasing God's beautiful creation the butterfly around my yard. Take some time and discover the beauty in God's creation where you are.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

This is one of the first times I've noticed the Common Checkered-Skipper around or on any flowers in the yard. I have seen them before. Last year at the walking track I saw a few but they were too fast for me to capture any pictures of. It can be found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. It gets it's name from the checkerboard pattern on it's wings. The male has broader bands than the female. Skippers have some traits such as; big eyes, short antennae and stout bodies that other butterflies do not. Most also have a very rapid flight. Another one of God's lovely creation  that I enjoyed seeing and photographing. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

     Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)

     Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)