Butterflies And A "Fancy" Spider

Venusta Orchard Spider

Gulf Fritillary rests on the grass at Audubon Center

The Butterfly Enclosure at Audubon Center

Expect the unexpected at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center! This week five Monarch butterflies each emerged from their chrysalis. Host plants with larvae were placed in an enclosed area, and when each emerged as a gorgeous Monarch butterfly, a very tiny sticker was placed on the underwing of each one. The four females and one male were then released to begin their trek to Mexico. If any of these butterflies is ever found, each sticker has an identifying number that can be traced by contacting MonarchWatch.org, a program sponsored by the University of Kansas dedicated to education, conservation and research of these beautiful creatures. MonarchWatch will be able to trace the track (beginning of the journey and end of the journey) by looking at that number.

Monarches and Gulf Fritillaries abound in this area right now as they migrate to their winter destinations.

Another interesting critter was found at Cruising's home today. Research shows it to be a Venusta Orchard Spider. This spider is non-poisonous and eats various insects. Hanging upside down in its orb shaped web, it is beautifully marked with almost fluorescent orange markings on the underside of the abdomen. Cruising will do daily checks at the Sago Palm where the spider is currently hanging out. A photo of the Orchard Spider near our home is above, and we located more photos that show detail of this spider at: http://www.spiderzrule.com/venusta.htm .

(Photos above can be viewed on a larger scale by double-clicking on the photo.)