Butterflies paint the town orange

Fluttering swarms have brought out a rather whimsical side of Holyoke lately, as droves of butterflies migrate south for the winter. These particular painted lady butterflies, often mistaken for monarchs, have predominantly black and orange markings. If it has seemed like there are more of the butterflies than usual, that’s because prime summer conditions led to an exceptional year for their reproduction. The pictured flowers that line the sidewalk at the home of Thom and Julie Elliott were absolutely covered last week, when the number of butterflies in the area was thought to be at its peak. Though their appearance is fleeting, once spring comes back around, the painted ladies will fly north and Coloradoans will have a chance to see them again. — Johnson Publications