Before the Cold front came in early this afternoon....

 

I was at the property working when I took a break. As I sat on the deck I saw the butterflies on the Zinnia's and decided to take some photos...

 

 

Love the Zinnia's the colors are so vibrant

 

Pipevine Swallowtails were everywhere

 

Gulf Fritillary, love these butterflies. This one had a run in with the Praying Mantis. She tore off one of its wings. This Fritillary can't fly now but it's all part of nature, the fire ants will finish him off, circle of life. Not always pleasant but it happens.

 

Pipevine Swallowtail

 

Hunting...The Praying Mantis is in a good spot. She's had several butterflies, you can see the wing of one in the bloom below.

 

 

 

Gulf Fritillary

 

Take off...

 

 

 

Fritillary with it's wings open...

I've been trying for weeks to get a decent photo of a Gulf Fritillary and today before the front blew in the butterflies seemed to be moving slower than normal. I was so busy watching the butterflies I wasn't paying attention to the weather or sky. I turned around after a bit and said Uh Oh!! The sky was turning black and it was time for me to get home!

 

 

~

 

We received an inch of rain. Not near enough but certainly better than nothing. The temps dropped dramatically and tomorrow is going to be a lot cooler than 80 degrees!