Sighting for November 12, 2021

While on vacation in Florida, discovered a colony of Atala Butterflies at an old nursery in Rockledge. The nursery is called Rockledge Gardens and has been in existence since the 1960’s. It is located in Brevard County in Florida. The host plant, Coontie, is planted in a large bed in the parking lot. The entire lifecycle was there! In addition to over three dozen adults, there were also eggs—some with first instar caterpillars just emerging. I also found one chrysalis. This is the first year that the nursery has seen the butterflies. The Atala Butterfly is fairly rare, being thought extinct at one point. It is making a comeback! Thank You Rockledge Gardens.