Some days are just magical…
We first encountered Owl Butterflies in the mangroves in Costa Rica. They grow quite large and appear menacing to predators. Once they open their wings the inside shows their gorgeous blue and beige colors. It is difficult to get that shot though. I didn’t get one yesterday.
Sharing a meal with the malachite butterfly.
This was a real treasure for me. The owl butterfly, a Giant Swallowtail larvae and eggs. I’m not sure what kind the eggs are. The garden is full of many species that all exist together. We love this place!
Taking hers ‘to go’!
You have to be very observant to see larvae, caterpillars and eggs. Once you’ve spotted them you see them everywhere!
The leaf below looks rather plain doesn’t it?
A closer look reveals life in process!
Eggs like tiny beads of dirt lie in perfect little rows
These look like the yellow Swallowtail that I saw but I’m not an expert
This guy is the Owl Caterpillar. I’ve petted one. It’s quite furry, like a teddy bear. See how brilliantly it’s camouflaged on the leaf seam?
Malachite giving me a photo op
Oh! Here’s my favorite species! ❤️
In one of my happy places. So much peace and tranquility exists in nature. So many humans don’t bother to notice. 😔
These are truly the smallest bees I’ve ever seen. They might easily be mistaken for gnats or mosquitos!
Another naturally crafted ‘hive’ for our winged friends
I’m pretty sure I saw this guy in a B horror film. I stopped for a photo and autograph, just in case..
🫢
We’ve never seen anything quite like this amazing plant. It is commonly called a Vining Jade and I think it comes from the Philippines
Bzzzzzz…..
This is likely the best video moment in my life. She’s laying an egg!
Hubs has been craving Chinese food so we found some at Chopsticks. It was pretty tasty too!
We both chose Kung Pao but I snag shrimp any chance I get!
Boquete Bees and Butterflies has become one of my favorite places locally. Their honey is amazing and we just bought some of the coffee they farm as well. Locally sourced takes on a completely different hue here.
This one definitely looks otherworldly. I wouldn’t mess with it, would you? Those ‘eyes’ are actually on its back end.
My personal favorite bee! The fascinating colorful Euglossa! We saw these two as we were leaving.
There were a lot of fading beauties and they were busily laying eggs for the next generation of stunning residents to the garden
Banana blossoms are some of the most lovely on such ordinary plants.
This post is part of #OneLinerWednesday, sponsored by Linda Hill
Happiness truly is….
I LOVE these pictures!!! Thank you for a much-needed respite and gorgeous nature photos! I'll take a couple of eggrolls and a beer, if you don't mind!
ReplyDeleteHi Jill! Would that you could join me in this perfect little garden. The energy is so naturally resplendent. And yes, an ice cold beer and eggrolls were such a treat. Someday…
DeleteThese are wonderful photos, Cheryl. The Owl butterflies do look intimidating. I think I'd go elsewhere for dinner if I were hunting.
ReplyDeleteWell we normally go for burgers or Peruvian but he hasn’t had Asian food in awhile.🙂
DeleteWhat great outings! The Owl butterfly is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! They are huge.
DeleteMy favorite moment was capturing the swallowtail laying her egg. 🥰
DeleteWhat beautiful pictures! As usual, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam.
DeleteFabulous photos Cheryl. Such a variety of winged things.
ReplyDeleteAnd these are only a few of them John.
DeleteI love butterflies (I have a tiger moth tattoo that most people call a butterfly), but I am most fascinated by their metamorphosis. They are truly a creature of wonder!
ReplyDelete