Having moved my office to the front porch in hopes of observing the entry of a butterfly into the world, I had the opportunity to see those who already emerged.

This yellow butterfly was on the flowers by the labyrinth. It was kind enough to hang around long enough for me to snap a few shots. It almost looked like it was kissing the flowers!

The darker butterfly was in the courtyard and was kind enough to open its wings for me to get a good view.

I realized that what I thought was a moth cocoon was actually a butterfly chrysalis.

A cocoon is on the furry side while a chrysalis is not.

Moths spend long, preferably cold winter months transforming in a cocoon on or under the ground, while butterflies spend less than a couple weeks hanging from something in a chrysalis.

Moths move their wings to move up, while butterflies use the sun to warm them.

Moths have ears, but butterflies cannot detect sound.

Moths usually rest with their wings open, where butterflies usually rest with theirs closed.

Moths are mostly active at night, whereas butterflies are mostly active during the day.

I love learning new things!

(Disclaimer: If I discover that I’ve been in error on identification of these flying insects, I reserve the right to expand my knowledge base!)