Painted Lady Butterflies in December

Butterflies in place of snowflakes for Northern Nevada!

What can be more amazing in early December than seeing an influx of Painted Lady butterflies fluttering around my yard?  So far the temperatures for Northwestern Nevada have been mild and averaging around 60 °f (15.55 c) during the day and not dropping much below the freezing point at night. 

I would assume that all these Vanessa cardui butterflies are on migration and seeking warmer climates for winter. 

There is not much nectar available for them at this time of year, other than some flowering rosemary and orange colored mallows.  

They seem very attracted to my Arborvitae shrub that is facing south and gets sun most of the day. 

Butterflies not only feed on nectar but also on tree sap, dung, pollen and rotting fruit.  They receive minerals and especially sodium that is vital to reproduction from wet areas on leaves, plants and the ground.  I try and provide shallow, wet areas on the patio rocks and ground when I notice butterflies in the area.   

This winter, I will not disturb any leaves that have fallen to the ground just in case they might have butterfly eggs.  A female butterfly will lay her eggs on milkweed, mallow or any leaf that will serve as a food source for the caterpillar.  Come spring, it will be interesting to note if I find any of the small bristled caterpillars that will accent my yard as Painted Lady butterflies.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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