by terranovabay
Another Atala butterfly emerges from its chrysalis amongst the Coontie plants making up part of the landscaping at Audubon House at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area.
Categories: Nature • Tags: Atala, butterfly, Coontie, Eumaeus atala, ORCA, Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
by terranovabay
The number of Atala butterflies around Audubon House at the Oslo Riverfront Conservaton Area continues to increase as the introduced caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies like this individual foraging on the Lantana flowers.
Categories: Nature • Tags: Atala, Atala butterfly, Eumaeus atala, ORCA, Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
by terranovabay
A blood red Atala butterfly caterpillar consumes the Coontie host plant that it needs to eat to survive at this young age. The caterpillar takes up the Coontie’s natural toxins and the brilliant red and yellow coloration is a warning that eating the youngster could be dangerous to would-be predators. The adult Atala butterfly’s coloration is also a warning that it might be toxic to predators. As seen in the Audubon House landscaping at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area. UPDATE: […]
Categories: Nature • Tags: Atala, butterfly, Coontie, Eumaeus atala, ORCA, Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
