Butterfly numbers are still low, but I’m seeing several
different species. The Olive Hairstreak
is trying to outdo its first brood success and is becoming more abundant every
day.
Other Hairstreaks are quite noticeably absent. Besides the Olives and two Edwards’, this
Gray Hairstreak is the only other of that group that I’ve seen so far this
summer. Many Hairstreak species are
normally common here. It’s disturbing to
have them so obviously absent.
Great Spangled Fritillaries are still around in very low
numbers. They’re appearing just one at a
time instead of in their usual flocks.
Pipevine Swallowtails are still the most abundant of the
Swallowtail group.
Tiger Swallowtails began showing up just a few days
ago.
Silvery Checkerspots seem more common this year. That may be because the number of Pearl
Crescents, which the Silvery Checkerspots resemble, is way down. It’s hard to see the Silvery Checkerspots
when Pearl Crescents are constantly flying by.
Little Wood Satyrs are becoming more abundant, but are still
less common than normal.
I got this out of focus shot of a ragged Carolina Satyr
after following the butterfly for several minutes. First sight led me to believe it was another
Little Wood Satyr, but it had a little different look that made me want to get
a closer look. It lit just long enough
for me to get one quick shot from a position much too far away. Then it took off over an embankment and
easily evaded any further pursuit.
Carolina Satyrs are rather rare in this area, so I guess I’ll go back
out and see if I can find a nicer looking individual and get a clear shot.
Skipper numbers seem to be about normal this year. This Northern Broken Dash is one of many that
appear to have emerged in unison.
Almost as suddenly, every dark skipper is a Wild Indigo
Duskywing. They are gathering just about
everywhere they can find a bit of mineral laden moisture.
The Southern Golden Skipper is one of many skippers that
will hold fore and hind wings at different angles to expose all sides
simultaneously. This always fascinated
me as a child and each time I saw one, I couldn’t keep from thinking about the
inside of a cat’s eye marble. Of course,
back then I didn’t have any camera or binoculars, so I had to employ some
pretty nifty stalking skills to get a close view.
