Looking Back to Last Summer

Okra bloom

Rose of Sharon

I just remembered I had a Blogger account.  I have had over 400 views in the last 4 years.  Not great in social media circles, but not bad for forgetting I even started this project.  
  
Since 49 states have snow

Ice Plant

Crepe Myrtle

on the ground today, I    thought I would post some summer pics from my yard for your viewing pleasure.  Think about warmer days!

I am going to give this blogging thing another go.  Watch for more regular posting from me, The Environmentalist!  And, Like me on facebook at Health Revolution Fan Page.

Butterflies, Anoles, Beetle

Today's been a good day in the garden. I found three butterflies, two anoles and a pretty beetle that I've submitted to the bugguide.net for identification. Does anyone know what that beetle is? The butterfly is harder to I.D. because she never kept her upper view in sight for long.  I got a little gardening in today, but it was 90 degrees by 9:30 this morning.  Not even a hint of a breeze either.

It's a Jungle Out There!

Watch this poor Sphinx Moth fight off this housefly.  Yes, this is the same moth eating the same tomato plant from last month.  I'm still hoping to witness the morph from caterpillar to moth.  I let him have the whole tomato plant, practically.

Gulf Fritillary

This is the butterfly that alluded me for three days. Finally caught a picture in the mint.  Look at the difference in the topside and underside colors.  So very vibrant.
Scientific info is Agraulis vanillae
Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily:Longwings (Heliconiinae)

Oakworm Moths

Oakworm Moths in the genus Anisota 
This picture is from April, but I just got an I.D. from the website "Whats That Bug".  They are a great resource with tons of pictures and e mail help.  
I'm having a blast documenting my yard.  Please let me know if you stop by.  Leave a comment and give me some feedback. 

Grasshopper Sex

Today, in my yard there is more insect sex going on.  The Leaf Footed Bugs have departed but these grasshoppers are making whoopie in my mint garden.  I went out to chase down a beautiful tangerine colored butterfly, but it wouldn't light and I found these dudes instead.  Always something interesting in my yard.  It is 100 degrees out, but in the shade, it didn't seem that hot.  

And I've seen a hummingbird twice today.  And the dragonflies are still around. And the Sphinx Moth Caterpiller is still munching on my tomatoes and getting very, very big!  Hope to document his transformation.

The Coolest Caterpiller Ever

This guy is going to be a Sphinx Moth.  Isn't he amazing?  He's eating my tomato plant, but who cares?  I've eaten my fill of yellow plum tomatoes this season.  He's about the size of my  little finger.