Lantana and Monarch (detail)
A handful of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) arrived to the garden a week ago. Most often I have observed them dancing between the swamp sunflower and butterfly bush where it is difficult for me to get close.
This afternoon I set out to photograph three monarchs as they fed on Lantana camara (Common lantana) in the southern border.
Lantana and Monarch
They stayed put until I tried to move in, then each flew up high, away and settled again a few feet further, often on the opposite side of the fence where the lantana peeks through. When I switched to video the one in my viewfinder sat perfectly still until it sensed I had turned off the camera. I had to laugh.
I chose a few of the photographs and cropped them to reveal some of the detail.
Lantana and Monarch – 1
Lantana and Monarch – 1 detail
Lantana and Monarch – 2
Lantana and Monarch – 2 detail
Lantana and Monarch -3
Lantana and Monarch – 3 detail
pbmGarden 
Oh my! My post is similar!! Yay it is good to see so many monarchs!
Glad you’re also seeing these wonderful little creatures Beverly.
Lovely!! I love when the butterflies surprise us and come to visit. You got some great pictures despite it being uncooperative.
Thanks Stephi, I was getting worried the monarchs wouldn’t show up this year.
What wonderful pictures! They really do love the Lantana, don’t they?
Thanks. Lantana is usually a butterfly magnet. This year I haven’t seen as many other types of butterflies so am glad the monarchs showed up.
Beautiful images Susie, they are very special with their interesting patterns.
The strong pattern and color makes it easy even for me to identify these butterflies. Reminds me I bought a book about abstract patterns in nature years ago–I need to search around for it. Have a good weekend Christina!
They are beautiful photos Susie! The butterflies are so pretty on the Lantana and the colours match very nicely!
Thanks Cathy. Wonder if anyone has ever gardened so as to completely color-coordinate their flowers and butterflies? Funny thought.
Love the bright colors, and you captured some beautiful shots. I am so sad to say I haven’t seen a Monarch in two years. I have all the right plants and milkweed, but no Monarchs. So, I especially enjoyed these wonderful photos.
Judy, glad you enjoyed the photos of the Monarchs. I’m sorry they haven’t been visiting your area in two years, but hope they’ll show up again for you one day.
Orange never looked better, perfect for the season! Glad you’re seeing monarchs, we’ve had a steady trickle coming through over the last few weeks so I suspect you’ll be seeing them for a while yet.
Seeing the monarchs is certainly a treat. Glad you’ve had a some good sighting too.
Very creative use of butterfly and plant to contrast the two. Well done.
Thanks John.
Beautiful images Susie – cropping was certainly the way to go. What a lovely time you must have had trying to capture these beauties.
Thanks Julie. It was fun watching the monarchs as they moved through their feeding and capturing a slice in time.
Susie how exciting my monarchs are headed your way. I love the flowers they picked for nectar!!
They seem to prefer the lantana this year. Last year, the few I saw were nectaring on zinnias.
You got beautiful pictures even if the monarchs were being cautious. It’s good to see them back isn’t it?
Thanks Sweetbay. Yes, I’m so happy they stopped by.
Pretty stunning and so eye catching…Love the images.
Thank you Charlie. The abstract patterns on the monarchs are really something.
Susie, that last detailed photo is extraordinary. Wish I could get some lantana growing. I had mine in pots this year. It did fine, but Cindy hated it.
Thanks Judy. You are welcome to some of this lantana. It likes sun and blooms and blooms.
I first saw this butterfly in New Zealand. They are so pretty and they seem to love lantana which makes them look even better. great pics, Susie 🙂
Thanks Annette. I’d always thought of the monarch as a strictly North American butterfly. Turns out the range is indeed broader. Interesting .
I know from experience that butterflies are notoriously hard to photograph, very frustrating. You did a great job. The monarchs are perfectly color coordinated with the lantana!
Thanks Carolyn. I’m enjoying trying to get the monarchs to cooperate.
Lovely photos. I’m glad that there were many of them in your garden. I’ve seen only three monarchs this summer.
We usually don’t have many monarchs, only a handful. This year there were a few more than usual and for a longer period of days. After a rainy four days there was only one monarch in the garden yesterday.
Loving these colors…and your macro shots are wonderful!
Thanks Libby, I’m still trying to get the monarchs to sit still and pose for me.