Ten Lined June Beetle

 

We found this critter out in the walkway. He is about two inches long and does have ten strips counting the ones on this head.  He is rather prehistoric and scary looking up close and yes, he did hiss at me! 

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

We have a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly that loves to nectar on the Lantana. I've read that their host plants are willows and deciduous trees. We certainly have some of those around but seldom see more than one Tiger Swallowtail at a time. I enjoy them because they are not flighty and stay eating or resting for longer periods of time than some other butterflies. They make my heart sing!

Red Dragonfly

This Red Dragonfly hovered over the hot tub last week. It really seemed to be enjoying the water.

Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove

From October through February we have Monarch Butterflies wintering in the Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove. The Western Monarchs leave their summer spots in the Northwest part of the US and travel South when the days start getting shorter. They arrive here in October and this generation spends about five months just hanging around. As the days get longer and warmer they mate and start to fly North.

I have become a volunteer and spent time in the trailer that sells postcards and books about the Monarchs. It's a joy being down in the Grove and I meet so many people from all over the US and beyond.

This female is laying eggs on the Milkweed plant that we have on display.  Usually the Monarchs start heading North to the Central Valley or Sierra Foothills before they would find Milkweed to start laying eggs. This is the first of the 4 or 5 generations that make the trip North starting around the end of February to Washington, Oregon and sometimes into Southwestern Canada.

These insects offer a wonderful winter delight for us to observe and enjoy. The Grove is a happy and joyful place, with lots of smiles and laughter. I love to be there!

Thank you Monarchs!

Leaves for Lunch

We came across a Eucalyptus leaf that had been chewed in this interesting pattern by quite the diligent creature. After some googling around I found information on the Eucalyptus Tortoise  Beetle.
They chew this distinctive semi-circle pattern all around the edge of a leaf.

Seems like they arrived here in California around 2000 from Australia and just chow down on the Eucalyptus leaves but don't really kill the trees.  I will now keep my eyes open for these miniature tortoise like guys.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Moth

I found this moth out by the front door. It was cold enough that he couldn't fly. I wonder what kind of a moth he is?  His markings remind me of a Giraffe.