Small Sets of Butterfly Scales By Species

I collect my butterflies and many of my other insect specimens along the roads and highways near where I live in Ontario. I was very lucky to find such a variety last year, though I must admit I persistently searched throughout the summer. It’s fun, like a normal hike but with the added enjoyment of a little scavenger hunt, and the chance of finding something fascinating. My enjoyment is tempered by the way the insects are being killed, which is by our vehicular traffic, but I’d never get to see these things otherwise so I seize the opportunity.

Here are some small sets that may not warrant a whole page to themselves. It’s interesting to look at them side by side, to see the differences between species.

Question Mark Butterfly

Question Mark Butterfly Eye with Surrounding Scales

Question Mark Butterfly Scales

Question Mark butterfly scales.

Question Mark butterfly scales.

Question Mark butterfly eye.

Silvery Blue butterfly scales.

Silvery Blue butterfly scales.

Silvery Blue butterfly eye.

Silvery Blue butterfly scales.

Silvery Blue butterfly scales.

Fritillary butterfly antenna.

Fritillary body scales showing damage.

Fritillary butterfly proboscis with a grain of sand.

Northern Crescent butterfly scales.

Northern Crescent butterfly scales.

Northern Crescent butterfly eye.

Northern Crescent butterfly scales.

Northern Crescent butterfly wing scales.

Northern Crescent butterfly wing scales.

Northern Crescent butterfly eye.

White admiral butterfly scales.

White admiral butterfly scales.

White admiral butterfly scales.