A Question Mark butterfly, a couple of Hackberry Emperor butterflies, several Japanese beetles, and a fly.

A better look at those Japanese beetles!

(2.6 Weeks): Ok, **now** the soda fountain is flowing! Foamy delectable (apparently) sap from the skinny little pecan tree.

(3 Weeks): And now here come the marauding hordes of walnut caterpillars! (Which yes, do feed on other kinds of nut trees, eg Pecan trees)

It is tempting to interpret this kaleidoscope of butterflies (yes, that is what it is called!) as the transformation of the batch of caterpillars in the previous image. But no - these butterflies are Hackberry Emperors (not Walnut Caterpillar Moths). In fact...

... There are the caterpillars peeking around from the other side of the tree!

(3.1 Weeks): There are insect cliques forming, here in the sunset glow. Although the butterflies and the beetles seem happy to mingle at the ole sap-hole, the flies have gathered at a distance, but still in the dripline of the sap.

(4 Weeks): The Hackberry Emperors are taking seriously their identity as a Kaleidoscope of Butterflies! And - are they worried about wasp sneaking in from below?

(5 Weeks): We've had a changing of the guard! A group of Bumble Flower Scarab beetles (I'm not kidding!) has moved in for the next frothy treat. Plus a fly or two.

(6.4 Weeks): One of the Bumble Flower Scarabs remains, and has been joined by several smaller beetles, Dark Flower Scarabs. (I can't make this stuff up).
And notice - on the right side edge of the tree, there is a tiny beetle stalking a larger beetle...

It is a cucumber beetle taking his pet Scarab for a walk. I think.

Looking more closely at the the group of sap-sipping Scarabs... I believe there is one in there who has done this before, gotten the foam all over his face, and now has a nice face ornament of dried sap to show for it!