Ignatius Butterflies

Had the day off today, and headed out to the Ignatius property north of Guelph in the hopes of adding a few butterflies to my library.  I was in luck, and managed to snag 4 species that I hadn't shot before!  The farmed area of the property offers some opportunities at species not always seen in the rest of the city.  Here are a few of the shots:

To start, one of my very favourite butterfly species - a Buckeye.  This is primarily a southern species, and Guelph is getting towards the northern extent of their range.  Look at those eyespots!

Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

The next species is one that I almost never see in the area.  Maybe I'm not looking hard enough!

Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)

I have seen a bit of an influx of Painted Ladies recently so I was really hoping to nail one down.  No American Ladies at the moment, but I'm checking!

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The last two species are both small butterflies that I see often, but that I often pass by and never think to settle down and photograph.

Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)

Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)

That's all for now - go out and see some butterflies!

Kyle

Arboretum fun

Took a stroll at the Guelph Arboretum the other day (one of my favourite local spots) and had some luck with a few unexpected species.  The first was a nesting snapper - definitely a new series of photographs for me.  Very cool!

Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Although my primary goal for the day was dragonflies, the butterflies ended up being more cooperative.  Lots of species around - here are three.

Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia)

Northern Crescent (Phycoides cocyta)

White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis)

After the Arb I moved over for a stroll along the Eramosa River, and my eagle-eyed friend Jenn spotted this awesome crab spider with prey.  Thanks for the stellar spot and plant wrangling!

Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)

That's all for now!
Kyle