By Pauline Tom
Monarch butterflies take overnight stays in Central Texas oak mottes, like those currently standing on the Anthem property, in mid-to-late October. Some monarchs roost in live oaks just across FM 2770. Thousands of monarchs will roost in a single oak tree, and generations later (the next year) return to the same oak tree, headed for the mountains of Mexico where they winter by the millions, literally dripping from trees. They’ll take an overnight rest in the same Central Texas live oaks year after year.
What’s the Texas state insect? It’s the monarch butterfly!
“The Journey of the Monarch” at the State History Museum IMAX (through October) took my soul soaring. Can you imagine it? The fall “super monarchs” we glimpse this month hatched in the northern U.S. or Canada. They’ve floated on wind currents during the day and landed each night. How many more nights will it take before they reach Mexico mountains?
The queen butterfly looks similar to the monarch, without the vivid black “veins” on out-folded wings. But, alas, the soldier butterfly and the viceroy have similar markings to the monarch on out-folded wings. A camera (smartphone works great) and butterfly guide book or Internet connection helps one sort through the differences.
Currently, our white mistflowers are attracting at least seven butterfly species.
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KissMe, our Great White Hunter with Red Spots (yes, he has a Halloweenie hot dog costume), slew yet another coral snake on Monday. That, he’s not allowed to do. But, he did it. This one measured 24-inches.
Sunday night, KissMe barked until RonTom joined him in the dining room. One more scorpion rests now and forevermore in an amber medicine bottle.
It’s not yet Halloween. Already, even at the beginning of the month, Val Cass on Live Oak Court started work on his Christmas light display, intent on bringing holiday delight to one and all. Starting early, the Cass’s lights turn on the night after Thanksgiving and shine through New Year’s Eve.
Halloween is a good time to get Christmas décor started, about a month out from the holiday season.
Dark o’clock on the first Sunday night in December, the 4th, is the deadline for significant completion for Mountain City’s Holiday Décor Recognition. Scouts will be out that Sunday and Monday night, so that the ballot will be ready for the weekend that Friday, Dec. 9.
Friday, Dec. 17, is Tour de Lights, a hayride routed past best-decorated houses.
Our walks with KissMe at night take us past well-decorated-for-Halloween houses on Maple and Ash.
Treat me with some tidbits, please. ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: TIDBIT) or 512 268 5678.
Thanks!
Love, Pauline
