July 30, Hemlock Lake, Hillsdale County. Sitting on the deck enjoying the placid scenery and a perfect day. I'm still enjoying the last saltiness from a handful of peanuts. And then a surreal event for a lepidoptera hobbyist...

A Silver-spotted Skipper, newly-minted and scale-perfect, alights on my thumb. I call to Anne, deep in her book a few feet away, "Look at this!"

Then, as we watch, I feel a coolness on my thumb nail and notice the unfurled proboscis flicking around the nail's upper reaches. Recalling the brush of fluttering eyelashes against a child's cheek, I say, "Wow, who'd ever think you could feel a real butterfly kiss!

Then I look closer and things become a bit less poetic. The coolness is brought by evaporation of a yellowish liquid that now paints an area of my nail as large as the silvery spot on the skipper's wing. Continuing to draw up the wetness of its own making, the insect rises on extended legs. It curls its swollen abdomen slightly and draws it forward until the venting end is near the swishing proboscis tip. Muscles tighten, the abdomen constricts, and a small amber droplet is added to the larger pool already there.

Some of the liquid runs over the lip of the nail and into the groove beyond. The butterfly's anal exudate mixes with the oils and salts on my thumb, apparently producing a nutritious cocktail. The skipper's mouth tube adroitly chases the drop into the trough and continues to siphon up the mixture.

I watch, musing as I absorb this newest observation. Surprises are unending for those who look closely at Nature.

And questions arise. Is this the way of all butterfly feeding? What nutrients are being taken in? What wastes left behind? What attractant drew the insect to my thumb. Am I right in focusing on salt and peanut oils? Or was it one or more compounds excreted from my own sweaty skin?

Is this the way of all butterfly feeding, or is it unique to skippers? To Silver-spotted Skippers? To this one individual? Would an old butterfly be as wasteful of its bodily water, or is this a behavior only of newly ecdysed adults.

The questions cascade upon themselves. Back to the chemical signals that drew the scaly insect in. Which among the mix were the volatiles that tickled receptors on the antennae's clubs? What special needs were being addressed? Fuel for flights to find a mate or nutrients necessary for egg or sperm production?

And just what are the economies of recycling materials through the organism's own body? Most living things don't do that! The poisons would accumulate with deadly effect. Is the recycling selective? I notice after the butterfly leaves, that there is quite a residue left on my nail. Does the keratin of my nails chelate and capture the insect's chemical wastes like clays in the soil, thus purifying the water that is re-ingested? And might the condensing of whatever substances are taken back in through the proboscis be a regulating factor in moving the small body toward its reproductive mission, either by activating new cell division or by providing nutrients for egg or sperm?

Lost too deeply in thought for those minutes, I fail\ to ask for the camera. Then Anne brings it at my request. Inserts batteries. Turns it on. Hands it to me. I focus and notice that the aperture is only slightly open. Battery power too low for a photo! Direct Anne to a second set of batteries. Same problem! And then the butterfly leaves.

We move on to dinner on the deck. Just in case, I've made another change of batteries, this time to ones that still have ample power left. And then the impossible happens. The butterfly returns! It lands on my sweat-stained shorts and leaves another tell-tale mark of its own moisture. It flies to the edge of Anne's glass and is instantly shooed away.

And then it returns to my thumb! Thus the attached pictures. And this story to explain them.

John C. Farmer thumb with insect's chemical wastes & Silver-spotted Skipper on John's thumb!
photograph by John C. Farmer copyright © 2007

From: OAP and Dwayne Badgero, 31 July 2007,
Dwayne and I took a trip to the Northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula on Friday-Sunday.
A report is to follow but I have some reports from others to do first.

From: Steve Katz, 31 July 2007,

Today Stephen Vail and Ii went to a new spot at 33 Mile just south of M53, there we caught
buckeye
tiger swallowtail
cabbage
ringlet (very small) might be county record
saw a giant swallowtail

Then we went off to Cranberry Lake where we had a little better luck there
ringlet
(2) Giant swallowtails in the same location like 10 minutes apart
spicebush swalllowtail
a few american coppers
monarch
viceroy
wood nymph
Not a bad day. Next time I would like to take Dwayne out to survey this 33 Mile spot in Macomb it looks very nice, lots to check out.

From: Kyle E. Johnson, 31 July 2007,
Field Update from Kyle Johnson (July 17-29)
From July 17 to July 26 I had the unique opportunity of traveling into the remote interiors of some very big peatlands on a MarshMaster. The MarshMaster is a fairly lightweight tracked vehicle that go though a whole lot o’ stuff, from floating Sphagnum mats to thick shrub carr...even open water! The MarshMaster has little impact on the peatlands; although the tracks will be visible for a few years it does not tear up the ground so no extraneous plants grow in the tracks.

MarshMaster “Master” Randy Pink brought me deep into some of the most remote peatlands around.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Only July 17 Randy dropped me off deep into the inconceivably immense Red Lake Peatland, a bog/fen complex some 400 square miles in extent. He would be back the next day to pick me up...hopefully he would remember, for it was a long walk back home! Weather & collecting were excellent during my 28 hour stay on the Sphagnum.

Kyle & gear dropped off deep in the interior of the Red Lake Peatland, Beltrami Co, MN (July 17, 2007).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Mystery geo larva which was incredibly abundant throughout the poor fen “Sphagnum lawn” of a large raised bog within the Red Lake Peatland. They were feeding on Scheuchzeria palustris, a monocot typical of wet Sphagnum lawns. Almost no stems of this plant were intact due to feeding damage. (July 17, 2007).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

The characteristic seed pod of Scheuchzeria palustris (July 17, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

The vast open “Sphagnum lawn” here is a continuous carpet of Sphagnum with low hummocks. Many of the typical acid bog plants are present, such as cranberry, leatherleaf, bog laurel, pitcher plant, and Carex oligosperma, but poor fen indicators are also present including Carex lasiocarpa and very occasional bog birch. Species common here include Lyceana epixanthe, Macaria sulfurea, and Holomelina lamae. Best find was the “arctiid” Grammia speciosa. (July 17, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Not something you expect to find in the absolute middle of nowhere! This was either a weather/geological monitoring device of some sort, or a Russian prototype geo-reflective space laser. (July 17, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Appropriate note of scientific correspondence left on the above instrument
(property of peatland researcher Paul Glaser). (July 17, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Mating pair of Lycaena epixanthe on the vast Sphagnum lawn. This species is typical of such habitats. Interesting I have found this species quite difficult to find in the Glacial Lake Agassiz peatlands...
Boloria freija is MUCH easier to find up here! (July 17, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

“Home sweet home” for my night out in the Red Lake Peatland.
Sphagnum is the superior mattress! (Photo taken following morning July 18, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

It was nice to have the moth sheet set up right by my tent...not a long haul! The habitat here is along an old winter “road” through a well-developed raised bog “forested crest”. The pure black spruce bog forest (trees 25-35’) is quite dry and dominated by an understory of Labrador tea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, creeping snowberry, cranberry, Carex trisperma, with scattered blueberry, leatherleaf, bog rosemary, cottongrass, and perhaps a few other sedges. A good crop of moths came to light, and also got a few at bait (including 3 spp. of Catocala...sordida, unijuga, and briseis but I need to see them “off the board” to be sure) (Photo following morning July 18, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Kyle by tent in the Red Lake Peatland upon pickup (July 18, 2007). Bog people!
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

On July 21 between MarshMaster runs I finally collected my first Exyra fax at UV light in a Spring Fen Channel (Sprague Creek Peatland, Roseau Co, MN). This small but colorful noctuid (the green really catches the light...sorry I have no pictures!) bores into pitcher plants.

Pitcher Plant Moth (Exyra fax)
photo courtesy Les Ferge © Les Ferge 2007

On July 24 it was back to MarshMaster madness!

Kyle out in the vast “Western Water Track” of the Red Lake Peatland (Beltrami Co). Water tracks are areas of concentrated water flow over the peat, and are quite rich in nutrients (most are intermediate fen). Visible in the background are “tear-drop islands” which are more bog like in nature (poor fen) with tamarack/black spruce trees and most of the usual acid bog plants, but also with bog birch/bog willow. The tear-drop islands are arranged parallel to water flow with the rounded heads of tamarack/spruce upstream and the tapering tail of brush downstream (they look like streaming tears from the air, hence the name). Present here were Lycaena epixanthe, Macaria sulfurea, and in the wettest flarks the aquatic crambid Nymphula ekthlipsis, among others. (July 24, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Botanist and sedge expert Scott Zager holds up rare sedge in the genus Eleocharis. The sedge pictured has only been found in ribbed fens in MN. He will be a big help to me in figuring out what hosts Erebia discoidalis, E. mancinus and other peatland sedge feeders are using. (July 25, 2007 at the Winter Road Lake Peatland, Lake of the Woods Co).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

“Tear-drop island” at the Mulligan Lake Peatland, Lake of the Woods Co, MN. Tear-drop islands are arranged parallel to water flow and perpendicular to strings/flarks in patterned water tracks. The rounded head of tamarack/spruce is located upstream, and the tapering tail of smaller tamarack and shrubs (left side of photo) is located downstream. Tear-drop islands are bog-like (poor fen) compared to the more mineral-rich water track (intermediate to rich fen). Macaria sulfurea and a variety of crambids/torticids were present on this tear-drop island, but many more species should be present. (July 26, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Scott Zager shows the sedge Carex chordorrhiza at the Mulligan Lake Peatland. This sedge is now at the top of my list of potential Erebia discoidalis hosts...this sedge seems to fit the diversity of E. discoidalis habitats quite nicely. (July 26, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Gray Tree Frog (likely Hyla versicolor) on pitcher plant in ribbed fen at the Mulligan Lake Peatland (July 26, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

The rare linear-leaved sundew (Drosera linearis) in a flark at the Mulligan Lake Peatland. This species seems restricted to flarks in ribbed fens in northern Minnesota. (July 26, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Mystery caterpillar found on the sedge Carex lasiocarpa at the Mulligan Lake Peatland. The day after it had spun up its cocoon, so hopefully I get an adult to solve the ID riddle! (July 26, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Scott Zager holds up a plant which releases cyanide gas when crushed!
(July 26, 2007 at the Mulligan Lake Peatland)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Most recently Boloria chariclea grandis (formerly B. titania grandis) has appeared on the scene here in northern Minnesota. My first encounter this year was on July 27 at the Rapid River Road Bog in Lake of the Woods County. They probably had been flying for a couple days, since I did net one fresh female.

Boloria chariclea grandis nectaring on goldenrod at the Rapid River Road Bog in Lake of the Woods Co, MN (July 27, 2007).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Boloria chariclea grandis in BAIT TRAP at the Rapid River Road Bog, Lake of the Woods Co, MN (July 27, 2007). There were FIVE individuals in the trap (baited with rotten bananas), and a sixth which was flying about the trap later on, so looks like bait works with this one! (I have never gotten other Boloria with bait...has anyone else out there?)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Chipped up Boloria chariclea grandis on spruce trunk baited with rotten bananas at the East Rat Root River Peatland, Koochiching Co, MN (July 29, 2007).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) in poor fen habitat at the East Rat Root River Peatland, Koochiching Co, MN (July 29, 2007). I observed Boloria chariclea nectaring (as in probing with proboscis) on this plant, and also pausing at the flowers of grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus) and marsh cinquefoil. I also observed one nectaring on a late flower of bog laurel. Other than the above, there is simply not much for Boloria chariclea to nectar on within acid peatland habitats...that’s why many congregate on upland flowers. But they probably also use other food sources...I’ve seen them probe damp Sphagnum, and they probably would visit sap flows, dead animals, or anything of suspicious odor...see below!
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Boloria chariclea grandis probing my bog pants with proboscis...must’ve smelled “good”? But seriously, I washed these the day before...they can’t smell that bad!!!
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Lately I have pondered the distribution and habitat types of Boloria chariclea. It is widespread in raised bog/acid black spruce poor swamp habitat from Roseau County SW to Pine County in Minnesota, then just sneaks over the border into Douglas County, Wisconsin. Why not more widespread in Wisconsin, and why not yet in Upper Michigan? Climate alone shouldn’t be the answer...the northern parts of the U.P. are more “boreal” than Douglas County, WI. Glacial history could be...MI might have great habitat but the butterfly never got there...ask “Boloria Bob” about glaciation stuff...not my specialty. But habitat might also have something to do with it. So far I’ve associated B. chariclea with bogs/poor swamps containing decent forested stands of black spruce...not necessarily mancinus type bog forests, but at least some pretty good cover. And in most places (perhaps including the WI sites) is associated with raised bogs. But most recently it dawned on me that there is a plant which seems to fit the distribution fairly nicely, and is associated with the above habitats...Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry). It’s common across northern MN in spruce bogs/poor swamps, and sneaks into NW Wisconsin (Douglas and a few other counties) but it is NOT at all common...in fact it’s on the state endangered list! As for MI, I have not seen any records of the plant for the U.P., but it is found on Isle Royale. I have never seen a MI bog with Vaccinium vitis-idaea, but I have not had an “eye’ for this plant for very long. The Kenton Muskeg (Houghton Co) is an unusual type (for MI) forested spruce bog that I have high hopes for Erebia mancinus, and also high hopes for Boloria chariclea grandis. The bog is a type where I’d expect to find Vaccinium vitis-idaea as well. I will not have an opportunity this year to search, but perhaps next year I can swing over...perhaps others will want to join the hunt?

[NOTE from OAP: Edward G. Voss in MICHIGAN FLORA Part III, Cranbrook Institute of Science Bulletin 61 and University of Michigan Herbarium, 1996, on page 45 states:
1. V. vitis-idaea L. Mountain-cranberry; Lingonberry, Cowberry
Map 20. A circumpolar arctic-subarctic species, ranging from the tundra south in North America to New England and the Lake Superior region. For over a century, the only known Michigan material was collected in 1868 (A. E. Foote, MICH, OS) on Smithwick Island. Later searching for the species there and elsewhere at Isle Royale long proved fruitless, despite the fact that it is widespread along the Ontario shore of Lake Superior on rock ledges bordering the lake and inland in the boreal forest. Finally, in 1994, E. Judziewicz rediscovered the species in Michigan, in sphagnum under Thuja on Passage Island (10932, MICH)...]

[Further note from OAP:

Smithwick Island, Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA

PASSAGE ISLAND North of Isle Royale, Lake Superior, MI.

Here is trip for Michigan entomologists to plan!]

Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry) in forested black spruce bog at the East Rat Root River Peatland, Koochching Co, MN (July 29, 2007). This plant is typical of forested spruce bogs and spruce poor swamp in Minnesota, but drops out in NW Wisconsin, and has not been recorded from the U.P. (but has been recorded from Isle Royale). This is a possible host of Boloria chariclea grandis...if it is that would explain its apparent absence from Upper Michigan and most of northern Wisconsin. The plant is easy to overlook...it is rather similar to bearberry (Arctostaphylos uvi-ursi). There are a couple places around Kenton (Houghton Co) that look good for this plant in a bog setting (it can be found in other habitats, including cliff faces), and thus might be a good place to look for B. chariclea.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

[Note from OAP:
Anybody out there wishing to accompany me to Kenton?
Boloria chariclea grandis' Flight Period in Douglas County, Wisconsin often begins about August 1.
"Boloria Bob" Kriegel and I collected this species in Douglas County, Wisconsin, on 2 and 3 August 2003.]

From: Laura Palombi, 27 July 2007,

Hi everyone,

I'm so impressed by all the great monitoring work going on and very pleased to hear from Roger that he's finding lots of great stuff out at Petersburg SGA. The information about PSGA is incredibly valuable to me and the KBB recovery group and we're so appreciative that you're taking the time to monitor this site and share your information. I'm eager to hear how the count goes on the 4th. Unfortunately, I will be out of town at a conference so I will not be able to attend. I'd like to hear your opinions about which area is best suited for beginning the KBB releases next year as well as what management actions you think would be most beneficial to specific sites. I have a few ideas but would like to hear what you think will help this effort succeed. I hope you have great weather and a great turnout of monitors and butterflies!

Laura

From: Roger Kuhlman, 27 July 2007,
On Sunday July 22 I had another fine butterflying day in the Sibley Prairie area [southeast Wayne County]. First I worked the shaded sedge meadows along Beech Daily Road hoping to find Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi). I couldn't find any but there were good numbers of Broad-winged Skippers (Poanes viator) and Horace Duskywing (Erynnis horatius). Then I moved on to Sibley Prairie proper. As with most places in southeast Michigan habitat conditions at Sibley Prairie were quite dry and butterfly numbers relatively low. I did not know what my chances of finding Dukes would be. I investigated several Carex lacustris patches but they turned up empty and then I tried one more spot. It turned out to contain one or two E. dukesi and I was able to take a nice photo voucher of a dukesi male. [Note from OAP: Great shot!, good documentation.]

Dukes' Skipper, (Euphyes dukesi), Sibley Prairie, Wayne Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

Some other good butterflies I turned up at Sibley Prairie included Aphrodite (Speyeria aphrodite), Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica), and many more Horace Duskywings (Erynnis horatius). The Aphrodite was very special since it was the first one I had ever found at Sibley Prairie. When I first discovered Sibley Prairie about three years ago, I thought that this site would a good place to find Aphrodite but until Sunday I never found one. The number of Horace Duskywings flying at Sibley Prairie seemed quite amazing. Between Sibley proper and Beech Daily I saw more than 50 of them. 2007 while being a poor year for Dukes' Skipper in southeast Michigan has been a banner year for Horace Duskywing. Not only have I found many of them at Sibley Prairie but also at Crosswinds Marsh [sw Wayne County] and Petersburg State Game Area [w Monroe County]. I guess each butterfly season has its own tradeoffs.

Horace's Dusky Wing, (Erynnis horatius), Sibley Prairie, Wayne Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

ps. I also made the discovery that Wild Indigo Duskywing has plenty of one of its native host plants Baptisia tinctoria to feed on at Sibley Road Prairie. The only other major spot in southeast Michigan where I know the duskywing has abundant amounts of its native larval host plant is Petersburg SGA.

From: Dwayne Badgero, 26 July 2007,
If you could put a post on the website for everyone to contact me it would help out a lot. I have lost my address book on my computer. I have it back and it is working but I have no address book.

[Note from OAP: So... Please, everyone email Dwayne Badgero with your name and email address:
Dwayne Badgero at Noctuids75@aol.com ]

From: John C. Farmer, 25 July 2007,

If there is a count on August 4, you are certainly welcome to wander my yard in search of whatever may be here, whether we're home or not. If I learn that there is to be a count that day and if we are in town, I'll try to join it if you let me know when and where you're meeting. I'd love to see some of those rarities Roger has turned up at PSGA.

We seem to be between Hackberry broods right now, but the Tawny Emperors have been around in fair numbers lately. Also, Roger K., I've had a couple of sightings of Painted Ladies this summer -- a living one on June 19 and a road kill on July 21. Both were in Milan Twp's section 3, just south of the Washtenaw Co. line. I didn't realize that they were relatively rare this summer. I certainly can't promise Snouts on any particular day, but as posted earlier, this has been my best year for them here at 13475 Petersburg Road, Milan.

From: Roger Kuhlman, 25 July 2007,
Saturday August 4 the Greater Washtenaw Butterfly Survey will be holding a NABA Butterfly Count at Petersburg State Game Area in western Monroe County. This site is one of the best locations in southeast Michigan to find butterflies and features rare oak-openings savannah prairie habitat. By the date of the Count, hopefully a lot of Northern Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) will be in bloom. If it is, we will see multitudes of butterflies nectaring on the flower. Some butterfly specialties we should see at Petersburg include Aphrodite, Leonard's Skipper, Wild Indigo Duskywing (using its native larval hostplant) and the four regular Swallowtail species. Over the years, a great number of uncommon or rare butterflies have shown up at Petersburg SGA. When we do the Count, we will be particularly on the alert to find Checkered Skipper, Gray Hairstreak, Buckeye, Little Yellow, Variegated Fritillary, Fiery Skipper, and Pipevine Swallowtail.

We are planning to start the Count at 9:30am and will be meeting at the parking areas along Lulu Road in Petersburg SGA. NABA counts generally last the whole day but you can participate as long as you wish. If you are planning to come or need more information, please send me an email.

Roger Kuhlman 7/25/2007 rkuhlman@hotmail.com

From: John Swales, 25 July 2007,

Are we still planning to do a seasonal count on August 4 in Petersburg SGA and environs (and including John Farmer's property)?

From: Roger Kuhlman, 25 July 2007,
Saturday July 21 was an outstanding day for butterflies at Petersburg SGA in western Monroe County. I saw a total of 44 species for the day including many uncommon or rare species for the area.

The first good butterfly of the day a Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides) was found by the side of a road near the intersection of Ida and Summerfeld roads.

Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

From there I went to nearby Petersburg State Game Area and parked on Lulu Road. Noticing that the roadside ditch near where I parked was filled with Purple Loosestrife, I decided to cut out all the flowering Loosestrife. As I was finished cutting the Loosestrife I saw a large skipper land on the side of the ditch. It had two yellowish rays on the ventral hind-wing and was mostly dark when it opened its upper forewings. This butterfly was the first Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) I have ever found at Petersburg SGA. Unfortunately I was not positioned to get a good photo voucher of the Dukes' but I think it is evident from the photo taken the butterfly is a dukesi.

Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

Probably it was only a matter of time before E. dukesi was found in the SGA since there are several shaded patches of the larval host-plant, Carex lucustris, growing in the preserve and since Dukes' has been vouchered on roads very close by the SGA.

Several other exciting butterflies were seen for the day. I found Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Aphrodite (Speyeria aphrodite), Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus), Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton), and Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) among others. I was very happy to find the Gray Hairstreak since there had been no reported sightings of this species in the Greater Washtenaw County Area (Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, and Lenawee counties) since 2005.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

The Painted Lady was only the second one found this year.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

Besides finding large numbers of good butterflies at Petersburg I found three plants of the state-threatened milkweed Asclepias hirtella. One of these plants was quite damaged by a native pest species--two Monarch larva were devouring the leaves of the plant.

State-threatened milkweed (Asclepias hirtella), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

State-threatened milkweed (Asclepias hirtella), 21 July 2007, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co.
being devoured by the Monarch caterpillar, (Danaus plexippus).
photograph by Roger Kuhlman copyright © 2007

Roger Kuhlman, Greater Washtenaw County Butterfly Survey

From: Harry D. King, 23 July 2007 AND reply from Kyle E. Johnson, 23 July 2007'
Kyle
This species is listed for MN. Oeneis uhleri (Reakirt, 1866) do you think you are going to see this one at all?
Harry

Harry,
I do have Oeneis uhleri on my "hit list" for next season, but I suspect my odds of finding it are slim. It is listed as endangered in MN (I will apply for a permit to collect), and is only found in a few places on dry prairie in the far western part of the state. Dave Cuthrell failed to find in Kittson/Roseau counties (far NW corner of MN) in his 1991 survey...he did a pretty good job of finding things, but there are a few large areas that need more exploration. One of them is Skull Lake WMA in Kittson County; a lot of nice sandy grasslands here...and a BIG place! I did voucher the state threatened species Oarisma garita there this past June (I believe it's only known from three spots in MN, all in Kittson County...and hadn't been seen in the state since 1991). So this place is at the top of my list for potential O. uhleri spots, but I have yet to hear from Ron Huber and Robert Dana as to other recommended areas.
Looking on the web it's supposedly fairly common westward into North Dakota...might be worth a day trip, but that depends on how my car is holding up!
Kyle

From: Todd Smith, 23 July 2007,

A friend and I went to Bean Creek area north of Morenci on Saturday July 21st.

Here is what we found: (Sorry I don't have any pictures to share this time).

Tawny Emperor (3) 1 vouchered

Snout Butterfly (1, vouchered, very fresh)

Little Sulfur (1, vouchered, very fresh)

Several Tiger Swallowtails

A few Black Swallowtails

One Giant Swallowtail

Clouded Sulfur

Orange Sulfur

Cabbage Butterfly several fresh, 10+ at a puddle party on side of road.

Common Wood Nymph

Pearl Crescent

Red Admiral

CICADA Killer, a first for me, there were a few flying around, what a huge wasp. I brought one home in a jar.

Then we headed off to Petersburg State Game Area, it was busy with butterflies.

Tiger Swallowtails, several, 1 Dark Form Female

Black Swallowtail, a few

Giant Swallowtail, a couple of these

Spicebush Swallowtail, the most common

Clouded Sulfur, several

Orange Sulfur, several

Question Mark (1)

Southern Cloudywing

Northern Cloudywing

Hoary Edge, a couple worn individuals

Silver-spotted Skipper, common

Least Skipper, a few

Crossline Skipper

Dun Skipper

A few other unidentified grass skippers,

Pearl Crescent

Wild Indigo Duskywing

Horace Duskywing

Aphrodite Fritillary

Great Spangled Fritillary

American Copper

Edwards Hairstreak

Coral Hairstreak

Viceroy

Red Spotted Purple

Monarch

Red Admiral

Little Wood Satyr, very light brown

Common Wood Nymph, some had lots of yellow, others were all black.

Eastern Tailed Blue

Summer Azure

Buckeye

I crossed paths with Roger Kuhlman, we chatted briefly and he mentioned he saw Dukes' Skipper east of our location on Lulu Road. So my friend and I headed down there and I also observed one in the ditch next to the road. Wide-leafed sedges were present in the ditch.

[Note from OAP: Roger Kuhlman is an avocation EXPERT in identifying and finding the habitat for Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi). HOWEVER, I alert you to the following REPORT FROM OAP, 23 July 2007 below.]

REPORT FROM: OAP, 23 July 2007: Let's take a moment to reflect on the topic of identification. I am working on a project to assist in this endeavor and I will report on the project as it relates to my participation along with my colleagues Dwayne Badgeo and Kyle Evan Johnson, when our part has been completed. What leads to this topic ---

[Note from OAP: Kyle E. Johnson in an email dated 23 July 2007, he states:
'In Dwayne Badgero's report of July 17, the third photo down, stating "Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 11 July 2007, Ash Road site" strikes me as Poanes viator,
but I cannot say for certain as I have no experience with E. dukesi.'
He further states: "In the end the above could be cases of captions mixed up with the wrong photos...after so many postings something's bound to be mixed up!" and whose statement refers to another questionable label I (OAP) placed on another photograph. So...

Let's see what the rest of you think... after my careful review, I can and will NOT make a determination of what this specimen is as to its identity other than to partially concur with Kyle. My careful review of the photograph causes me to believe that it is NOT Euphyes dukesi. But what is it? Please look carefully at the dorsal wing patterns of the two forewings. They look very different to me!

Photograph enlarged and cropped that was in the Report
From: Dwayne Badgero, 17 July 2007,11 July 2007, Ash Road site.
(DSCF0995.jpg) photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

This particular case causes me to pause to say:

Dead & Spread, ANYTHING LESS IS HEARSAY!
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright © 2007
Design by Martin Andree copyright © 2007

Binoculars, unaided sight, catch and release, and even photographs are not definitive proof of the identity of a specimen. These methods all rely on too much trust in the ability of the observer and don't provide the opportunity for a peer review of the actual specimen. Even then, in the field it is often difficult to accurately identify species. Euphyes dukesi and Poanes viator as well as Euphyes dion, Papilio glaucus and Papilio canadensis, Erynnis persius and Erynnis bapitsiae, Satyrodes eurydice and Satyrodes appalachia leeuwi, Polygonia progne and Polygonia gracilis, Phyciodes tharos and Phyciodes selenis as well as Phyciodes batesii, Boloria selene myrina and Boloria selene atrocostalis, and then there are the blues and the hairstreaks and even pinned specimens without collection labels.

BUT, with this particular photograph, take a closer look at the dorsal forewings and tell me what you think:

dukesi, viator, dion, hybrid, gyandromorph, variant, subspecies, mutant, aberrant, ? ? ?

And you want me to tell you what it is without a specimen, genitalic examination, DNA analysis. We may never really know what it is without the specimen.

But I do not fault Dwayne or me for the potential erroneous labeling of the photograph, and I commend Kyle for his scrutiny of the photograph!

I just say: Dead & Spread, ANYTHING LESS IS HEARSAY!
But give it your best shot, send me your thoughts on the ID of the specimen in the photograph:

From: OAP, 25 JULY 2007: I have corrected the photos in the report and the photo in question is obviously not Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) and PROBABLY is the Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator) BUT all the responses I received did not address the fact that the dorsal forewing pattern is DIFFERENT on this specimen in the photograph!

From: Kyle E. Johnson, 25 July 2007,
As to the now corrected photo of Poanes viator, I was wondering what you meant by "the dorsal forewing pattern is DIFFERENT on this specimen in the photograph"? As far as I can tell, the upper FW pattern looks normal (left FW), BUT the confusion might have to do with the right FW...it's a bit tricky to see but it's actually the ventral surface showing. Perhaps this solves the mystery?

Reply from OAP: I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, KYLE. And the broad expanse of wing on the right side to the right of the almost vertical right forewing is the dorsal hind wing. END OF STORY.

From: Bill Rapai, 22 July 2003,
Greetings from Grosse Pointe (Wayne County).
I just had a snout butterfly in my yard, feeding on the mint flowers. I cannot provide a photo, but I can provide the positive ID based on field marks. Thought you guys might want to know.
Best wishes, Bill Rapai, President, Grosse Pointe Audubon Society

[Note from OAP: Greetings from Lepalert! Thank you for the report. This migrant from southern states, the Snout Butterfly is up in numbers this year based on reports and sightings and the Buckeye is in larger numbers this year than most years.]

From: Steve Katz. 22 July 2007,
Well today was a great day myself, my son, and girlfriend went out to a place called Cranberry Lake.
Was a great day spending with the family some of what we saw was and caught was:
spicebush swallowtail
tiger swallowtail
american coppers
silver spotted skipper
Giant swallowtail
Red Spoted Purples
sulphurs
a couple blues
cabbage whites
Here are the only pics we could get with the son trompin thru.

Viceroy, 22 July 2007, Cranberry Lake, Oakland Co.
photograph by Steve Katz copyright © 2007

Viceroy, 22 July 2007, Cranberry Lake, Oakland Co.
photograph by Steve Katz copyright © 2007

From: John C. Farmer, 21 July 2007,

Most recent one (Snout Butterfly) near Petersburg Road bridge over Saline River yesterday. Five (including yesterday's) within a mile of my home at 13475 Petersburg Rd., Milan. The sixth on our pontoon boat, Hemlock Lake, Allen Twp., Hillsdale Co. This count my highest ever for a single year.

From: Kyle Johnson, 20 July 2007,

This morning I was thumbing through a soil survey of Lake of the Woods Co, MN, and noticed that one of my study sites (Winter Road Lake Peatland, a large ribbed fen 10-15 miles long) is mostly a giant chunk of Rifle Peat. Both Boloria frigga and Erebia discoidalis were common in this area.

Later on when I have time I'll do a thorough search of what soil surveys we have, and let you know of other interesting soil types for peatland leps.

As for now, I'd recommend looking for Boloria frigga in any peatland where there is the bog willow, Salix pedicellaris, in good amount, rather than focusing strictly on Greenwood/Dawson/Loxley soil types. When the willow is present (more than a single stem though!) frigga always seems to follow. As for Erebia discoidalis, who knows what the peatland host might be, other than a sedge (probably Carex...I have a few ideas floating around, but nothing of substance). Any peatland with good sedge cover & diversity is worth a shot.

From: Kyle Evan Johnson, 19 July 2007,
Field Update from Kyle Johnson (July 13-14)
The morning of July 13 (Friday the 13^th as well...important to put on data labels!) I ventured north into Manitoba on a two day quest for Colias gigantea. This primarily subarctic species is widespread in western Canada/Alaska from the lower arctic tundra south into the boreal forest but becomes scarcer farther east; the SE most records are from SE Manitoba in the Sandilands Provincial Forest area. John H. Masters first reported Colias gigantea from SE Manitoba in his 1970 article “First Records of Colias gigantea Strecker (Pieridae) From Southeast Manitoba and ? Minnesota” (Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera: this article is available online). He states:

“On 8-10 August, 1969, I collected 5 males and 2 females of Colias gigantea at three localities between the O’Hanley and Sand (sometimes called Sandy) Rivers along Manitoba highway 304. These locations are just East of Lake Winnipeg and are between the 50^th and 51^st parallel. All of the specimens were taken in wet sphagnum/willow bogs and all were somewhat worn in condition.”

My goal on this trip was to re-document Masters’ localities. The drive north started with cloudy skies and interspersed rain. Much of the drive until a bit north of the 50^th parallel was the boreal plains ecozone, an area of aspen parkland/grasslands, now mostly lost to agriculture. But nearing the south shores of Lake Winnipeg the character of the land abruptly changed with jack pine, balsam fir, white spruce, and black spruce appearing in the mix. Not long after turning north onto highway 304 I entered the “real” boreal forest, with abundant rock outcroppings of black spruce/jack pine typical of the Canadian Shield. Finally I hit the O’Hanley River. It was still very cloudy, but hints of sun visible to the west and north. I decided to scour the roadsides in search of Masters’ original Colias gigantea spots. Since much of Masters’ collecting was done along roadsides, and I had a clearly defined area in which to search, I thought it would be relatively easy to find these localities (but I kept in mind the fact that many of Masters’ locations are not very accurate). Turned out these localities were anything but obvious. In the recent past a massive fire raged across the area, leaving only scattered stands of black tree skeletons. Shrub willows and aspen now dominated the landscape, both upland and lowland (even in burnt over spruce bogs). Furthermore beaver dams had flooded many of the wetlands. The drastically altered landscape significantly lowered my hopes of finding gigantea.

Relatively recent fires have greatly altered the landscape along Manitoba highway 304, here a spruce bog forest just south of the Sandy River. Fires can greatly alter peatland habitats, so perhaps the “sphagnum/willow bogs” John H. Masters spoke of no longer exist. I failed to find any habitats clearly fitting his description along the highway.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Having failed to spot anything obviously a “sphagnum/willow bog” (or what I usually call “poor fen”) I continued north. Just East of Manigotagan I found a small Sphagnum poor fen with an abundance of the bog willow Salix pedicellaris. By this time the sun was peeking out, but the winds were strong. I found Lycaena dorcas and Satyrodes eurydice in the peatland, but the abundance of bog willow gave me high hopes for finding Colias gigantea the following day.

Small Sphagnum poor fen with an abundance of the bog willow Salix pedicellaris (low to ground, not clearly visible in photo) just E of Manigotagan, Manitoba (just north of the 51^st parallel).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Soon most of the clouds left, but strong winds remained. I headed back down Hwy 304 south of the Sandy River to see if I could stumble across any good Colias gigantea areas in the fire-induced chaos. I came across plenty of burnt over spruce bog/ lowland black spruce forest (now with plenty of tall shrub willow present) and sedge/tall shrub willow/aspen lowland meadows, but nothing fitting the description of “sphagnum/willow bog”. I also tried a few side “roads”, but these roads are not all that great for traveling, especially since I own a Saturn-SL with around 0” of clearance.

Typical secondary road in the boreal forest of Manitoba.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

I ended up back at the O’Hanley River where I spent the night on a black spruce/jack pine forest rock outcropping. The moths made a decent show at UV light (best find was Syngrapha viridisigma, but more need ID’s), and also a few came to bait painted on live black spruce trunks (including a Catocala...possibly parta, but I’ll wait until it’s D&S for the final determination).

View of the O’Hanley River along Manitoba highway 304, between the 50^th and 51^st parallels.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Moth sheet set up in a rock outcropping boreal black spruce/jack pine forest (photo taken following morning July 14, 2007)
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

More views of the habitat around where I collected. The forest is black spruce/jack pine dominated, with sparse balsam fir, aspen, and white birch. The understory is mostly moss-covered and dominated by blueberry, bearberry, Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry, common in MN spruce bog forests), and occasional Labrador tea. The exposed rock openings are usually dominated by caribou lichen and mosses.
photos © Kyle Johnson 2007

The following morning (July 14) while taking down the moth sheet I was pleasantly surprised by a Northern Blue, Lycaeides idas scudderii (quite similar to the MI/WI/MN subspecies nabakovi)

Lycaeides idas scudderii near the O’Hanley River along Manitoba highway 304,
in the above habitat (July 14, 2007).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

From there I headed north back to the Sphagnum/bog willow poor fen at Manigotagan in hopes of finding Colias gigantea. Despite some decent weather (partly cloudy and around 70F) I failed to find it...but perhaps Salix pedicellaris is not the secret to gigantea... I had not idea what to expect. Some finds in the Manigotagan area included: Colias philodice (right by the bog willow areas...had the heart racing for a moment!), C. eurytheme, Satyrodes eurydice, Nymphalis antiopa, Speyeria atlantis (per the books should be an intermediate between ssp. canadensis and hollandi, but they look identical to what we get in the U.P. west across WI to northern MN), Thymelicus lineola, Polites themistocles, Euphyes vestris, and the moth Hemaris thysbe and an interesting plusiine (Syngrapha possibly) of some sort.

The rest of the day I spent scouring Manitoba highway 304 between the O’Hanley and Sandy Rivers. Most of the time I was either fighting my way through tall shrub willow thickets or climbing over burnt downed timber. Then I was making my way along a ditch to a burnt over spruce bog with bog birch pockets visible from the road (a good indicator that bog willow may be nearby) when a good sized bright yellow Colias suddenly appeared amongst clumps of tall shrub willows. With heart racing I dashed for it, but it flew swiftly over a DEEP open water ditch, hopelessly out of reach. Not more than 50 feet from that sighting I encountered several nice clumps of bog willow, Salix pedicellaris. It was quite possible that the Colias which had just flown by was indeed Colias gigantea. I scoured the area for an hour more, but failed to see any more Colias (conditions were mostly cloudy and quite windy).

Area where I saw a possible Colias gigantea, South of the Sandy River along Manitoba highway 304 (July 14, 2007). Clumps of the low growing bog willow Salix pedicellaris were nearby (not visible in photo).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Further south I continued, investigating many areas without success. As I returned to the roadside from my final stop (a burnt over spruce bog forest), I saw a good sized white pierid flying amongst tall shrub willows along the ditch. Heart again racing off I dashed, but once again my quarry vanished out of sight, never to return. Upon taking a closer look at the habitat around the sighting, I readily found the bog willow Salix pedicellaris along the ditch. It was quite possible that I had just seen the white form alba female of Colias gigantea. And so I left for “home” back in Minnesota, with those possible sightings of Colias gigantea taunting me to this very moment!

Area where I saw a possible white form alba female of Colias gigantea, South of the Sandy River along Manitoba highway 304 (July 14, 2007). The bog willow Salix pedicellaris was present along the ditch (hidden from view here...it is usually less than 2 feet tall).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Here are my current thoughts on Colias gigantea: It appears to be associated with the willow Salix pedicellaris in the SE corner of its range in Manitoba. It does not seem restricted to “string bogs” (ribbed fen) as suggested by John H. Masters; I found them in slightly wetter/more mineral rich areas on the margins of spruce bogs forests (including ditch margins). The habitat was not something “unusually northern” that we don’t have in the northern Great Lakes States. However, with all the collecting that has been done in peatlands in MI/WI/MN, I doubt it would be as widespread as Boloria frigga (which is closely tied to Salix pedicellaris). Wisconsin would have the least potential in my opinion, but if present likely areas might include the Black Lake Bog in Douglas County. Michigan might have a little better potential, especially if you include the chuck of Canada known as Isle Royale! As for “real” Michigan in the U.P., ribbed fens such as the Creighton Marsh are worth a shot. The Cyr Swamp in Marquette County and perhaps are few spots in Houghton/Keweenaw counties would also be worth checking. But Minnesota should almost certainly have it. Yes, there is the dubious record from McNair, but that could be an abnormally large Colias interior (McNair is popular with the blueberry pickers!). But that area of Minnesota in the Arrowhead does look pretty interesting, especially the Sand Lake Bog. And although no Colias gigantea so far from my study region, the massive peatlands of Glacial Lake Agassiz have some EXCELLENT potential. The highest potential would be the massive peatland complex extending into the Northwest Angle (MN’s Isle Royale, though not quite so far removed...a bit more honorable!). In fact, the record of Colias gigantea from the Sandilands Provincial Forest area is part of the same peatland complex extending into the Northwest Angle!

Note from OAP: 21 July 2007,
I have caught up with all the reports as of this date EXCEPT for a report from Kyle E. Johnson and my Ontario survey. I will get those up soon, as well as those I received July 20 and 21. I am working on them, but wanted to get previous emails up on Lepalert. When I go on my own trips surveying for species, it takes some time to catch up and I now have some GPS data to put in data base, specimens to spread, data about specimens to put into data base, as well as the Dorcas Copper project I am working on. Dwayne and I also took a trip to Washtenaw County yesterday that needs reporting and attention. I am also planning a trip to northern Lower Peninsula along with the Upper Peninsula next week!

From: Dwayne Badgero, 17 July 2007,
July 11
I visited several sites to survey for Dukes Skipper. Highlights included one E. lisa at Crosswinds Marsh as well as several E. horatius, E. dukesi, and one J. coenia. Also seen were C. pegala alope, C. neglecta, F. tarquinius, and P. cresphontes.

Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 11 July 2007, ~~Crosswinds Marsh~~ Ash Road site.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007
Corrected 25 July 2007 (OAP)

At Beech-Daly Rd. Highlights were E. dukesi, S. liparops strigosum, S. eurydice, S. appalachia, E. dion, E. conspicuus, and A. numitor.

Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator), 11 July 2007, ~~Beech-Daly Road~~ Hoffman Road site.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007
Corrected 25 July 2007 (OAP)

~~Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi)~~ Broadwing Skipper (Poanes viator), 11 July 2007, ~~Ash Road site~~ Beech-Daly site.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

The above identification is in question, see Report by OAP, dated 23 July 2007.
Corrected 25 July 2007 (OAP). But the dorsal wing pattern is DIFFERENT on this specimen in the photograph. So...

Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 11 July 2007, ~~Hoffman Road~~ Crosswinds Marsh site.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007
Corrected 25 July 2007 (OAP)

Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi), 11 July 2007, Sherwood Road site.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

July 12
I visited Lost Nation SGA to look for C. mutica. No Mutica were seen but other highlights were N. milberti, L. dorcas (in good numbers), E. conspicuus, and P. viator. it was fairly cloudy and windy, I think this may have had something do with the low number of leps flying.

I also stopped but the MNA Goose Creek site near Cement City to look for O. poweshiek. I did not find even one but other highlights included one B. selene myrina, several S. eurydice, L. dorcas, C. pegala (near alope) and E. conspicuus. It was cloudy and windy here also resulting in not many leps flying.

July 13
I visited the Kern and Miller Rd. fen areas in Oakland Co. to assess the possibility of C. mutica. The site on the East side of Kern holds the most potential, supporting a decent population of L. dorcas as well as several Swamp Thistle plants. This site is severely overgrown with Buckthorn, Cattail, and other invasive plants and is in dire need of maintenance.

Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas), 13 July 2007, Kern Road, East side fen.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

Kern Road, East side fen, 13 July 2007
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

Kern Road, East side fen, 13 July 2007.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

The site on the west side of the road is in worse condition supporting only a few Dorcas Coppers
and a few Swamp Thistle plants.

Kern Road, West side fen, 13 July 2007
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

Kern Road, West side fen, 13 July 2007
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

Kern Road, West side fen, 13 July 2007
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

Farther to the north on the East side of Kern Road, I found a large patch of Wide-leaf Sedge
that looks like it could support E. dukesi. P. viator was present.

Kern Road, Wide-leaf Sedge fen, East side, north of West side parking, 13 July 2007
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

I found a smaller site on the west side a bit farther to the north, which also had P. viator.
Highlights included E. phaeton, L. dorcas, P. viator, E. conspicuus, and E. dion.

The Miller Rd. site looks excellent, with Shrubby Cinquefoil, Black-eyed Susan, Swamp Thistle, Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and even Spike Rush (the host for O. poweshiek) present. Not one single L. dorcas was seen at this site. I think some maintenance to this site to improve the habitat and remove invasive plants could lead to many new discoveries at this site in the future.

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas americana), 13 July 2007, Kern Road,
Bald Mountain SGA, Oakland Co..
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

July 15
I met with Tom Bentley and Kelly at Lost Nation SGA to again look for C. mutica. This time successfully. Two were seen, one on each side of the road, both very fresh. I think mutica is at the front edge of its flight and anyone who wishes to see this species should GET OUT AND LOOK NOW. I plan to search intensely for this species at all known locations over the next few years to determine its actual status in MI. I also have my eye on a few potential new locations as well. Highlights from Lost Nation include J. coenia, L. bachmani (a first for me), P. progne, P. comma, P. interrogationis, B. a. astyanax, P. viator, E. dion, E. conspicuus, and L. dorcas (still some fresh ones).

Red Spotted Purple (astyanax), 15 July 2007, Lost Nation SGA.
photograph by Dwayne Badgero copyright © 2007

From there we headed to a location in Jackson Co. At this site highlights included several B selene myrina, B. bellona, S. appalachia, S. eurydice, E. dion, E. conspicuus, E. dukesi (vouchered), O. Poweshiek (vouchered), and P. viator.

July 16
Steve Katz joined me and we went to Rattalee Lake Rd. in Oakland Co. and searched intensely for C. mutica with out results. The habitat looks good although there isn't much Swamp Thistle present. If mutica occurs here it will be difficult to locate. I think we may have been early considering my experience at LNSGA a day earlier. Also mutica is very easy to overlook as one at LNSGA escaped even my sharp eye, but was spotted by Tom Bentley just a few minutes later in the exact spot where I had been standing. We then photographed this specimen for about 20 minutes and the entire time it stayed with in a 10 square foot area despite being flushed several times. Highlights from Rattalee Lk Rd. Several dozen L. dorcas still flying, one B. selene, S. eurydice, and one very fresh looking P. themistocles.

We also visited the Golden preserve to see if we could find another 2nd brood E. persius. No luck but E. baptisiae was very numerous (30+). Other Highlights were S, acadicum, S. titus, P. verna, and E. vestris metacomet.

From: Steve Katz, 19 July 2007,
So I went out in the field by my house to check my moth traps, and refill bait. and when I was walking, mind you I have a trap and bait in my hand, I look to my left there sits a Spicebush Swallowtail, so I'm like great, I forgot my net and jars. All I can think of is I take my shirt off and throw it over the b-fly and reach under and pinch it so now I'm walking shirtless with a bait trap and a jar of bait in my hands and a pinched swallowtail on the other hand. What a photo op. Well just wanted to share that with you.
[Note from OAP: I can just visualize the moment, and knowing you, what a sight! Thanks for revealing your enthusiasm.]

From: Todd Smith, 19 July 2007,

Went UP last weekend to Eastern UP. Saturday was rainy/cloudy all day. Sunday was better for a while until the showers started again, attached are some pics.

Pink-Edged Sulfurs on USFS 3344 very common, maybe some Clouded Sulfurs mixed in, too.

Butterflies on Greene Road north of Moran:

Monarch

Clouded Sulfur

Eastern Comma

Green Comma

Gray Comma

Mustard White

Pearl Crescent

Northern Pearly Eye

Eyed Brown

Atlantis Fritillary (and mated pair)

Aphrodite Fritillary (sorry forgot to get a pic) least common of the Fritillaries

Krautwurm's Fritillary (and mated pair)

Mourning Cloak

Red Admiral

Dun Skipper

Confused Hapola Moths - several

Highlight was a Green Darner Dragonfly capturing a Mourning Cloak, the dragonfly dropped to the ground on its back, and feasted on the butterfly. Notice in the pic that the head/antennae of the butterfly were not consumed.

Also a couple confused male Monarchs.

From: Brenda Dziedzic, 17 July 2007,
This is the results of the Ann Arbor butterfly count and a picture of four of us that were on the count.

From left to right, Roger Kuhlman, Brenda Dziedzic, John Swales, and Roger Wykes.
photograph by Brenda Dziedzic copyright © 2007

Below is the list of all butterflies seen on the 2007 Ann Arbor NABA count. A revision of totals shows we had 43 species for the day.

Coral Hairstreak 1
Red Admiral 29
Mulberry Wing 17
Black Dash 21
Pearl Crescent 5
Cabbage White 89
Northern Broken Dash 26
Delaware Skipper 26
Little Wood Satyr 69
Easte

Smithwick Island, Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA PASSAGE ISLAND North of Isle Royale, Lake Superior, MI. Here is trip for Michigan entomologists to plan!]

Smithwick Island, Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA

PASSAGE ISLAND North of Isle Royale, Lake Superior, MI.

Here is trip for Michigan entomologists to plan!]