Tropical butterflies

Not really the best shot of these two butterflies, but this is the first photo I've taken with two butterflies on a leaf : ) "The Banded Orange Heliconian (Dryadula phaetusa) is the sole representative of its genus, the Banded Orange Heliconian is native from Brazil to central Mexico, and in summer it can be found rarely as far north as central Kansas. Its wingspan ranges from 86 to 89 mm, and it is colored a bright orange with thick black stripes in males, and a duller orange with fuzzier black stripes in females ....It feeds primarily on the nectar of flowers and bird droppings, and its caterpillar feeds on passion vines including Passiflora tetrastylis. It is generally found in lowland tropical fields and valleys." From Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryadula_phaetusa . For local Calgary Flickr members, I don't know if you have already heard that the very strong winds we have been having the last few days has completely destroyed the Bald Eagle nest down in Fish Creek Park (near the intersection of Canyon Meadows Drive and Acadia Drive. Apparently, someone discovered an eaglet on the ground, dead, which is so very sad. I haven't heard whether the other two (?) Eagle nests within the city have survived. I do hope all the little owlets have managed to stay safe.

Photographed this beautiful butterfly at the Calgary Zoo, way back in May. They always look very smart and elegant, especially against the rich green foliage. "Heliconius charithonia, commonly known as the Zebra Longwing or Zebra Heliconian, is a species of butterfly belonging to the subfamily Heliconiinae of the Nymphalidae. It was declared the official butterfly for the state of Florida in the United States in 1996. The butterfly ranges over parts of North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. In North America the butterfly is found in the southern parts of the United States including Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina. In South and Central America, it has been recorded in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Because of their relatively long lifespan and their activity throughout the day, this is a popular species with butterfly houses." From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_charithonia Was out walking all morning in the comparatively new Clearwater Park, off Highway 8 in the city.

This beautiful butterfly (at the Calgary Zoo) happened to land right on the tip of this long leaf, so I was lucky to get an uncluttered background. I was there again this afternoon, feeling like I was in a sauna, and was thrilled to bits to see a few butterflies that I hadn't seen on previous visits. Our weather forecast is depressing for the next few days, so thought I'd better go while there was at least a bit of sun. The new Enmax Conservatory is such a great place to go when you are feeling photography withdrawal symptoms after too many walks where everything is way, way in the distance. You can click away to your heart's content : )

One of the Tropical butterflies in the Butterfly House at the Calgary Zoo. The wings have such a beautiful sheen on them. In a year's time, the Zoo will have even more butterflies for people to enjoy, when the new Conservatory is eventually built and opened.

A beautiful, bright butterfly when you see the upperside of the wings. Seen at the Calgary Zoo Butterfly House (before it was demolished). I seem to remember that this was the only time I saw a butterfly of this species there. "The Orange Oakleaf or Dead Leaf Kallima inachus is a nymphalid butterfly found in tropical Asia from India to Japan. With wings closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins and is a spectacular example of camouflage." From Wikipedia.

Another angle on this gorgeous butterfly at the Butterfly House at the Calgary Zoo. So huge and vivid! This was the only time it rested while I was there.

Seen at the Calgary Zoo, but wish I had seen it in the wild. It is extremely unusual to see a wild one here and I had longed for the last few years to see one. So, I was thrilled yesterday to hear a little boy in the new Enmax Conservatory tell his Mom that he could see a Monarch. Of all the butterflies in the room, this was the only one that was not opening its wings at all - and, then, suddenly it did, for just a moment!! Jacket, fleece jacket and a sweater were not what I should have been wearing in the warm, tropical atmosphere of this room - but it was SO worth it : ). And now, after only two and a half hours sleep last night, and hours of sunshine and fresh air all day, I can't keep awake. My alarm went off at 5:40 a.m. this morning and I have been out almost all day today, doing a nature exploration of the wooded areas of the grounds of a Golf Course outside the city, recording everything seen (birds, plants, lichens, insects, etc.). It got up to 18C today, but thankfully our walk was very slow-paced. I know I, for one, need to gradually build up to tougher walks and hikes after the last seven sedentary months, LOL.

These Owl Butterflies are native to Central and South America. Their name is derived from the eyespots on their wings, which are used to scare away predators. This was photographed at the Calgary Zoo Butterfly House, which has recently been renovated and looks beautiful.

A young teen clutching a camera said to me yesterday inside the Butterfly House at the Calgary Zoo, "I wish these butterflies would stay still"! There is constant flutter but, on the rare occasion, one will land and be still for a few moments.