October 2013 Sightings

The Ocola Skipper was a very nice surprise, a Wisconsin state record.

Sleepy Oranges were noted in both summer and fall forms

butterfly season fizzling out locally. A few monarchs over 90 minutes, but low numbers and low diversity considering the 80+ degree temperatures. One breeding pair of cabbage whites.

A bit of flight, with Monarchs in -just barely- double-digit numbers, most obviously attempting to migrate in a strong west wind, headed to the SW. Also on the move, all 3 Mourning Cloaks seen, and a couple of American Ladys may have been a part of the day’s movement as well, as they’ve otherwise been rather scarce. There were a few anglewing spp. that flew through and may have been Question Mark, also scarce this season, but the possibility of E. Comma could not be ruled out. A Silver-spotted Skipper is getting late in this area, and the same might be mentioned for the eastern tiger swallowtail. A period of summery warmth is in the region for a little while now.

Weekly survey with Alan Wells
68-73 Bright sun
Sachem is abundant in Rockland near the Hudson River but uncommon here.

in both Osceola and Polk Counties. Field trip for Polk Naturefest - Butterflies by Swamp Buggy. Buck and Linda Cooper, 16 participants plus driver Debbie and volunteer Keeli. 78°-90° mostly sunny

2 males in perfect condition. One appearing recently emerged from its chrysalis, as it’s one wing was still not completely straightened out. FIRST MONARCHS SEEN IN OUR YARD THIS YEAR! Usually have them all summer and caterpillars on our milkweed. Not this year.

Spent a couple of hours at Eagle Lake after work. Most of the WMA had been bush hogged, but what flowers remained were magnets. Also, crossed paths with a coyote.

one hour of observation,sunny, temps in high 70s.
one unidentfied fast flyer…might have been a question mark.

Commonly referred to as the Death by Skippers field trip in early October. 9:30 - 3:30; 78°-89°, mostly sunny, winds 5-10 mph. Participants: Sue Farnsworth, Nancy Prine, Dave & Marga Cutler, Jean & Bill Evoy, Laurel & Dusty Rhodes, Buck & Linda Cooper. Walked open areas along Peavine Rd and Military Hwy to Visitors Center and Kilpatrick Hammock. Nectar: Liatris spp, Carphephorus corymbosus, C. odoratissima, Pontederia cordata & Urena lobata. Florida Dusted Skipper photo by Sue Farnsworth

All 5 Frits, along with an Orange Sulphur and 2 Cabbage whites were on one white aster,

Saw two flying by as we were eating lunch. The park is a flooded old quarry used for scuba diving now.

lifer Cassius Blues ovipositing on host plant Plumbago.

On vacation and my wife was a trouper and let me take my gear along :) Hoping to see some more species even though we are getting later in the year!

Weekly survey with Groundskeeper Matt Ceplo
60’s Cloudy to showers

This spot along the dry creek beds is proving to be a hot spot for us up here in Northern CA.

I also ended the day by finding a final instar caterpillar for a Giant Leopard moth.

Participants: Jean and Bill Evoy, Karen Finch, Laurel Rhodes. Initial survey of this property. Survey duration: 2 1/2 hrs. Conditions: sunny, temp in high 80s.

The monarchs are migrating through the dallas area right now and I’ve had a lot in the backyard on my tropical milkweed, Greg’s mist flower and butterfly bush. I even have a caterpillar finally that I’m raising inside with some queens. The other picture is a black swallowtail on my zinnas. Some recent rains should be helping with the blooms.

An increase in Monarchs moving through the area. Even saw several American Snouts that appeared to be moving directly south. Dainty Sulphurs finally showing up in decent numbers.

Continuing to search suitable areas for Arogos Skipper. Many liatris and carphephorus in bloom. Covered only old Audubon section and Military Trail west to Visitors Center. Stayed until 5:30 to see Celestial Lilies Nemastylis floridana bloom. Paul Miller, Linda Cooper

Beautiful afternoon 65 degrees and sunny, but a little windy.

One male White-patched Skipper (Chiomara asychis georgina), observed in backyard of housing, Panther Junction, Big Bend NP. Observed butterfly for approximately 30 minutes taking water and sunning on vegetation. Photos are attached. Butterfly was observed from about 1700-1730. Other butterfly species observed in backyard during 1500-1730 are also reported in this sighting. The general location using Google Earth (Lat 29,19,10.88 deg N., Long 103, 12, 43.42 deg W.).

Latest Sleepy Orange sighting for me in Howard County

This species has one flight a year, generally in July. and overwinters as a 3rd/4th stage larva - so this butterfly surely was a surprise.

temps mid to upper 60s….large nicely colored checkered white female. Red Admiral on Montauk Daisy at the Central Mall, red admiral has been extremely infrequent in our local area this year. This one was very dark/fresh. Could not refind American Lady, which i had at the West End on Saturday 10/12.

The Gray Comma was on the ground on a damp spot with two Eastern Comma and one Question Mark.

More than a 100 butterflies seen in the area.

I was very excited and surprised to find and see my lifer Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes), which was well out of its normal range.

Very fresh female fluttering around my last zinnia.

Weekly survey with Alan Wells
70-76. sunny
Pearl Crescent was remarkably fresh

Lots of Cassius Blues ovipositing on host plant Plumbago.

Very warm Indian Summer Day (97 degrees). Late sightings due to weather.

Sunny, 62 degrees with a light breeze.

1 other small butterfly - probably Pearl Crescent but not 100% certain

Bright sunny day with temperatures in mid to upper 70’s after 10:30. mIld breeze. Goldenrod, brazilian vervain and low-growing asters in bloom. New parish records for Aaron’s, Bay, Neamathla, Salt Marsh and Obscure Skippers

First visit to this location.

Along the 1st mile of the trail

The Painted Ladies were nectaring on Lantana camara . Probably migrating southward as they are rare at this urban location .

This list is from Oct. 19 thru Oct. 26 and a compilation of sightings at various locations, mostly at National Butterfly Center, Mission TX. Temp range has been mid-80s to low 90s. Buck and Linda Cooper

Backtrack 75 yds from the smiley ball and park within. The flowers that support dozens of species are in full bloom. The Xami Hairstreak was seen at Loma Alta a few miles from the main location.

Painted Lady was in fresh condition

Male and female Fiery Skippers seen

Fiery female with Orange Sulphur in photo

Warming temperatures, and I saw my first Monarch this year around my workplace — fluttering in circles, no particular direction, somewhat frayed wings.

Maybe this ebbing butterfly season still has legs!

6 female Painted Ladies
1 male American Lady - all on Lantana