June 27, 2019

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

I am an adult Zebra Longwing butterfly
Zoom in to see my proboscis is curled up tight
When I find some nectar, I'm gonna let loose
And let my probosscisy freak flag fly.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures Zebr Longwing butterfly 

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 26, 2019

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

I am an immature Zebra Longwing
Notice the black stuff between my sibling and me
That is the skin that we shed between our instars
Each instar lasts for about 2 weeks.

Sources: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University - Butterfly Life Cycle

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 25, 2019

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

I am a mature Zebra Longwing larvae
That's my younger sibling, shown here on the left
Although he is smaller and cuter than me,
I am much better dressed!

(Note: The bestie mentioned in my blog a few days ago brought it to my attention that if you click on the May 13th blog picture to enlarge it, you can see that the lady bug is eating light green aphids. How cool is that?! And I never even noticed!)

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charitonia)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson