Common Buckeye Butterfly

 I have been trying all summer to get a picture of a Common Buckeye Butterfly. They are so skittish, though. Now matter how I tried to sneak up I could never get close enough for a good picture.

I few days ago my son when outside on a chilly morning and found this Common Buckeye Butterfly on the play set. He knew I would be so excited. He was able to handle it and bring it inside for me to see.

Isn't it beautiful!

Common Buckeye caterpillar's host plants include snapdragon and plantain.

Raising Butterflies website has some nice pictures of the eggs and caterpillars at different instars. They say that Common Buckeye Butterflies can be fun to raise. I will keep that in mind. Maybe I'll be able to find an egg to raise next year.