Sighting for May 1, 2018

Juniper-dominated shale woodland on steep east-facing slopes above the Potomac River. Observed Olympia Marbles for about seven hours over a two-day period (4/30 and 5/1). Difficult to estimate the number seen due to the steepness of the terrain, the rapidity of Olympia Marble flight, and the similarity to female Falcate Orangetips, which were more common. I saw at least four and very likely twice that number or more. Marbles observed nectaring on common dandelion, early saxifrage (Micranthes virginiensis), mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), and field-chickweed (Cerastium arvense). Smooth rock cress (Boechera laevigata), a host plant, prevalent. Males observed chasing one another and skirmishing. Spring Azure not determined to subspecies.