Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Since my last Butterfly Journal report I recorded 7 observations (2 species), bringing the 2021 annual butterfly total for my garden to 590 (30 species).
Compared to the previous report this is 3 more observations but 2 fewer species. Nectar sources are still available for any last minute guests but the butterfly party is closing down for this year.
Butterfly Sightings 10/22/2021 – 10/28/2021
10/22/2021 Monarch – Danaus plexippus 3
10/24/2021 Fiery Skipper – Hylephila phyleus 3
10/27/2021 Fiery Skipper – Hylephila phyleus 1
Frequent visitors to the garden since mid-June, Fiery Skippers are uncommon now.
Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)
On October 22, 2021, I was particularly happy to see 3 monarchs feeding at the lantana. This male had a unusual light coloration on it’s right upper wing.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
At one point it moved perilously close to ensnarement by a huge orb spider. Alarmed, I disassembled the web quickly but was unable to relocate the spider. A master at escape, it simply dropped out of sight. The next day it’s web was rebuilt and once again I took it down. One thread of the web is visible in the lower left quadrant of the photo below.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Butterfly season has been an enriching time here in my little garden this year. Thanks to all for sharing this little adventure.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
pbmGarden 
Glad you were there to save the butterfly.
They face many obstacles, don’t they? Throughout the summer I saw a lot of tattered wings.
The Monarch shots are outstanding, Susie. Spiders are everywhere this time of year.
Thanks Kris, glad the monarchs gave me time to get a few close-ups to end out the season. I’ve seen two types of those big orb spiders and had close encounters myself!
Your photographs of the Monarchs are so beautiful and I am so happy you were able to save one from the spider. We need to keep as many around as we can!
Thank you Lee! That spider had seriously set up shop for lunch. Although I haven’t seem many monarchs I’ve heard a few reports of increased sightings that are encouraging.
Beautiful, beautiful! I miss the monarchs, since I haven’t seen any in about a week. Winter is coming… Great captures!
Thanks Beth. The cycle of migration is an interesting thing.
Monarchs– yay! how delightful to know they have reached your area. Glad you gave it a pass from the orb weaver!
Monarchs are dear creatures. I was very protective of it.
Beautiful Monarchs. You have had one heck of a trip with them this year. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for following along with my butterflies this year.
It’s been great to see your beautiful butterflies. Glad the Monarch managed to continue on it’s journey. Thanks for sharing
Thank you. It’s amazing the obstacles butterflies encounter. Glad I could make one’s journey safer for a time.
Bravo for saving the butterfly and relocating the spider. Beautiful images, the monarchs are stunning.
Thanks Annette. The spider had set up new shop across a path–I nearly became his victim yesterday! 😀