I’ve been fascinated by the Buttonbush with its round flowers that look like pin cushions. Happy with damp roots, there are a few growing along the boardwalk at the edge of the Magnolia Audubon Swamp within easy range but I’ve only produced ho-hum images.
Swallowtail on Button Bush
Finally, I got a photo op with a Swallowtail Butterfly.
Swallowtail on Button Bush
The butterfly edged his way slowly all around this flower, working his legs in between the flower pistils.
Swallowtail on Button Bush
Upside down he gave a nice view of the underside of his wing.
We had been told by many locals last summer when we first started visiting the swamp that the Orb, aka Banana, Spiders were nothing to worry about. They seldom make their web across the trail and don’t jump onto humans. Sure enough, their season passed without incident, but I still don’t like to get too close.
This year’s batch is now very active building webs and it was interesting watching this female spinning her silk.
Golden Orb Spider weaving her web – click photo for larger view
Back and forth, hanging upside down and pulling herself along very methodically, she added a new row to the top of this web.
Golden Orb Spider weaving her web – click photo for larger view
The strands appeared to be different colors as the web swayed in the light.
Golden Orb Spider weaving her web – click photo for larger view
In another web down the trail the smaller male and the female may have been getting ready to mate. The female eats the male when she is done with him. I didn’t stay to watch.
Growing up I was terrified of these creatures that we called darning needles. Stories were passed from kid to kid about your lips getting sewn shut. Swearing might have been required to invoke the sewing activity but I never saw any kid so inflicted.
Dragonfly on stump – click photo for larger view
Now I know that the dragonflies eat bugs so I’m happy to have them around. The ones we see in South Carolina are much prettier than the ones I remember in Maine, but that may be a trick of time.
Dragonfly on stick- click photo for larger view
Sometimes they land right on the duck weed but more often take advantage of the other pond plants.
Dragonfly perched over duck weed – click photo for larger view
I don’t know the plant or the insect. Rather pretty up close, the insect has a furry looking yellow jacket, but is not what I think of as a “Yellow Jacket.” The small flowers are on tall stalks growing in standing water at the edge of a swampy area.
Bee on a Flower – click photo for larger view
The insect must have been getting some nourishment satisfaction or good taste because he kept at it, going round and round the plant.
Bee on a Flower – click photo for larger view
Except for the purple highlights on the leaves, the plant is not particularly attractive to look at. I should go back in a week or so and see what it might have transformed into.
Bee on a Flower showing a shiny “bald” spot between his wings- click photo for larger view
We’ve had a run of dull days, no sun and lots of rain. There was a gap in the storms this morning and we took the opportunity to get out even though conditions weren’t optimal. This Swallowtail Butterfly posed for some low light shots.
Swallowtail Butterfly – click photo for larger view
He very nicely turned around the flower exposing his underside to the camera.
Swallowtail Butterfly – click photo for larger view
And kept on turning for a nice side view of his proboscis at work.
Swallowtail Butterfly – click photo for larger view
The rain started again shortly after bringing an end to this meal.
