Not technically gardening but they're linked to Coonties so it counts...Snapped a pic of this Atala at Flamingo Gardens in Davie today. Saw three of them, first ones I've ever seen. Very cool.
How pretty!! I understand they were nearly extent, but are making a come back. Their host plant is the coontie, which I just planted one. Maybe I'll plant more in hopes they show up in my garden with all the others.
I remember when I first heard of their plight I told myself that I needed to get some coontie planted in my yard to help them out. Then on a trip to the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, I learned that unless you live pretty much on the Southeastern tip of Florida, you weren't likely to see them. And that's what led to their near extinction. Not only was their host plant being harvested for starch, but they didn't have a big range in the first place. So while I have young coontie in my yard and I plan on keeping them there, I won't be seeing Atalas up here. So it is cool to see a pic of one.
And you need not worry about being off topic, from what I have seen on this forum, butterflies are indeed part of Florida Gardening.
katkin_gw
Michael AKA Leekle2ManE
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