LEPIDOPTERA ALERT #2002.057 dated 01 November 2002

Alert Update - Priors - 2002

 Last Updated:  26 September 2002 11:00 a.m.

January through August 2002

In order to allow ALERT UPDATE to take less time to load with broadband internet, and especially less time to load by those with dial-up internet, per a suggestion by Tom Wallenmaier and others, I have moved all those Alert Update Reports prior to August 2002 and since January 2002 to ALERT UPDATE - Priors - 2002.  Of Course ALERT UPDATE - Priors - 2002 will now be slow loading.  I will endeavor to reformat LEPALERT for the 2003 season to provide for faster loading for all updates.

Current ALERT UPDATE reports will continue to be placed in the ALERT UPDATE section.

Report from Owen (August 31):
The following species were vouchered at the Fumee Lake Natural Area by OAP on two trips to the area.
Mo may have some to add to this list.  Bob Kriegel and Harry King saw a Monarch, Viceroy and Northern Pearl Cresent on a subsequent visit.

T. lineola
P. peckius
W. egeremet
E. vestris metacomet
C. eurytheme
S. liparops strigosum
E. comyntas
C. neglecta
P. selenis
P. batesii
E. anthedon
C. pegala nephele

Report from Roger Kuhlman (August 30):
Butterflying at Petersburg State Game Area and nearby Albain road in western Monroe county was excellent on Sunday August 25.
I found a total of 32 species for the day. Among the most noteworthy sightings were Asterocampa celtis (Hackberry Butterfly), Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper), Speyeria aphrodite (Aphrodite), Junonia coenia (Buckeye), Hylephila phyleus (Fiery Skipper), Pholisara catullus (Common Sootywing), Hesperia leonardus (Leonard's Skipper) and four species of Papilios (glaucus, troilus, cresphontes, polyxenes).

Butterflies seen in large numbers that day were Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent) (107), Everes comyntas (Eastern-tailed Blue) (77), Colias eurytheme (Alfalfa Butterfly) (69), Pieris rapae (Cabbage White) (62), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-spotted Skipper) (53), for once Limenitis  archippus (Viceroy) (36), and Danaus plexippus (Monarch) (28). For once, Catullus lived up to its common name, Common Sootywing, with 13 individual butterflies spotted. A total this high for the species is very unusual since the butterfly, in my experience, is uncommon in southeast Michigan and usually seen as single butterflies. I don't believe I have ever had double digit Common Sootywings in a day here.

A number of good nectaring sources were available to butterflies at Petersburg. As usual, Leonard's Skipper tended to favor nectaring at Northern-rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) but I saw a couple individuals on golden-rod. The goldenrods were very abundant  and definitely the nectar source many of the butterflies were enjoying. One productive area I searched extensively combined masses of flowering goldenrod with several large patches of Bull Thistle. It was here I hoped to find Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). While I was unsuccessful, I did see Purplish Copper, Fiery Skipper, Buckeye, and three of the Common Sootywings. 

Since last weekend (August 28-30) several good butterfly sightings have occurred in parks here in Ann Arbor. On Wednesday, one Fiery Skipper was in a wet meadow at Dhu Varren Woods. On Thursday, three Fiery Skippers and a Leonard's Skipper were on the dry, old field portion on Northeast area Park. On Friday, 20+ Leonard's Skippers were at the Botanical Gardens, two Leonard's Skippers, a late Limenitis arthemis asyanax (Red-spotted Purple), and five of the uncommon second-brood Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) were at Marshall park.

Notice from Andre Mignault (August 30):
Calling all sphingid enthusiasts!

My name is Andre Mignault and I am a graduate student in Entomology at the University of Maryland.  In conjunction with my advisors, Drs. Charlie Mitter and Jerry Regier, and Dr. Ian Kitching at the British Museum, I am pursuing a molecular phylogeny of the Sphingidae (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea) – hawk moths,  sphinx moths, hummingbird moths, hornworms - as the crux of my dissertation work.

I hope to use this phylogeny to explore the evolution of sphingid life history traits, especially breadth of larval hostplant use, adult feeding behavior and morphological specialization (e.g., proboscis functionality and wing-coupling mechanisms).  My background and interest is in using molecular phylogeny as a tool to help understand complex and diverse patterns of life history traits in Lepidoptera.  Sphingids have captivated my interest because of both their conspicuous beauty and their remarkably variable (and well-studied) life history strategies.

Worldwide, the Sphingidae comprise approximately 200 genera and 1200 species in three subfamilies.  We are lucky enough to have members of all three subfamilies  - approximately 40 genera and 130 species - in North America.  As part of my worldwide sampling for this study, I am assembling fresh alcohol-preserved material for a target list of North American sphingids that includes every genus and as many of the species as possible!

While I continue field collecting material here in the northeast US, I am feverishly seeking help in other areas of North and Central America.  Collecting for this project is a bit unconventional - it entails dropping a single adult moth of each species into a vial of 100% ethanol provided by me and shipping it at my expense back to our lab.  I have assembled kits containing all the necessary materials and postage-paid return shipping, and I'm currently in the process of distributing these kits to collectors around North America in time for the end of this season and in preparation for next spring.

If you share my interest in these spectacular moths or you expect to intersect with some over the next few field seasons, I’d be keen to speak more with you about the project and whether it would be possible to obtain a few specimens from you.  Any help or advice you could offer would be most appreciated!

Cordially,
Andre
tel: 301-405-2089
email: mignault@wam.umd.edu 

Information from Owen A. Perkins (27 August):

WOULD YOU BELIEVE ?

I have had the opportunity to place fermenting fruit bait traps in the Upper Peninsula on several occasions this year.
The results have been rewarding.
On one occasion at the Hope Lake Bog complex in Luce County the following species of butterflies were trapped:
      P. comma dryas
      P. progne
      L. arthemis arthemis
      L. archippus
      E. anthedon

and would you believe?
     S. cybele krautwurmi
     P. selenis

On other occasions the following additional species were trapped:
      S. atlantis
      S. eurydice
      S. appalachia leeuwi
      M. cymela
      N. vau-album j-album
      P. faunus

but
      P. gracilis and P. satyrus have again eluded me.

However, I have some special, unique and inventive plans for 2003 !
I will reveal them next spring.

Report from Owen A. Perkins (August 27):
To my chagrin, I made a serious mistake in a report labeled:
      Report from Owen (July 21):  UPDATE (August 12)

The specimen vouchered on that date was NOT  E. dukesi !!!  The E. dukesi specimen was vouchered by Roger Kuhlman on July 14 as reported in his report of July 17 (below):

The specimen vouchered on July 21 by Owen A. Perkins was P. viator ! 

My sincere apologies.  Roger brought the mistake to my attention and I was able to verify my mistake when I removed specimens from the spreading boards.

Report from Owen A. Perkins (August 27):
I made several extended trips this past season and I was not with authority able to list the county distribution records for these trips until the vouchers came off the spreading boards.  This has been accomplished and the following provides these records:

Trip (July 5 through July 15): Vouchered by Owen A. Perkins
T. lineola: Delta July 6; Baraga, Iron, Menominee July 7; Keweenaw July 9
P. themistocles: Menominee July 7
P. rapae: July 7 Menominee
S. cybele krautwurmi: Iron July 13
P. batesii: Menominee July 7
L. archippus: Iron July 13
S. appalachia leeuwi: Luce July 13

Trip (July 16 by Mogens C. Nielsen and Owen A. Perkins):
P. origenes: Muskegon July 16

Trip (July 26 through July 29 by Mogens C. Nielsen, Paul O. Perkins and Owen A. Perkins):
A. numitor: Delta July 28; Menominee July 29
H. phyleus: Delta July 26
W. egeremet: Delta July 28; Dickinson July 26
A. logan: Menominee July 29
E. vestris metacomet: Iron July 26; Menominee July 29
P. polyxenes asterius: Menominee July 29
C. philodice: Menominee July 29
C. eurytheme: Menominee July 29
F. tarquinius: Iron July 27
L. epixanthe michiganensis: Iron July 26
L. dorcas: Iron July 27
S. titus: Iron July 27; Menominee July 29
S. liparops strigosum: Iron July 26
E. comyntas: Delta July 26; Iron July 27
C. neglecta: Dickinson July 26; Iron July 27
S. appalachia leeuwi: Delta July 28

Trip (August 8 by Paul O. Perkins and Owen A. Perkins):
C. neglecta: Oscoda August 8
L. arthemis arthemis: Ogemaw August 8 (hybrid)

Trip (August 16 through August 18 by Paul O. Perkins and Owen A. Perkins):
A. numitor: Arenac August 18
H. leonardus: Arenac August 18
C. neglecta: Luce August 17
P. progne: Arenac August 18
N. antiopa: Crawford August 15
C. pegala nephele: Crawford August 15

Report from Paul O. Perkins (August 25):
The following specimens were vouchered today as county distribution records:
L. archippus: Gladwin August 25
C. pegala nephele: Crawford August 25
C. eurytheme: Crawford August 25
P. selenis: Gladwin August 25
C. philodice: Gladwin August 25
D. plexippus: Gladwin August 25

Report from Mark Schmidt (August 24)
Hey gang!  I had a surprise emergence of four female and one male A. luna.  This is a third brood for me--never had that this early before.  I had a partial third a few years ago but this one is early enough for me to get them through--I hope! I kept the male in the cage and he paired with one of the females.  I did tether one female out and attracted a WILD male!!!  Looks like my bred stock is not alone; Ohio is triple brooding luna this year. 

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
Actias luna

Also, this morning, a third brood P. cresphontes eclosed.

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
Papilio cresphontes

Report from "Mo" (August 20):

We (Ted, Terry, MCN) had a great time at the hut, from 15-19 Aug.( like 'old times')-ha. We waited on Sun. from noon till about sun-down=no Owen!  Not having a 'TV' (didn't turn it on!) and up-todate weather report, we assumed you may have had bad weather, nothing to report, problems, etc.!? Anyway, I hope you HAD no problems, good luck!!! What did you and Paul see/trap. etc!!??
I'm too tired to give any detailed report of our activities; it'll have to wait for later. I can say this that our goal was to bait for Catocala, using 12 bait traps, especially to capture 2-3 female/species for rearing (i.e.Ted); we were very successful!
We were on the trail before breakfast, etc, under beautiful weather, then a big 'brunch', and on to the rest of the day-(you know the routine!). Terry and I returned to Lansing yesterday around 2:30PM-tired but satisfied! ha. Oh yes, only two common Polygonias were in traps: comma (1), interrogationis (2)!!!

[Note from Owen]: Weather and lots of driving looking for new sites and future surveying sites caused us to be late in the day on Sunday when we got to the Otsego area and so we headed directly home to take Paul's mother (My wife Grace) out to dinner.  We just made it in time and a stop at Mo's hut would have not allowed such timing.  If I had a gracilis I would obviously have stopped (Supper or no supper), but alais, no gracilis this trip.

Report from John Farmer (August 16):

Nothing exceptional to report from Milan.  Good numbers of swallowtails - and other common species - since the drought broke toward the end of July.  Caught no more than 6-8 butterflies in the trap before taking it in a couple of weeks ago.  Perhaps my bait is lacking an essential ingredient, however I'm still noting very few brush-foots.

Photos from Mark Schmidt (August 16):


photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
Citheronia regalis (F., 1793)

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
Eacles imperialis pini Michener, 1950

Excellent photograph donated by Mark Schmidt!
Thank you Mark!!!

Report from Owen (August 20):
Per my report of August 14 I headed to the Upper Peninsula this past weekend to bait trap and paint trails for Polygonia gracilis and Polygonia satyrus, look for potential sites for Chlosyne gorgone carlota, and be on the lookout for any other interesting leps and potential future sites.  This is what my son Paul and I found starting on Thursday, August 15:

We stopped in Arenac county at Paul's property about 10:00 a.m. Dismally cloudy.
We stopped in Kalkaska county at my daughter's property about 11:30 a.m.  Retrieved malaise trap. Lots of dead flies and gypsy moths.  No butterflies.
On the way back to I-75 on Crawford County Road 612 in T27N R4W Section 4, two Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala nephele) were sighted and one road kill Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) was collected, both Crawford county distribution records.
We stopped in Mackinac county to place a fermented fruit bait trap on East Lake Road just north of Gorman Road near the bridge to the tributary south of Flat Creek in T42N R4W Section 16.
While there, White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) were prevalent, several attracted to some scat in the middle of the road. One Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) was vouchered. 
We arrived in Luce county at junction of M28 and M123 about suppertime. After supper we went North on M123 to Skyline Road, a point 1.5 miles E on Skyline Road where a bridge at a tributary of the Auger Creek provided a spot for a bait trap.
Friday, August 16, we traveled north on M123 to Luce County Road 500 and north to Swamp Lakes Road in T39N R8W Section 30.  This road leads to the Swamp Lakes region of the Lake Superior State Forest.

 
photo by Owen A. Perkins, jct. of Luce County Road 500 and Swamp Lakes Road (to left), 16 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Swamp Lakes Road (left) at Luce County Road 500

Twelve fermented fruit bait traps were set out in the Swamp Lakes area.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Swamp Lakes, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Swamp Lakes near intersection of Section 26, 27, 34, 35 of T49N R9W

It was on the trail near this site in T49N R9W Section 27, 
where Paul vouchered a Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) for a Luce County distribution record.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Swamp Lakes bog, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
One of many bogs in the Swamp Lakes area.


photo by Owen A. Perkins, Swamp Lakes bog, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Another of many bogs in the Swamp Lakes area.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Big White Pine at fork in Swamp Lakes Road, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
This site was used as the bench marker for where the twelve traps were placed.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, "Pine Hill", 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
This site was the only place where a Polygonia was bait trapped, 
and the only place where a Polygonia was sighted in Luce county on this trip.
Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) was seen flying near the bait trap 
and two were captured in the trap.


photo by Owen A. Perkins, DEEP WATER IN THE ROAD, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
There were several places where there was water in the road on Swamp Lakes Road, 
this being the worst spot.
The bog drains from one side of the road to the other and culvert pipes were not present.
We used a Jeep to travel on this trip and it would be DANGEROUS 
for regular cars or vans to try to traverse Swamp Lakes Road, 
especially in the Spring.

The following species were sighted, captured and released or vouchered in the Luce County, Swamp Lakes area:

Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Pink-edged Sulphur (Colias interior), American Copper (Lycaena phlaeus amricana), Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) Luce county distribution record, Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis), Green Comma (Polygonia faunus), Compton Tortoise Shell (Nymphalis vau-album j-album), White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis), Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala nephele), Monarch (Danaus plexippus) 

The trip was an attempt to locate Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis) and Satyr Anglewing (Polygonia satyrus).
To this end the trip was not completely successful.  The area does seem however like a concerted effort in the early spring and late July through September with bait traps containing sap and bait traps containing fermented fruit could afford success.  It seems as if a week-long effort at these three times (seasons) of the year could potentially produce success.  To this end I do plan to return to make such an attempt in 2003.  This could (should) be in conjunction with a excursion to the east along East Tower - Betsy River Road in the Lake Superior State Forest area of Luce County and in the Paradise Bog area of Chippewa County.

The weather was not very conducive on Saturday morning for any significant flight of butterflies.  Therefore the traps were retrieved and an excursion along a trail starting south at T49N R8W Section 16 and ending at M123 and Skyline Road.
This trail goes through the Tahquamenon River State Forest and for a great portion goes crosses Middle Branch Linton Creek, South Branch Linton Creek, Baird Creek, Penny Creek, Savage Creek, Murphy Creek, Gimlet Creek. and a tributary of Auger  Creek, all of them emptying into the Tahquamenon River to the south as they edge their way through what I would refer to as the Murphy Creek / Skyline Road bog complex or Four Mile Corner bog complex.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Savage Creek bridge, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
There were several places where there was access to the bog complex.  
Here the Savage Creek bridge area presented potential unique future exploration.

 

photo by Owen A. Perkins, bog at Savage Creek bridge, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Here the Savage Creek bridge area presented potential unique future exploration.


photo by Owen A. Perkins, bog at Savage Creek bridge, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Here Cotton Grass, the host foodplant for Red-disked Alpine (Erebia discoidalis)
 presents potential unique future exploration.  
Red-disked Alpine has not been observed east of Marquette county.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, bog at Skyline Road bog, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Just 3 miles east of M123 on Skyline Road, Cotton Grass, the host foodplant for Red-disked Alpine (Erebia discoidalis)
 presents potential unique future exploration.  

Sunday, on the return home, we stopped in Mackinac County to retrieve our trap at the East Lake Road site, north of Gorman Road.
Just south of Greene Road there is an abundance of Black-eyed Susan, the host plant for Gorgone/Carlota Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone carlota).

photo by Owen A. Perkins, East Lake Road just south of Greene Road, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
On East Lake Road, just south of Greene Road there is an abundance of Black-eyed Susan, 
the host plant for Gorgone/Carlota Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone carlota).

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Old M76 Arenac Co., Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Paul O. Perkins surveys area along Old M76 in Tittabawasee River State Forest where the Black-eyed Susan abounds. 
 The nearby environs are a potential site for Carlota Checkerspot as Rudbecki hirta is a foodplant.
The Black-eyed Susan on 17 August were past full bloom and were in a much dried condition.


photo by Owen A. Perkins, Old M76, Arenac County, 17 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Globe Goldenrod on Old M76 in Arenac County.

Finally we stopped at Paul's Property on Moore's Junction Road in Arenac County where I vouchered three Arenac County distribution records:  Gray Comma (Polygonia progne), Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus) and Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor).

It was a worthy and interesting and educational trip.  The potential future sites for surveying are most encouraging!
Although gracilis was not encountered, the following from 
http://www.enature.com/fieldguide/showSpeciesSH.asp?curGroupID=2&shapeID=973&curPageNum=8&recnum=BU0156 

Discussion The relatively diminutive Hoary Comma has a vast northern range but it appears rarely and in small numbers. Only in the northeastern states does it occur somewhat regularly yet, even in Maine, it can be entirely absent for years. This little species is less fleet than other anglewings except for the Gray Comma.

together with all the information "Mo" has provided and more reading and research should assist future  explorations.

JOURNEY NORTH: Help Track the Monarch Migration to Mexico!

The monarchs' Journey South is about to begin. Monarchs will soon be gathering at northern roost-sites preparing for their long journey to Mexico. We hope you're ready to help track their trip. Watch for weekly updates every Friday beginning August 30, 2002. Last fall's migration was off to an unusually early start. By mid-August, aggregations of monarchs had been reported from Manitoba, Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In addition to being early, unusually large numbers of butterflies were reported. By the migration's end, one of the largest overwintering populations had arrived in Mexico--and then came January's devastating storm. This season's population appears to be significantly smaller, as we'll discuss this fall. Meanwhile, we hope you'll keep your eyes on the skies and report monarch activity.  Remember: We Can't Track Migration Without Your Help! We're depending on you to report news from your region. Please send us your observations regularly. We hope the guidelines below will help you report "migration highlights" from your region. Whenever monarch activity is high, please report your news!
When Will the Migration Reach You?
Here is last fall's migration map. Find your region and read the highlights reported: Monarch Migration Fall 2001
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/monarch/monarch_map102501.html

Happy tracking,

Elizabeth Howard
Journey North

****************************************************************
How to Track Monarch Migration

STEP 1: Learn How to Watch for Migrating Monarchs
Here are easy ways you can recognize and monitor the fall migration. You can:

Count Monarchs Flying Overhead
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallObservationsOverhead.html

Count Monarchs at a Nectar Source
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallObservationsNectar.html

Count Monarchs at an Overnight Roost
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallObservationsRoost.html

Count Monarchs as You Travel Along the Road
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallObservationsRoad.html

Whenever you see migrating monarchs, please report what you see!

STEP 2: Watch for the Migration to Peak
Our goal is to track the peak migration all the way to Mexico. The weekly migration map will link to highlights along the migration trail. When you think monarch activity is at its highest, report your observations as "peak migration."

But don't be concerned if you're not sure you're seeing the peak. Our staff will read your comments and adjust if necessary.

*************************************************************
Data Sheets for Monitoring Fall Monarch Migration
To catch the peak, try to make regular observations so you can compare one day to the next.

1) Fall Migration Field Observations
Take this data sheet each day you go into the field:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallFieldNotes.html

2) Summary of Field Observations
Compile each day's field observations here:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/FallDataSummary.html

The First Monarch Butterfly Migration Update Will be Posted on August 30, 2002

Check out Roger Kuhlman's latest sightings at:
http://home.att.net/~r.a.kuhlman/.htm

Here's the latest:

Bob's Journal has been updated with Part II of the "Boloria Bob" and "Degree Day Harry" trip to the north lands.
Don't miss the finale of their exploits at www.BitsOfBob.com.  

Here's a teaser from his journal:

Report from Owen (August 14):
I am heading to the Upper Peninsula this weekend to bait trap and paint trails for Polygonia gracilis and Polygonia satyrus, look for potential sites for Chlosyne gorgone carlota, and be on the lookout for any other interesting leps and potential future sites.
Some of my fellow compatriots will be in the environs of Otsego county, primarily for moths.  GOOD FORTUNE!

My next update will be about Sunday or Monday.  I will be spreading today the last of my leps from previous trips, then after they come off the boards, I will be able to report what was discovered.  

Have any of you something to report?  Please Email me so I can include it at my next Update.

Information from Bob Kriegel (August 14):

Hey,

Some of you may have seen the National Geographic article a couple of months ago with huge art scans of Lepidoptera.  Today it made the New York Times.  If you have not set up a free account to fully access this newspaper online, its well worth the few questions to get access to the multimedia slide show that accompanies this article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/14/arts/design/14MOTH.html?ex=1030334533&ei=1
&en=b25272cf0fc839dc

Enjoy,
Bob

[Note from OAP: Here is an example of one of the photographs]:

photo by Joseph Scheer

See: Report from Owen (July 21):  UPDATE (August 12)
below for revised Report pertaining to scanning of specimens.

Mark Schmidt graciously provides the following fine photographs for which I am indebted (August 13):

He says: "I haven't had too much time to take many photos.  I'll attach a few below."  
One is a female glaucus with incomplete melanism.  

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
female glaucus with incomplete melanism

Another is a male troilus with anomalous tails.  

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
male troilus with anomalous tails

The last is just a "cute" shot which makes a third and fifth instar troilus look like they are playing hide and seek.

photo by Mark Schmidt,  © 2002
just a "cute" shot which makes a third and fifth instar troilus look like they are playing hide and seek

Report from Owen A. Perkins (August 27):
To my chagrin, I made a serious mistake in a report labeled:
      Report from Owen (July 21):  UPDATE (August 12)

The specimen vouchered on that date was NOT  E. dukesi !!!  The E. dukesi specimen was vouchered by Roger Kuhlman on July 14 as reported in his report of July 17 (below):

The specimen vouchered on July 21 by Owen A. Perkins was P. viator ! 

My sincere apologies.  Roger brought the mistake to my attention and I was able to verify my mistake when I removed specimens from the spreading boards.

THE FOLLOWING WAS THE REPORT THAT WAS IN ERROR !

Report from Owen (July 21):  UPDATE (August 12)
The following was previously reported:
Roger Kuhlman and I surveyed the Michigan Nature Conservancy Ives Road Fen today, in an effort to locate a population of Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis mutica).  Roger maintained a list of the species encountered. We did not locate any mutica!  However our efforts were not in vain.  The fen has a good stand of swamp thistle, numerous shrubby cinquefoil, large amount of Black-eyed Susan in bloom and Joe-pye weed coming into bloom. No Dorcas Copper (Lycena dorcas) were seen.  Since Mo encountered fresh mutica in the Lost Nations SGA on the previous day, it was hoped they would be present at the Ives Road Fen.  We may have been a day or so early.  Roger may have the opportunity to try again soon.  I wish him good fortune!

HOWEVER, upon removing specimens from the spreading board from this trip, what was surmised to be Poanes viator or Euphyes dion from a cursory examination in the field is in fact: Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) !!!  The Michigan Nature Conservancy should be most pleased to learn that at their Ives Fen site in addition to the Special Concern species Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis mutica) is also a Threatened species which their ownership will protect by protecting the habitat!

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Ives Fen, Lenawee County, Michigan, 21 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Ives Fen where the Threatened species, Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) 
was discovered by Roger Kuhlman and Owen A. Perkins.

     
photo by Owen A. Perkins, Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 12 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Ives Fen specimen, Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) 
was discovered by Roger Kuhlman and Owen A. Perkins.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 12 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Ives Fen specimen, Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) 
was discovered by Roger Kuhlman and Owen A. Perkins.
Robert D. Kriegel a.k.a. Bob and a.k.a. "Boloria Bob" and I are experimenting with scanning specimens as opposed to photographing them with macro lens, portrait lens, etc. for closeups.  We haven't refined the method as yet, mostly due to the pin obstructing the specimen being placed near the glass and thus not in best focus.  ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Please excuse the poor reporting as of late.  My website server has been changed and during the construction I was not able to update this site.  Please provide any new news!  
Thanks, Owen

More to come in future updates about the trip of 25 July to 29 July to the Upper Peninsula . . .  
I am waiting for the specimens to come off the spreading boards to be certain of the identity of some of the specimens, especially the skippers.

There are a large number of county records from this trip and the trip of July 5 to July 15 which will be listed as soon as I am able to ascertain them.

Report from Owen (August11):

My son Paul and I traveled to Arenac, Ogemaw, Oscoda counties on Thursday, August 8, primarily to search for potential sites for future survey work for the Gorgone Checkerspot, a.k.a. Carlota Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone carlota).  

    
photo by Owen A. Perkins, Old M76 in Arenac County, Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Surveying for potential sites of Gorgone "Baloney".

We visited the historic site in Oscoda county near the bridge over the West Branch of Big Creek and County 490 near Luzerne.  We looked for the host foodplant: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).  I found only one plant.  It was on the north side of the road east of the bridge.  We also observed other sunflowers.  They were few in number.  

photo by Owen A. Perkins, West Branch Big Creek area, Oscoda County, Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Sunflowers were few in number, here among what appears to be Big Blue Stem.

I suspect these plants are remnants of the prairie that existed in the vicinity in years past, but replaced by forest.  Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris metacomet), Gray Comma (Polygonia progne), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus), Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius) were sighted or vouchered.  Paul vouchered one Summer Blue (Celestrina neglecta), an Oscoda county record.

More sunflowers were found south of the bridge along the creek near the campsite area.  Peck's Skipper (Polites peckius) and Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene myrina) were vouchered.

We traveled on other roads in the area with little success except along Valley Road.  There are numerous sites along Valley Road east of the Crawford county line and M33.  The most promising and what appears to be an excellent site is located where the West Branch of Big Creek and Valley Road intersect in T25N R1E Sections 22, 23, 27 and 28.  

photo by Owen A. Perkins, West Branch Big Creek at Valley Road, Oscoda Co., Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
West Branch Big Creek where Dorcas Copper inhabits.  The nearby environs are a potential site for Carlota Checkerspot.

There is abundant hirta, sunflower and thistle as attested by the accompanying photographs.  Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis), Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene myrina), Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris metacomet) and Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas) were vouchered and Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius) was sighted.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, West Branch Big Creek at Valley Road, Oscoda Co., Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Thistle in bloom at West Branch Big Creek and Valley Road where Dorcas Copper inhabits. 
 The nearby environs are a potential site for Carlota Checkerspot.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, West Branch Big Creek at Valley Road, Oscoda Co., Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Black-eyed Susan at West Branch Big Creek and Valley Road.  The environs are a potential site for Carlota Checkerspot.

In Ogemaw county along Berry Trail, T21N R3E Section 7 at the site of the Berry Trail Bog, numerous fresh Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) were present.  At M33 and Eddy Creek the Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) was vouchered.

In Arenac county along old M76 in sections 27 and 34 there are great numbers of Black-eyed Susan.  Peck's Skipper (Polites peckius) was vouchered.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Old M76 Arenac Co., Michigan, 08 August 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Paul O. Perkins surveys area along Old M76 in Tittabawasee River State Forest where the Black-eyed Susan abounds. 
 The nearby environs are a potential site for Carlota Checkerspot as Rudbecki hirta is a foodplant.

Report from Robert Kriegel (August 9):

Hello all,

I have gotten totally carried away with the field journal entry for Harry and my excursion last weekend for titania and gorgone.  Part one of two is now online at www.BitsOfBob.com.  Part II should be online early next week.  I picked up slides from this trip and earlier adventures yesterday.  I have many more good images from the last trip than I can possibly use with the story.  I am hoping to put a web slide show together once I finish part II.

With the new slides, additional pictures have also been added to some of the existing journal entries, particularly May 31, Jun 7 and Jul 2.

Enjoy,
Bob

Report from Roger Kuhlman (August 5)

Hi Owen,

Over the past week southern immigrant butterflies have begun showing up in southeast Michigan. On Saturday July 27, the first Junonia coenia (Buckeye) of the season showed up unexpectantly in a field along Embury road in northwest Washtenaw county. The next day, Sunday July 28, I went to Point Mouillee in northeast Monroe county hoping to find more southern immigrants
and I was not disappointed. There I saw two more Buckeyes, more than 10 Hylephilia phyleus (Fiery Skipper), and a Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). As usual at this site, the Fiery Skippers were strung out in ones or twos along the dirt road atop the dikes. Finding the Gray Hairstreak at Point Mouillee was a very big surprise. I had not expected it at all. Besides the three southern species, large numbers (25+) of Vanessa atalanta (Red Admirals) were flying on Sunday at Mouillee. This total approximately
doubled the number of Red Admirals the Greater Washtenaw county Survey has recorded for the whole season. Seeing this many Red Admirals got me fervently hoping for another Vanessa species cardui (Painted Lady) to appear but such hopes were disappointed. The 'drought' in Painted Ladies still continues this year in southeast Michigan with none recorded.

Since last weekend, additional Buckeyes have shown up around here. On August 1, two Buckeyes were seen at Northeast Area Park in Ann Arbor, on August 2 one Buckeye was at the Botanical Gardens, and on August 4 one Buckeye was at
Crosswinds Marsh in southwest Wayne county. That same day a member of the Greater Washtenaw county survey John Swales found Fiery Skipper in Greenview park in Ann Arbor. Our other two uncommon but usual southern immigrants Eurema lisa (Little
Yellow) and Euptoieta claudia (Variegated Fritillary) still have not been found this season. Lisa is looking increasingly unlikely especially since the best place to find it southeast Michigan--Crosswinds Marsh--again turned up empty for the species on Sunday August 4. Its larval hostplant Partridge pea is prospering quite well there now and is in bloom but without the butterfly as far as I can tell. For Variegated Fritillary I have more hopes it will be found this season. One of these southwestern warm fronts is bound
to bring up the butterfly sometime in August, September or even October. It is just the trick to be in the right place at the right time.

Report from Mo (August 4)
Owen,        Terry and I went to Muskegon Co. this past Sat. looking for H. ottoe - saw none except some worn 'Duns'!! It was HOT, again; plus nectar was scarce-a few milkweeds that were ignored. We had a good time, though, driving around-same areas that you and I covered. Also, stopped in Newaygo Co., and saw nothing of interest. While they had lots of rain before our time there, it was still hot, dry, depressing. (All of the above was after a night of 'mothing' at Shaw Lk with 'so=so' results!! ha.)

Report from John Farmer (July 2) LATE INSERT BY OAP

Seeing little and trapping less here in Milan, even though I've had the trap deployed more or less continuously since late April/early May. Only two Hackberry Emperors thus far, and no Tawnies.  Nothing else of note.

Report from Stephen Ross (July2) LATE INSERT BY OAP

Had two Baltimores on July 1, County Records unless Ted Herig has turned in some. Collected one, photographed the other. Found on county roads about a half mile apart between sedge meadow type habitats. Along 120th Ave between 18 Mile Rd and Wilson Ave, Section 6-1 Martiny-Colfax and Section 7-12 Martiny-Colfax.  I'll be headed in the direction of Ottoe territory tomorrow. Provided the first place I need to stop doesn't run into the miserable heat of the day, I may have a chance to look for Ottoe. There are utterly zillions of Euro Skippers this year so separating one Ottoe from the Euros may prove a challenge.

Report from Maria Albright (July 1): LATE INSERT BY OAP

It's blooming at Allegan if either of you are still interested. [prickly pear cactus]

Report from Mo (June 28): LATE INSERT BY OAP

Owen Perkins and I spent part of last Fri., June 28, on Camp Owasippe. We talked to one of the officials at the main office; he pointed out on the camp map a couple of likely areas of open, sandy prairie. We checked out these and a other areas but saw nothing of H. ottoe. We saw lots of European Skippers, Thymelicus lineola, and two Hesperia sassacus, Indian Skipper, plus a few Papilio canadensis and troilus, one Vanessa virginiensis, American Painted Lady, and a few Clouded and Orange Sulphurs, Colias philodice and eurytheme, and one Little Wood Satyr, Megisto cymela. In other words, a very poor showing are the area covered---NO H. ottoe! 
We then checked the Manistee National Forest areas in T12N,R15W, Sections 7/8. Two large sandy prairies were found that have a much greater potential for H. ottoe, in about two weeks. Assuming we return to this county, we'll be searching the NF
first. 

More to come in future updates about the trip of 25 July to 29 July to the Upper Peninsula . . .  

Report from Owen (July 30):

In 1909 William W. Newcomb collected in the vicinity of Norway, Dickinson County, Michigan.  Yes in 1909 !  On August 3, 1909, the Gorgone Checkerspot a.k.a Carlota Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone carlota) was collected for the first time in Michigan by Dr. Newcomb.
The site of his prize was along the railroad grade near Mud Lake, now shown on maps as Little Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake  is located just southeast of Fumee Lake, in T40N R30W Section 36.  

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Little Fumee Lake as seen from the old rail road grade.

Now almost 93 years to the date, the Michigan Lepidoptera Survey of the Michigan Entomological Society, represented by Mogens C. "Mo" Nielsen and Owen A. Perkins accompanied by Owen's son Paul O. Perkins, visited the site to ascertain if the species is still present, at least on the date surveyed, 26 July 2002.  They all walked in what could have been the "footsteps" of W. W. Newcomb.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
Mo travels in the footsteps of W. W. Newcomb along the rail road grade at Little Fumee Lake.


photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
The ties on the old rail road grade at Little Fumee Lake with Paul O. Perkins walking in the footsteps of W. W. Newcomb.

The Notebook of W. W. Newcomb which is deposited at the

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
An opening to the north of the old rail road grade where Knapweed abounds.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
The host foodplant for carlota is a sunflower, could this be the species?

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
A closer view of the sunflower at Little Fumee Lake.

photo by Owen A. Perkins, Little Fumee Lake area, Dickinson County, Michigan, 26 July 2002 © 2002 - Digital Camera: Nikon Coolpix 995
We need your help, Dr. Edward Voss !  What species is this?

Continuing, Newcomb says:

A good many flies were sun along the r. r. & taken – also locusts.  Few beetles seen except one common species on goldenrod – Following butterflies noted:-

A. myrina 1 In swamp {This would be what is now described as Boloria selene atrocostalis; none seen 26 July 2002}
A. atlantis A few in swamp & along r. r. {This would be Speyeria atlantis; present 26 July 2002}
A. cybele 1 which I took to be a very worn female  {This would be what is now described as Speyeria cybele krautwurmi; none     seen 26 July 2002}
P. tharos common especially after I struck the r. r., but not so abundant as at Detroit.  {This would be what is now described as Phyciodes selenis; numerous seen and most captured and released to examine for carlota 26 July 2002}
P. carlotta 4 all males.  Probably a new generation just coming out the first time I have ever seen the species in nature.  {This is Chlosyne gorgone carlota; none were seen 26 July 2002}
G. progne 2 or 3  {This would be Polygonia progne; none seen 26 July 2002}
G. comma 1 or 2  {This would be Polygonia comma; none seen 26 July 2002}
V. antiopa 1 with other species at dried mud on r. r.  {This would be Nymphalis antiopa; several seen 26 July 2002}
L. archippus 1  {none seen 26 July 2002}
M. cautheus perhaps 7 or 8 all told – worn in usual maraly habitat.  {This would be Satyrodes eurydice or Satyrodes appalachia leeuwi or both; several observed, 1 voucher taken OAP 26 July 2002}
S. alope – nephele common – becoming worn.  Probably the most abundant sp. {This would be Cercyonis pegala nephele; numerous seen 26 July 2002}
L. comyntas 1 at dried mud on r. r. {This would be Everes comyntas; common 26 July 2002}
N. juvenalis about a dozen males of a fresh generation – all at dried mud spots next r. r.  These spots extended over a few rods only at a point a little east of Big Mud Lake.  {"Mo" stipulates that this was probably not Erynnis juvenalis, but more likely Erynnis lucilius; no Dusky Wing species were seen 26 July 2002}

{In addition on 26 July 2002 we also vouchered:
Colias eurytheme, Colias interior, Enodia anthedon, Satyrium liparops strigosum, Limenitis arthemis arthemis, Euphyes vestris metacomet, Polites peckius, and new county distribution records for Dickinson County Celastrina neglecta and Wallengrenia egeremet!.  For Wallengrenia egeremet this is an UPPER PENINSULA distribution record !
Captured and released: Danaus plexippus.
After the skippers are further examined, any other species will be posted.
Father and son walked the old rail road grade northwest to a point probably on the section line between sections 25 and 26 adjacent to Lake Fumee.  "Mo" walked a portion of this rail road grade and he also walked the grade to the southeast to the point where it intersects with Dickinson County Road 396 in section 36.}

I await the first week in August (about August 6 or 7) to cross the "Big Mac" and after stopping Paradise environs to place fermenting fruit bait traps for polygonia gracilis and polygonia satyrus in particular, head directly to Dickinson County and the Lake Fumee area to search for Chlosyne gorgone carlota!  I intend to place bait traps in the environs east of Crystal Falls and then continuing my search for carlota and who knows?, Boloria titania grandis.

Report from Roger Kuhlman (July 23):

I really enjoyed our trip to Ives Road despite the unbearable heat and not finding the Swamp Metalmark. It is really good to be around someone who shares your interests and passions. Hope to do more of that in the future.

On the way back to Ann Arbor on Sunday, I noticed that the air temperatures had cooled significantly so I decided do  a bit more butterflying in southwest Washtenaw county. I stopped at a sedge-meadow, marsh wetland on Sharon Valley Road and was pleased to find over 20 Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper). They were very fresh and looked as if they had just emerged on Sunday in response to the brief rain shower the area received. In several places, very bright females perched prominently in the reeds and sedges and fanned their wings in a manner that looked to be advertising for males. Besides the coppers, E. conspicua (Black Dash) and S. eurydice seemed to be everywhere in the wetland. I counted over 50 of the Brown and at least 25 of the skipper.

While at this site, I checked the drier meadows south of the wetland hoping to find either E. claudia (Variegated Fritillary) or J. coenia (Buckeye). Didn't have luck to find either but I did find one Nymphalis milberti (Milbert's Tortoise Shell). It was only the third individual of this species that we have recorded on the Greater Washtenaw county Butterfly Survey this year. The other two sightings occurred back in March and April. Over the past two days, Ann Arbor has had two rainstorms in which we received in excess of 1 and 1/2 inches of precipitation. This precipitation should be very good for area butterfly populations and I am interested in seeing whether it will lure a few of the missing regular southern immigrants to our area.

Hope your butterflying excursions northward are successful.

Report from Owen (July 21):
Roger Kuhlman and I surveyed the Michigan Nature Conservancy Ives Road Fen today, in an effort to locate a population of Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis mutica).  Roger maintained a list of the species encountered. We did not locate any mutica!  However our efforts were not in vain.  The fen has a good stand of swamp thistle, numerous shrubby cinquefoil, large amount of Black-eyed Susan in bloom and Joe-pye weed coming into bloom. No Dorcas Copper (Lycena dorcas) were seen.  Since Mo encountered fresh mutica in the Lost Nations SGA on the previous day, it was hoped they would be present at the Ives Road Fen.  We may have been a day or so early.  Roger may have the opportunity to try again soon.  I wish him good fortune!

Roger Kuhlman at the Ives Road Fen


Roger Kuhlman at the Ives Road Fen


Swamp Thistle and Joe-pye Weed and Black-eyed Susan


An immaculate Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) fluttering at a moist spot at the Ives Road Fen

Report from Mogens C. "Mo" Nielsen (July 20):

Just a few notes on my trip today to Lenawee and Hillsdale counties.
Lenawee Co.=checked my old site for E. dukesi along the now abandoned RR r/w just NE of Morenci. At about 10:10 AM, I found the small brushy swamp, with wide-leaf sedge, almost completely engulfed with willow, dogwood, and still moist from the early dew; no sign of dukesi. It was probably too early in the day!? Along the sunny RR r/w, I saw P. tharos, C. neglecta and P. catullus. Later, about 3:30, I stopped briefly at the Grass Lake fen, just S of Cement City, hoping to photo O. powesheik; saw no skippers, but L. dorcas and C. nephele.

Hillsdale Co.=Met Mark Churchill at the Lost Nations SGA, at noon; we spent about 2 1/2 hours in the fen, especially searching for C. mutica. We found several metalmarks (Mark's goal); some nectaring on Black eyed Susan (photo'd) and Shrubby Cinquefoil. Others seen were: P. asterias, P. rapae, C. eurytheme, L. dorcas (worn), C. neglecta, P. tharos (swarming along moist trail), E. phaeton, P. interrogationis, N. milberti, L. astyanax, D. plexippus, C. nephele, P. peckius, A. logan, P. massasoit, viator, E. conspicua, metacomet.

I searched extensively for O. powesheik, as the fen 'appeared' very similar to other powesheik habitats, but saw none. Also, I  'fought' my way through the tamarack/misc. trees/brush (where a sane person would never venture) along the border for any sign of N. mitchellii, but saw none (probably too late?) I have looked for both species in prior years without success; I doubt if they occur here!? It was a beautiful, but HOT(90's) day!!!!

Response from Bob Kriegel (July 20):
I read your thoughts on ottoe and degree days.  Back in May and June we were way behind normal as far as degree day accumulations go.  However -- in July we caught up and we are now at or ahead of normal accumulations across most of Michigan.  In fact, Allegan is almost 200 DD 50F ahead of last year on this date.  Notice that many of the first observations this year for the skippers on your list were on July 6th.  This was during or just after the hot spell where we regained most of the lost ground in degree days.  Clearly there was a flush of emergence of several species during that first week of July. Also remember that N. mitchellii and C. mutica emerged right on schedule around the 4th of July.  I suspect that ottoe emerged during that first week of July too.  I would expect that the hot, dry weather since that time that did in the cactus bloom also put an end to the ottoe emergence and the individuals that emergenced early in July are dead by now.  There may be additional ottoe waiting to emergence, but that will depend on rain.  I'd lay my bets that the best time to find them will be after the next good rain.  Otherwise, I suspect you are out of luck for this year.  On the other hand, I'd be happy if you proved me wrong.  

[Note from OAP:  Bob's perception seems totally correct to me.  It was my contention that a good rain could allow eclosure of ottoe even until into August.]

Do you have a DD figure for that latest ottoe voucher?  

[Note from OAP:  Bob has the MLS data for the latest date ottoe has been vouchered.  I await his assistance on this information so I can calculate the DD 50F for this late date.]

That would help us bracket the end of the flight better.  

What are your current thoughts about going to the western UP in search of gorgone, etc.  

[Note from OAP: Mo and I have a plan to survey for Chlosyne gorgone carlota (Reakirt 1866) Gorgone Checkerspot next weekend!  Harry has tentative plans for the following weekend and I desire to go again after that.]

Some thoughts to ponder from OAP (July 20):

Now consider this - in a Report from Mo (June29):
In part it read:
Owen and I just returned from a two day trip to Allegan, Barry and Muskegon counties searching for Hesperia ottoe and others found on dry sandy prairies. Well, Owen came close-but no cigars. He got ottoe on his digital camera (we believe) [note from Owen: I vouchered one from this site last year], we did not catch this one as it zipped away! 

However, BY COMPUTERIZED ENHANCEMENT OF THE DIGITAL PHOTO, I (Owen) WAS ABLE TO ASCERTAIN THAT THE SPECIMEN WAS NOT ottoe, but most likely Delaware Skipper (Atrytone logan), NOT ottoe !  Thus ottoe was not encountered this early in the season!
The Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe) has a documented flight period in Michigan of a Single Brood; June 18 to August 16.
The following are known DD for ottoe:

A 19 June 1953 voucher with a DD 50F of 860
A 22 June 1952 voucher with a DD 50F of 861
A 06 July  1952 voucher with a DD 50F of 1181
A 14 July 2001 voucher with a DD 50F of 1186

Other skippers with similar flight periods as ottoe are:

Powesheik Skipperling (Oarisma powesheik): June 22 to July 19 
     this year first sighting 6 July, latest sighting 13 July     14 days late
Crossline Skipper (Polites origenes): June 3 to August 9
     this year first sighting 16 June, latest sighting 9 July     13 days late
Deleware Skipper (Atrytone logan): June 1 to September 18
     this year first sighting June 29, latest sighting 18 July    28 days late
Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator): June 30 to August 7
     this year first sighting 6 July, latest sighting 18 July      6 days late
Dion Skipper (Euphyes dion): June 17 to August 8
     this year first sighting 6 July, latest sighting 4 July      19 days late
Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi): June 26 to August 10
     this year first sighting 14 July, latest sighting 18 July    18 days late
Black Dash (Euphyes conspicuus): June 6 to August 13
     this year first sighting 6 July, latest sighting 18 July     30 days late
Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris metacomet): June 23 to August 31
     this year first sighting 6 July, latest sighting 14 July     23 days late

These latest sightings are not the last sightings.  The thrust of this examination is that it appears that all these skippers are late this year compared to the early known flight date.

For:
Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe): June 18 to August 16
     this year the first sighting will not be before 19 July       30 days late
The DD 50F as of 18 July 2002 for Allegan, Newaygo and Muskegon counties was in a range of 1249-1262.  This is well within the range of what one could/should expect to find ottoe still in flight, especially if rain might provide moisture to enhance eclosure. 

Thus it would not surprise me if ottoe could still be encountered this year as late as August 16.
It would behoove those interested in documenting historical sites and new sites to continue to search and survey for this threatened species so as to gain more insight and knowledge about its life history in Michigan.

Should the weather be as predicted on http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/local/USMI0159 for Muskegon, Muskegon County the following is predicted for the DD 50F:

Report from Roger Kuhlman (July 17)
Hello Owen,

On July 14, I found Euphyes dukesi (Dukes' Skipper) at four different locations in southwest Wayne county. Three of the four are sites were where the butterfly was seen in 2001. These are on Sherwood road about a mile east of the Washtenaw county line, Ash road about 1/4 mile east of the new section of Crosswinds Marsh, and a site within Crosswinds Marsh. This year a second location for dukesi was found inside Crosswinds Marsh. It was here one dukesi was vouchered.

For the day I saw maybe a total of 19 or 20 dukesi. However it would not surprise me if an extended count turned up more individual dukesi. The species does not seem to have been harmed by the extended hot and dry conditions we have been experiencing in southeast Michigan for the past month. Other butterflies at Crosswinds Marsh were at reduced numbers. However I did find one Speyeria aphrodite (Aphrodite) and one (late?) Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing)--seemingly good finds.

The S. aphrodite was nectaring on Butterfly weed and was a member of the rarer alcestis subspecies that bears a close resemblance to S. idalia on the underside. For me the aphrodite was the first one I have found ever in butterflying at Crosswinds for five years.

While at Crosswinds Marsh I carefully looked for Eurema lisa (Little Yellow) and Junonia coenia (Buckeye) but could not find either. Eurema lisa has had a small breeding population at Crosswinds Marsh on several patches of Partridge pea during the past four years. This year growth conditions for Partridge pea have been uneven. In some places in Crosswinds Marsh, the plant has been doing ok but in others it has been badly stunted and wilted. Prospects for finding lisa at Crosswinds this year do not look promising.

Up to this date, I have not found any of the typical southern immigrant butterflies in southeast Michigan this year. Butterflies included in this category include Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), Jumonia coenia (Buckeye), Euptoieta claudia (Variegated Fritillary), Eurema lisa (Little Yellow), Hylephila phyleus (Fiery Skipper), or Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). I am curious if other people have been seeing any of these butterflies in Michigan this year.

Roger Kuhlman
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Postscript: On July 17, a female Euphyes dukesi heavily laden with eggs was netted and released at the Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor Michigan. The butterfly was discovered along Flemming Creek. In this area there is some good sedge marsh and fen habitat in the flood plain. In many places Carex lacustris grows in shady swamp-type conditions. The dukesi found represented the first positively confirmed sighting of the species in Washtenaw county in the 7 year history of the Greater Washtenaw County Butterfly Survey. Later on the same day, a second butterfly was seen in a different part of the Flemming Creek flood plain.

See Roger's website at:  http://home.att.net/~r.a.kuhlman/.htm

Note from Owen:
Roger's statement:  . . . one (late?) Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing) . . . 
This is late.  However, records indicate it has been recorded as late as August 1.

Correction to the report below entitled:   Report from Owen (July15):

An error on my part in the identification of a plant that I indicated as Wild Strawberry was NOT Wild Strawberry.  Wild Strawberry was NOT in bloom, I misidentified the plants whose flowers are similar to Wild Strawberry and the 3 part leaves at first glance appeared similar to Wild Strawberry leaves.  The plant is a Rubus spp.! (thanks to "Mo" for his alertness to the photos with the Northern Blue butterfly!)
I will obtain a plant and request of the expert, Ed Voss, to identity the species!

Message from Martin Andree (July 19):

Hi Friends:

Please visit our web site to see photos of our life in Korea.
http://web.axilar.net/mjandree/

Thanks!

Martin and Shannon

Report from Owen (July 18):

On Tuesday, July 16, Mogens C. "Mo" Nielsen and I surveyed, especially for the Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia Ottoe), in Muskegon, Oceana and Mecosta counties.  The weather was clear and HOT, reaching into the 90s and the 100s in the sun.  Everything was DRY.  The yellow cactus flowers were long past peak, as only one or two were found among the many plants with dried blooms. The Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa).  This cactus is an indicator plant for the typical tall grass prairie in which ottoe is found. The DD 50F was 1100+ for the area.  The flight period for ottoe is June 18 to August 16.  The early DD for June 19, 1953 when ottoe was sampled in Montcalm County was 709-745.  

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) in Muskegon County, July 16, 2002

I photographed ottoe in Allegan County on June 29 when the DD 50F was approximately 950 and the DD 42F for the Prickly Pear Cactus was 1447 and just beginning to bloom.  On July 16 in Muskegon County the DD 42F for the Prickly Pear Cactus was 1868 and it was past bloom.  The dry weather possibly has caused the demise of the blooms.

Emergence of the Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris metacomet) on this survey trip was at a high.  The flight period for metacomet is June 23 to August 31. This is almost the same flight period as for ottoe.  Metacomet were abundant, one or two or more on every common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), in the Muskegon prairie area in Holton Township.  Other skippers were also present, including one I caught for a Muskegon County record: Crossline Skipper (Polites origenes). The flight period for the origenes is June 3 to August 9 and is often found during the flight period of ottoe.  The American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas americana) was present in good numbers where Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) was found, even in dry areas.  The flight period for americana is April 22 to October 6 with three broods.  I might assume this is the second brood.  The Edwards' Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii) was also sampled in Muskegon County by me.  The flight period for edwardsii is June 14 to August 19.  One of its favorite nectar sources is orange milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) which is at a peak now. 

   

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas americana) attracted to "Mo" July 16, 2002

So, if metacomet, american and edwardsii can endure the heat without recent rain, ottoe should also, being a prairie species.  

The problem is:  It is difficult to encounter ottoe in the best of conditions. The dry weather has almost eliminated the nectar source of the cactus flower and few other nectar sources are found in the known historical locations.  Knapweed (Centaurea spp.) is a good source, but not present in all the potential prairie areas.  Early morning and late afternoon times might be more productive than in the middle of the day.  Following rain or showers or the day following rain and/or showers, might be a wise choice of surveying for ottoe.

However, when only a few nectar sources are available, then one might think that these would be the nectar source of choice and thus one could stand (sit) at a location to view these limited nectar sources in hopes of observing the approach of the desired species.

This is enough speculation for one day, but I would appreciate any responses one might have related to the absence of ottoe on July 16 in counties where ottoe has never been vouchered.  It may be it is not present, but all other habitat factors seem to indicate that this elusive species could/should be present.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) in Newaygo County on July 16, 2002

Report from Mo Nielsen (July 15):

Owen,        In the interest of keeping you and others informed of my lepidopteral activities, here's a brief summary of this past weekend collecting events:
Fri. July 12, from about 4PM to Sun. July 14, a total of five MI Lep. Survey members (Ted and Terry Herig, Bob Kriegel, Jim Vargo) found a total of 22 species of butterflies and skippers in the vicinity of the 'hut' in Otsego Co. Notable were P. napi oleracea, summer form, some nectaring on a trailing Rubus sp. The summer brood of Polygonia comma, interrogationis, progne appeared-the first two in bait traps. Very few Monarchs were seen flying around large stands of flowering milkweed. Six species of skippers were seen, most nectaring on milkweed; we were too late to find E. bimacula in stands of narrow-leaf sedges.

Interesting observations were made of a large robber fly preying on M. cymela, C. pegala nephele and T. lineola. Photos and 'flies' were taken for future ID. It was a HOT sunny weekend with temps in the 90's!!

Sat. night was very productive for moth collecting at 4 MV/UV/sheet set-ups, 8 UV traps and 8 bait traps scattered in a mixed aspen-pine barrens. Some stayed up till 4 AM, others 'hit the sack' at 2; temps were in the 50's under a new moon. Some of the more interesting species were: Dolba hyloeus, Sphinx canadensis, Platarctia parthenos, Catocala blandula (first for the season),  Diachrysia balluca, Chrysanympha formosa, Syngrapha  rectangula, Apamea verbascoides, ophiogramma (new county record), Polia nimbosa, imbrifera, Eueretagrotis perattenta, attenta. Many more await preparation and identification, especially the Tortricidae!

We had all hoped to find Eacles imperialis pini (special concern species) in the area, but once again, were unsuccessful. It has been taken at the hut several times in the past. Next year!?
Let me know if you have questions.
Cheers, 'Mo'

Message from George Balough (July 5):

At the SEL Congress in Denmark