The Forestry Forum

Had a 'first-ever' "passion butterfly" visit, supposedly rare species in Missouri, more common in Texas and southern states.

Remarkable in eye-catching brilliant, near blaze-orange over-top with vivid skeletal markings lower wings and underneath, this species feeds upon passion flowers and maypops. With all the wetlands idled here there are several thousand acres of old fields with various vines, weeds and wild flowers, etc. Butterflies everywhere!

One of my best jobs ever was assisting with a regal fritillary study. We have lots of great spangles, but few regals and I was able to walk a route and count them all day. It really was a blast.