It Suits Them to a 'T'

It suits them to a "T."

And the "T" is for Tithonia.

Many species of butterflies frequent our Tithonia, also known as Mexican sunflower. Like its name implies, it's a member of the sunflower family, Asteraceae.

On any given Sunday--not to mention the other days of the week--the butterflies descend on the Mexican sunflower for a quick burst of nectar. Some stay longer than others, often depending on whether the territorial male sunflower bees (Melissodes and Svastra) are engaging in target practice.

Meet the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae).

Meet the Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon).

Meet the Monarch (Danaus plexippus).

Meet the skipper (family Hesperiidae).

The Tithonia belongs in every bee garden!

For more information about butterflies in California's central valley, be sure to check out the butterfly website of Art Shapiro, distinguished professor of evolution and ecology at the University of California, Davis.