I spotted this pretty little sulphur butterfly last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Several sulphur species in our area are similar, but I think this one is a Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae). I was hoping that the butterfly would perch in a more photogenic spot, but it kept landing on a gravel road and appeared to be taking in salts or other minerals from the soil.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I remember learning about the practice, and smiling at the phrase that’s used (here, at least) to describe it: ‘mud-puddling.’
That is a term that I have heard too, especially when there is a whole group of butterflies doing it at the same time, like this cluster of butterflies that I photographed last year. https://michaelqpowell.com/2019/07/25/cluster-of-butterflies/
I love the contrast in this photo, Mike.
Thanks, Dan. I initially did not like the rocky ground as a background, but I think it kind of worked out ok.
Pretty color!
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Pretty Cloudless Sulphuric, Mike! Boy, they are fast! I saw a few yesterday for the first time at one of the wildlife places we go.
I had to chase this one around a lot before it perched for a moment. They can be pretty elusive and skittish. 🙂
I’ve heard of clouded sulphurs, but not cloudless ones. And considering its skittishness, it’s fortunate that you’re nimble enough to follow.
Smooth butterfly, rough gravel. I like it!