I’m still obsessing over my butterfly experience yesterday. If my car was running, I’d be walking the woods right now looking for them. I’m curious to know if we happened upon something special for Red Bug Slough or if the park is a regular hang-out for zebra longwings. Although I was awed by the sighting, everything I’ve read so far is leading me to the conclusion that the sighting wasn’t very far from ordinary for this species of butterfly.
At night, zebra longwings cluster together on tree branches to stay safe, and according to Peterson First Guide to Butterflies and Moths, “It’s preferred habitat is the understory of dense tropical or subtropical woodlands and hammocks.” The latter certainly describes that section of Red Bug Slough. I’ll be back there searching again soon, but if any Sarasota locals have spottings to share, please, please leave a comment and relieve me of this itching curiosity.
