This summer has been wonderful for Butterflies! I have seen more Swallowtails and Monarchs than ever before. It may just be the area that I live in, but I see them everywhere I go.
Montana is home to two hundred species of Butterflies. Some migrate here and others can survive the winters. Entomologists love naming the diverse and abundant types of Butterflies that fly around Big Sky Country.
The details of these magnificent insects are amazing. Using a hand lens will reveal intricate tiny scales covering the wings. These unique patterns are important for mating. It turns out that butterflies have exceptionally good eyesight and can identify mating partners from a distance. Their 10-month life means that dating is a short season.
When a male butterfly identifies a female, the mating ritual begins. A crazy wing flapping dance begins as a part of the courtship. The two love bugs then get side to side, but in opposite directions. They then touch abdomens and begin a 30-minute-long copulation sequence.
The Treasure State is a grand home for butterflies that fly around our country. The state butterfly is part of the Fritillary species. These fancy and frilly winged butterflies can grow to a wingspan of 4 inches. There are 2 dozen species of these critters, and the Mourning Cloak is our state champion.
Other species groups have unique names. There are Brush Footed, Blue, Hairstreaks, Coppers, Metalmarks, whites, and Yellows. There are a dozen variations of Swallowtails and several types of Monarch Butterflies.
One of the most unique characteristics of butterflies is how these fragile creatures can survive a Montana Winter. Butterflies migrate south, others survive by hibernation. The eggs, caterpillars, and adults have gel substance in their blood called Glycerol. This alcohol will not freeze and works like an antifreeze. Depending on the life stage, the butterflies burrow in bark, logs, and cover for the long winter rest.
Wave a Howdy to the next butterfly that you see!
Montana Grant
