Monday, December 7, 2015

Red Car Canyon: Monarch Butterfly Feeding On Native Toyon Flowers

Photo: Diane Edwardson, December 6, 2015.  I've noticed a number of different butterfly species feeding on the Toyon flowers, but was excited to score a couple of good photos of a Monarch Butterfly on the flowers.  (Click on photo to enlarge.)

I've noticed butterflies seem to be particularly attracted to the native trees' out of season bloom, more than bees or other insects. Indeed, I've seen so many butterflies lately, you would think it was spring.  Keep planting native plants in your gardens!

LA County Natural History Museum is studying local populations of Monarchs and milkweed.  They have links for more information on Monarch Butterfly habitat conservation and citizen science programs on their website.