Time to announce the winner for the June edition of our monthly Challenge for Charity contest. This month’s winner is John Shamgochian. Congrats, John! John answered all three questions correctly, plus the bonus question. John will choose a nature/conservation/wildlife charity to receive the $15 donation in his name – and as soon as he chooses, I will update this post. [Updated July 4, 2010]

Winner's Charity, June 2010 - PETA. Winner - John Shamgochian

And now, for the answers:

Picture 1 | Plano, TX | Hairstreak

Picture 1 Question: What kind of butterfly is this? Any answer from taxonomic Sub-family level or lower, or common name will work!

Hint: Bugguide.net is a great resource/tool, and this Sub-Family can be found all over North America.

Picture 1 Answer: This butterfly belongs to the Sub-Family, Theclinae, commonly known as Hairstreaks.

Picture 2 | Plano, TX | Tyrannidae

Picture 2 Question: What bird Family does this bird belong to?

Picture 2 Answer: Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers)

Picture 3 | Plano, TX| American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Picture 3 Question: What is the common or botanic name of this tree?

Hint: If you’ve been following this blog or previous contests, you should know what this is. Native to the Eastern half of North America. Isn’t this texture and color pattern gorgeous?!

Picture 3 Answer: American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Bonus | Plano, TX | Leopard Frog

Bonus Question: What is the common or taxonomic name of this amphibian?

Bonus Question Answer: Leopard Frog, Genus Rana. I’ll hazard a guess at the species – I think this is a Southern Leopard Frog, Rana utricularia.

Thanks to everyone who participated! The July Challenge for Charity will be posted around July 2.