The colorful Monarch butterflies are back on Cape Cod. They search for Milkweed plants to feed on which Cape Cod has plenty of. I saw this Monarch while hiking at Fort Hill in Eastham a couple of days ago.
Monarch butterflies are just beautiful with orange above with black veins and white spotted margins. Below is more of a yellow-orange color. The head and body ate black with white spots.
This Monarch was feeding on a Milkweed plant out in the field. You can see his beautiful coloring. Have you seen a Monarch this summer?
I saw this Little Wood Satyr butterfly at Fort Hill on Cape Cod. I had never seen one before. It was right off the trail leading out to Cutting Rock.
The Little Wood Satyr is light brown in color with two yellow-rimmed black eyespots on both sides of its forewings. The hindwing has two spots. The Little Wood Satyr prefers habitat that is open, contains deciduous trees along with marshy areas.
I almost missed this little American Copper butterfly at Fort Hill on Cape Cod. He was pretty camouflaged until he opened his wings for a second and I saw the beautiful orange color and black spots.
American Copper butterflies are small, only about 1″ with orange forewings and about 8 black dots and a black outer edge. When their wings are closed up, they look light grey with fine black dots and blend in very nicely .
Have you ever seen an American Copper butterfly?
The American Copper is one of Massachusetts more common butterflies. During the height of its flight periods it can be found in almost all areas of the state.
I chased this little Common Wood Nymph butterfly around at Fort Hill before he alighted on a leaf and I could take a photograph. I had not seen one here on Cape Cod before.
Common Wood Nymphs are dark brown with a prominent yellow patch on their forewings and 2 black eyespots above and below.
I’ve seen several of these Pearl Crescent butterflies along the trails here on Cape Cod. They are orange above with black borders and spots. The male is a brighter orange while the female is a paler brown with silvery areas. I think this one must be a female as it looks very silvery in areas.
I’ve seen them on wildflowers or just on the trail itself. Have you ever seen a Pearl Crescent?
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.
