Painted Lady on Ironweed Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit, Missouri Click browser's <Back> button to return to prior page.

Here I was on my annual visit to the Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri.  I wandered out behind the Bascom House to a field full of these ironweeds (Vernonia spp.).  What a butterfly magnet these plants are!  There were literally hundreds of butterflies in that field feasting on the nectar of these plants - Monarchs, Pipevine Swallowtails and Painted Ladies.  I did a photo of this particular plant because I liked the arrangement of the flower clusters.  But, I wanted a shot of some butterflies on it.  Well, wouldn't you know, the rascals visited every other plant in the vicinity but this one.  I waited and waited and waited for some to fly in.  Finally, after about 45 minutes, a couple painted ladies decided to cooperate.  I worked fast and did several compositions.  I didn't mind the wait, for it was fascinating to watch all the activity.