Last Updated:  05 July, 2007 10:39 PM

From: Steve Katz, 30 June 2007:
Dwayne, I, my 2 year old son Tyler set out for a day in the field. We started our day at about 10:00 at Lost Nations SGA. A list of the butterflies and skippers present:
Great Spangled Fritillary
Baltimore Checkerspot
Appalachian Eyed Brown
Eastern Comma
Summer Azure
Checkered Skipper
Dorcas Copper
Silvery Checkerspot
Common Sulphur
Red Admiral
Cabbage Butterfly
Grey Comma
Mourning Cloak
Silver-spotted Skipper
Long Dash Skipper
Black Dash
Mulberry Wing
Delaware Skipper
Pearl Crescent
Dion Skipper
Alfalfa Butterfly
Then it was off to a fen. We were dropped off by the wife and son. The trip was a dangerous one (for me) though. After falling almost falling in the water going after a Monarch, sinking up to my knees once, then sinking up to my butt the second time, then jumping over the river into a tree. No Duke Skippers were seen but great habitat around. We did see and taped and took pictures of Mitchell Satyr. A lot of them flying around. Here is a list for the fen:
Great Spangled Fritillary
Baltimore Checkerspot
Appalachian Eyed Brown
Eyed Brown
Least Skipper
Red Admiral
Silver Spotted Skipper
Long Dash Skipper
Black Dash
Mulberry Wing
Delaware Skipper
Pearl Crescent
Dion Skipper
Silver Bordered Fritillary
Broad Winged Skipper
Monarch
Wood Satyr
Dun Skipper
Question Mark
Mustard White
We also took a Giant Swallowtail larva.

Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii), in flight, 30 June 2007 
photograph by Steve Katz copyright ©  2007


Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii), hanging, 30 June 2007 
photograph by Steve Katz copyright ©  2007


Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii), closeup, 30 June 2007 
photograph by Steve Katz copyright ©  2007


Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii), mating, 30 June 2007 
photograph by Steve Katz copyright ©  2007

Steve Katz took the photos witha a jvc gr-33us mini dv cam.

From: Dwayne Badgero, 29 June 2007:
Yesterday Steve Katz and I went to the site in Oakland Twp. where we previously collected the ringlet. We collected 5 species of hairstreaks in a large fairly open old field.  They were coral, banded, edwards, acadian, and hickory.
Also wondering what your plans are for the weekend?
[Note from OAP: I would like to go to Hillsdale and Lenawee counties for Dorcas Copper and Powesheik Skipperling, and some unvouchered sites for Dukes' Skipper. What say?]

[Added note from OAP: Whew, I caught up on lepalert reports!]

From: Mo, 29 June 2007:

From: Steve Katz, 28 June 2007:
I just thought I would add this picture of my June catches. I love spreading. Dwayne thinks I'm crazy.
[Note from OAP: It is an accomplishment to perfect the spreading of specimens!]
Well Dwayne is now home, we went out for a day of collecting. We started in Oakland Twp. We caught some Edwards' Hairstreak, a Baltimore, a few Azures, Question mark. It wasn’t the best day but I do know the Dwayne caught a few things that I cannot recall. We arrived at Kern Rd. in Lake Orion. Walking along the road we caught a few Baltimore, some brown eyed’s, a Great Spangled Fritillary and Dwayne caught me my 1^st Monarch, being as all I caught this year were Viceroys. We also spotted a few cocoons, and a Monarch caterpillar.

photograph by Steve Katz copyright ©  2007  

Report from: Brenda Dziedzic, 27 June 2007: 

June 23, 2007
2007 Lyon Oaks County Park Butterfly Count Results
 1  Tiger Swallowtail                3
 2  Cabbage White              86
 3  Clouded Sulphur             7
 4  Striped Hairstreak          3
 5  Banded Hairstreak           1
 6  Baltimore Checkerspot      51
 7  Great Spangled Fritillary  12
 8  Little Wood Satyr          10
 9  N. Pearly Eye               7
10  Summer Azure                1
11  Viceroy                     1
12  Red-spotted Purple          1
13  Red Admiral                 5
14  Gray Comma                  1
15  Mourning Cloak              1
16  Monarch                     2
17  Zabulon Skipper             1
18  Crossline Skipper           2
19  European Skipper          153
20  Delaware Skipper            3
               Total          351

From: Maria Albright, 27 June 2007:
The second flight has started.  Today I found one fresh male at Gun Club and one fresh male at Monroe Rd.
Happy searching everyone, let's hope we get some rain so there are some nectar sources left.
{Note from OAP: Thanks Maria for the report. It is interesting to note that on 27 June you sighted male Karner Blue (Lycaena melissa samuelis) and I observed the Northern Blue male on 24 June!)

From: OAP, 27 June 2007:
My wife, Grace, and I went to the MNA Calla C. Burr Memorial Plant Sanctuary on 26 June 2007.
I was surveying the site in anticipation of the flight of the Powesheik Skippering (Oarisma powesheik) and the Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas dorcas). Neither were encountered.

MNA Calla C. Burr Memorial Plant Sanctuary, 26 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Then on to the Oakland Land Conservancy property - Golden Preserve to see what is flying there.

Dry Sand Prairie in full bloom with Orange Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), at Golden Preserve. 
Edwards' Hairstreaks (Satyrodes edwardsii) were using the flowers, 26 June 2007.
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  


BUT, the sighting of the day was a Michigan Endangered Species…a Michigan EASTERN COUGAR (Felis concolor cougar).My report was:

On 27 June 2007 I saw the animal run on the trail from just North of the Oakland Land Conservancy – Golden Preserve (property on Clark Road) sign to the North. (Oakland County Town 4N R8E Section16.) A doe and a young deer came bounding out of the woodlot into the open field and into the next woodlot. I had a very good look at the cougar, but not long enough to take a photograph. I saw it as it ran ahead of me about 50 feet, stopped and turned to look back at me and then turned and continued to run along the two track to the North and out of sight. There was no question as to its identity as it was about 2.5 feet in height or more to the top shoulder, estimated weight was over 150 pounds being over 3 feet in length, a furry tail about 2 feet long. It was tan to gold in color with white on portion of the underside.
My report is on the Save The Cougar website:
http://www.savethecougar.org/  

For information about the Oakland Land Conservancy:

http://www.oaklandlandconservancy.org/preserves.htm

From: OAP, 27 June 2007:
My wife, Grace, and I traveled to the Upper Peninsula on June 22-24 to survey in particular for the Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabokovi). We had Lunch at Newberry at Pickelman's Pantry. 

Owen at Pickelman's Pantry, 22 June 2007, M-28 Newberry.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

We registered at the Country Inn Motel in Seney for the first night. In the morning we stopped first at the Historic Site on M-28 in Alger Co. on June 23. 

Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum), 23 June 2007, Historic Site, M-28, Alger County.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Soo Line Railroad view East from the historic Northern Blue & Dwarf Bilberry site, 
M-28, Alger Co., 23 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Then on to the Marquette Co. sites and to the McCormick Tract. I was successful at a Peshekee River site in Marquette Co by documenting the presence of one male specimen which provides documentation that the first of the flight period has begun. 

The Peshekee River adjacent, but not contiguous to where Dwarf Bilberry may be found.
North of M-28, 23 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum) fruiting, 23 June 2007, 
near the moist spot in the road where the Northern Blue was documented in Marquette County. 
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Then we crossed the Peshekee River Bridge at the McCormick Tract and took the trail north searching for Dwarf Bilberry. This took us over the branch of the Baraga Creek which was no easy task as the stones were slippery, but there were two logs strategically placed that allowed a person to side step across. Of course the tributary needed to traversed on the return trip and both Grace and I were "pooped" after the 5 mile trip in the searing heat approaching 90 degrees.

Grace crosses a tributary of the Baraga Creek, Marquette Co., 23 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

That night we stayed at the Best Western Motel in Ishpemhing, after having supper at the Country Inn Restaurant. The next morning we headed back east to check out the historic site in Alger County to ascertain if the Northern Blue had begun it flight period there.

Upon return to the Historic site in Alger County the survey marker which is located on the North side of the Soo Line Railroad at the intersection of Sections 32 and 33 provides the entrance to the historic site, 24 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

The major nectar source at the historic site is Orange Hawkweed, 24 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  


Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum) fruiting at the historic site, 24 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Phenology: flowers in May and June and fruits ripen in July-August
Habitat Description: openings in Pine Barrens
Michigan Counties: Alger, Dickinson, Keweenaw (Isle Royale), Marquette, Schoolcraft


Distribution map of Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum) & Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabokovi). 

We returned to Shingleton for lunch at the Woodlands Restaurant. And surprise...

As we sat down I recognized two gentlemen sitting at the next table, a party of six. I went over and said:
"I'm a member of the Ohio Lepidopterists Society." Whereupon the reply from one was, "Your Owen..."

Yes, for the second time in the Seney-Shingleton area I have had the occasion of encountering David Parshall and Jim Parkinson. We exchanged talk about what we were doing. It will be interesting to ascertain what David and Jim find in the way of Lepidoptera this week while in the U.P. With their prowess at coming up with unusual finds in Michigan, I wouldn't be surprise that they will do it again on this trip. I will be most interested in what observations they make pertaining to the Northern Blue. Having finished their meal, they departed.

Grace and I encountered this vehicle with Ohio license plate 740 SRU at the historic site on M-28.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007  

Michigan Entomological Society (MES) Election Results:
Thomas Wallenmaier was elected President-elect.
Steve Taber was elected Member-at-Large (07-10).
The two Constitutional Amendments passed.
Owen A. Perkins was elected Honorary Life Member.

From: OAP, 09 June 2007:

At the 52nd Annual Michigan Entomological Society Meeting held at Cran-Hill Ranch, Rodney, Mecosta Co.,    Ted Herig collected the larva of the Cherry Gall Azure on Wild Black Cherry leaf galls. 

L to R: Ted Herig and Bob Haack, 09 June 2007 recording with photograph 
the Cherry Gall Azure larva on the leaf of Wild Black Cherry, Mecosta Co.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007


Cherry Gall Azure (Celstrina serotina) larva, 09 June 2007, Mecosta Co.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

OAP followed Ted's instructions and the two larva gifted to OAP by Ted finished eating galls and transformed into the pupa stage on 20 June 2007.

Cherry Gall Azure (Celastrina serotina) pupae, 22 June 2007. 
OAP is still awaiting the emergence of the blues as of 27 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

A highlight for Owen A. Perkins at the MES meeting was the announcement by John Douglass, past-president,  that the membership had voted Honorary Life Membership to Owen.

    
L to R: John Douglass after presentation to Owen,   Owen the next morning looking for bright skies 
in order to survey in Montcalm County with Bob Kriegel. 09 and 10 June respectively, Cran-Hill Ranch.

Owen presented John Douglass with a Gold Medallion with Red-White-Blue Ribbon for his outstanding concern to a fellow member in a time of distress, when he accompanied Owen to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing on March 17 (during Breaking Diapause), consulted with the hospital staff pertaining to Owen's health after he was transported to the hospital by ambulance following a 911 call by Martin Andree, and remained until after Owen's wife, Grace, and son, Paul, arrived from Royal Oak. John's compassion, concern, and support was most appreciated! 

See the previous Report From OAP dated 16 June 2007 for the report of the Montcalm Co. Survey.

From: George Balogh, 23 June 2007:
Thanks.  Interesting the noctuids were taken at BL well after dark.  So if they are in WI/MI we have a chance
of finding them in BL traps placed in the right habitat.

From: Kyle E. Johnson, 23 June 2007:
The first L. secedens was collected at UV light, along a logging road through a raised bog with well-developed spruce bog forest areas [although with a fairly wide open strip from a powerline cut].  I think I walked between 1/8 and 1/4 mile out into the bog along the road (I was enjoying the convenience compared to other sites...but here is the disadvantage of roadside weeds/shrubs that make it more unclear what is coming from the peatland).  I collected the moth at 11:29pm, temps around 45F, under clear & calm skies.

The other L. secedens (June 12) were also collected at UV light; here along a path through a heavily timbered black spruce stand of a raised bog (well in the bog interior).  This path was simply cleared of spruce, so it did not add "extraneous plants" to the sampling.  I collected 4; they showed up between 11:03pm and 12:28am, under overcast skies, with temps around 65-70F/calm.  I also collected the L. taigata at light here, but did not note the time (it did not stand out like the secedens!).

That night I was looking for crepuscular moths; Eufidonia discospilata were abundant, but I didn't confirm anything else.  I did see at least one fast noctuid, but it was hopelessly out of reach.  Also, a good crop of mosquitoes made it difficult to search effectively!

From: George Balogh, 23 June 2007:
Kyle,
Great work.  How were these moths collected?  At BL or at dusk and at what time in the evening?  In the middle of bog habitat?

From: Kyle E. Johnson, 23 June 2007:
Just wanted to let you know that Don Lafontaine, Louis Handfield, and Lars Crabo all confirmed the identity of Lasionycta secedens, collected June 1 at the "Deer River Line Bog" in Koochiching County, Minnesota (E of Big Falls).  Per the above the only known continental U.S. locality was from northern Maine (Mt. DeBoulie).  [perhaps also at high altitude in the western U.S., but I'll have to hear from Lars]

On June 12 at the "Rapid River Road Bog" in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, I collected more Lasionycta secedens.  AND, I collected what Don Lafontaine and Lars Crabo have just confirmed as Lasionycta taigata.  Per Lars this is the only continental U.S. record outside of northern Maine.

Lasionycta secedens, June 1, 2007 at the "Deer River Line Bog" 
in Koochiching County, Minnesota (E of Big Falls).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007  

Lasionycta taigata, June 12, 2007 at the "Rapid River Road Bog" 
in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007  

Thus far I have collected the above from large "raised bogs" with well developed forested crests of black spruce (I had high hopes of Erebia mancinus at both places, but no luck yet).  In our area they may be limited to the northern tier of MN counties, but there are at least a couple places in Wisconsin/Michigan that are worth a look (Milchesky Road area in Douglas Co, WI and Kenton area in Houghton Co, MI...and yes I suppose Isle Royale but that doesn't count because it's really Canada...I don't care what the maps say!). {Note from OAP: I care. Ha!]

From: Harry D. King, 21 June 2007:
I belong to Carolina leps down here and one of the features is that when you send in an e-mail of interest it goes out to all the membership. What a difference between MI and NC. As of late these folk here have been excited because they found the Delaware Skipper in Price Park , a European Skipper was seen last week in one of the Mountain Counties another rarity. As of lately they are all running to Madison County to see the Baltimore Checkerspot also a rare bug here and I could go on and on; Giant swallowtail, Dion Skipper, Meadow Fritillary and others. Just figured you might get a kick out of it.

From: OAP, 21 June 2007:
Please view the photographs that go with my reports of June 16 at the Bald Mountain SGA in Oakland County and of June 18 at Lost Nations SGA in Hillsdale County and the MNA Goose Creek Grasslands in Lenawee County.

From: OAP, 21 June 2007:
My wife, Grace, and are are leaving in the morning for the Upper Peninsula to survey for the Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabakovi) and the host foodplant, Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum).

  
L: Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabakovi) male dorsal, 
R: Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabakovi) female dorsal, Shingleton historic site, Alger Co., 19 July 2003
R: photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007


Northern Blue (Lycaeides idas nabakovi) female ventral, Shingleton historic site, Alger Co., 19 July 2003
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

Go to this site for Michigan Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum) information and distribution:
http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/botany/Vaccinium_cespitosum.pdf

Dwarf Bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum)

From: OAP, 20 June 2007:
Grace and I attended the fourth meeting of the Southeastern Michigan Butterfly Association (SEMBA) of which we are members, http://www.sembabutterfly.com , held at the Detroit Zoological Park this evening. It was most enjoyable, informative, and well received. We were treated to an illustrated  "talk" by the Associate Curator of Invertebrates at the Detroit Zoo, a member of SEMBA, Laura Palombi, on the Karner Blue Butterfly and the recovery program she is coordinating to reintroduce the species to the Petersburg SGA in Monroe County. 
Thank you Laura for a delightful evening.

                                                                        
photograph by Jay Levin copyright ©  2007                               Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaena melissa samuelis)
jlevin@wayne.edu

From: Harry D. King, 20 June 2007:
Diana locations:
Down here (Greensboro NC) I am less than 300 miles from the Coopers Creek Area in Georgia to the South and less than 250 miles from the West Virginia / Virginia locations in the North and all the rest is some where in between. Everything is pretty much a day trip if you want it to be (from Michigan). 

THE RACE AFTER A BUTTERFLY 

There is much that is pleasing about “first things”. I shall never forget the first dollar I earned; the first trout I took with my fly; the first muskalonge I gaffed beside my canoe on a still Canadian lake; the first voyage I made across the Atlantic. So I shall never forget my first capture of a female specimen of Argynnis diana.

My home in my boyhood was in North Carolina, in the village of Salem, famous as one of the most successful of the settlements made by the Moravian Brethren under the lead of the good Count Zinzendorf, and well known throughout the Southern States as the seat of an excellent seminary for young ladies. The Civil War broke out, and the hopes cherished of sending me North to be educated were disappointed. I was left to pursue my studies under a tutor, and to roam the neighborhood in quest of insects, of which I gathered a large collection.

One day I spied upon a bed of verbenas a magnificent butterfly with broad expanse of wing and large blue spots upon the secondaries. In breathless haste I rushed into the house and got my net. To the joy of my heart, when I returned to the spot, the beauty was still hovering over the crimson blossoms. But, as I drew near with fell intent, it rose and sailed away. Across the garden, over the fence, across the churchyard, out into the street, with leisurely flight the coveted prize sped its way, while I quickly followed, net in hand. Once upon the dusty streets, its flight was accelerated; my rapid walking was converted into a run. Down past the church and – horrible dictu! – past the boarding-school that pesky butterfly flew. I would rather have faced a cannonade in those days than a bevy of boarding-school misses, but there was no alternative. There were the dreaded females at the windows (for it was Saturday, and vacation hour), and there was my butterfly. Sweating, blushing, inwardly anathematizing my luck, I rushed past the school, only to be overwhelmed with mortification by the rascally porter of the institution, who was sweeping the pavement, and who bawled out after me: “Oh, it’s no use; you can’t catch it. It’s frightened; you’re so ugly!” And now it began to rise in its flight. It was plainly my last chance, for it would in a moment be lost over the housetops. I made an upward leap, and by a fortunate sweep of the net succeeded in capturing my prize.

Many years later, after a long interval in which ornithology and botany had engrossed my mind to the exclusion of entomology, my boyish love for the butterflies was renewed, and I found out the name of the choice thing I had captured on that hot July day on the streets of Salem, and returned to North Carolina for the special purpose of collecting a quantity of these superb insects. My quest was entirely successful, though my specimens were not taken at Salem, but under the shadow of Mount Mitchell, in the flower-spangled valleys which lie at its feet.

1898    from The Butterfly Book    By W. J. Holland

Report From: Maria Albright - DNR Allegan SGA, 19 June 2007:
I don't know how many of you might be interested in this or how long it will last but...

There seems to have been a huge emergence of Red Admirals south of Fennville in the last day or so.  There are literally thousands of them on 118th Avenue and in the parking lot at the Farm Unit.  I've also heard from other folks on the south side of Fennville who have noted them as well.  It may be more widespread but that's what we've seen so far.  I do not recall ever seeing this many at one time before.

[Note from OAP: See Report From John C. Farmer below. He experienced similar emergence on 6/18 !
This is similar to the migration outbreak in June 2001.]

From: John C. Farmer, 19 June 2007:

From: Harry D. King, 18 June 2007:
Went to Madison Co. North Carolina today and saw 3 male Speyeria diana on a Mountain Road .  No flowers to speak of to attract butterflies.

I then crossed over into Greene Co., Tennessee about 4-5 miles and along an other Mountain Road I found Butterfly Weed blooming there.  I vouchered Papilio philenor, male and female, Speyeria cybele females and several both male and female Speyeria diana.  I had never collected Diana in Tennessee before.  They were just coming out and if I can get back there next week I would expect to see some good numbers.  

    
Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana), male on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa),
Greene Co., Tennessee about 4-5 miles from Madison County, North Carolina, 
along another Mountain Road, 19 June 2007. 
photographs by Harry D. King copyright ©  2007

    
Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana), male on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa),
Greene Co., Tennessee about 4-5 miles from Madison County, North Carolina, 
along an other Mountain Road, 19 June 2007. 
photographs by Harry D. King copyright ©  2007

    
Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana), male on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa),
Greene Co., Tennessee about 4-5 miles from Madison County, North Carolina, 
along an other Mountain Road, 19 June 2007. 
photographs by Harry D. King copyright ©  2007

Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana) was found on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa),
Greene Co., Tennessee about 4-5 miles from Madison County, North Carolina, 
along an other Mountain Road, 19 June 2007. 
photographs by Harry D. King copyright ©  2007

    
Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana) was found on this Mountain Road in Greene Co., Tennessee, 
on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), 19 June 2007. 
photographs by Harry D. King copyright ©  2007

From: OAP, 18 June 2007:

My wife and I traveled to the Lost Nations SGA in Lenawee County and the MNA Goose Creek Grassland in Lenawee County today to survey in anticipation of the emergence of the Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas) the Powesheik Skipperling (Oarisma powesheik), and the Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis mutica). 

          
Lost Nations SGA, Trail Road, R: view East and L: view W, 18 June 2007
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

          
Lost Nations SGA, L: View S at entrance to fen and R: View S in fen, 18 June 2007
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

    
Lost Nations SGA, L: View N from in S fen and R: View N at entrance to fen, 18 June 2007
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

Lost Nations SGA, lone blossom on Brown-eyed Susan, 
a favorite nectar source for both the Dorcas Copper and the Swamp Metalmark, 18 June 2007
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

    
MNA Goose Creek Grasslands, L: sign and R: grasslands, 18 June 2007
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

    
MNA Goose Creek Grasslands, L: unknown flower, sedge/grass and 
R: Shrubby cinquefoil with first flowers in fen, 18 June 2007
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007


MNA Goose Creek Grasslands, View SW from hill towards entrance, 18 June 2007
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007


MNA Goose Creek Grasslands, View NW from entrance towards hill, 18 June 2007
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

From: Brenda Dziedzic (Southeast Michigan Butterfly Association), Westland, MI, 17 June 2007:
[Note from OAP: Brneda's name is pronounced - dee zick]

I participated in the Karner blue butterfly survey with the U.S. Forest Service Baldwin Ranger Station. It’s a wonderful thing that’s being done, the restoration of 20,000 acres for the KBB. 
Lake Co., 24 May 2007.
photograph by Brenda Dziedzic copyright ©  2007

Dr. Heather Keough (right), who is in charge of the project, and I, Brenda Dziedzic (left),
monitored the Otto area which is within the Manistee National Forest.
Lake Co., 25 May 2007.
photograph by Brenda Dziedzic copyright ©  2007

Karner Blue Butterflies (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
25 May 2007. Newaygo Co.
photograph by Brenda Dziedzic copyright ©  2007

Sky, temperature, and wind, using the Beaufort wind scale, conditions were noted. Other observations which were recorded were savannas, KBB’s, lupine, and first flight nectar sources. Coordinates for each of these were obtained using a G.P.S. The information obtained from the survey will determine where the restoration will take place.

Volunteer opportunities are still available for the month of July. In July, during the second flight of the Karner blue butterfly, volunteers will be counting KBB’s to determine how many are in occupied sites. Habitat surveys will also be conducted. If you’re interested in participating contact Dr. Heather Keough at 231 745-4631 x 3114 or hkeough@fs.fed.us.

From: OAP, 16 June 2007:
My wife and I traveled to the Bald Mountain Recreation Area today to survey in anticipation of the emergence of the Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas). The Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) and the Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) were present in numbers at the Kern Road fen. The Baltimores were the most common lep flying about 4:30 P.M. This is the site where I desire to document the presence of the Dorcas Copper for the University of Maine project (details later). This is the site where I collected the Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis mutica) 01 August 1954 on both the East and West side of Kern Road.

    
Bald Mountain SGA, Kern Road, Cinquefoil fen lone blossom, 16 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

    
Bald Mountain SGA, Kern Road, Cinquefoil fen, View North & View South, 16 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

    
Bald Mountain SGA, Kern Road, Cinquefoil fen, Views East, 16 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

         
Bald Mountain SGA, Kern Road, Cinquefoil fen, View West & Baltimore Checkerspot, 
View East with Song Sparrow, 16 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

From: Barb Barton, 16 June 2007:
Nice find Mr. Swales!

Barb Barton, M.S., Endangered Species Biologist, Zoology, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-1552 office; (734) 576-8427 cell; (517) 373-6705 fax

From: John Swales, 16 June 2007:
One (Ornate Ringlet) at Hawkcrest in W. Ann Arbor on Sunday 6/17,  found by Judy Lobato and me. My first for SE Michigan. How many county records is that, Roger? Also a very fresh Gray Comma. Northern Broken Dash flying at Greenview.

From: George Balogh, 11 June 2004:
[Note from OAP: This Report was delayed so as to follow the Report from Owen and Bob for 10 June 2007.]

Thanks for your help in finding locations in the Flat River SGA.

Somehow I missed finding the Lupine spots.  I checked a number of dry sandy fields including uplands with oak and jack pine.  Many of the typical barren/sand prairies plants were seen (including Phlox pilosa) as
found further north in Montcalm Co., but somehow the Lupine escaped my notice.  Is it very local at FRSGA?  Can you give me more specific directions? [Note from OAP: It is local and I will provide specifics.]

Second, Snows Lake Road has a great collection of plants originating from a mixture of habitats and would be a good place to search for a variety of moths to rear.  I even saw a few plants of the Indian Plantain that Ron Priest spoke about at the (MES) meeting but no leaf miners spotted.  By the way when we met on the road you had just passed a clump of shrubs in full flower near a small stream.  Bob thought it was Spirea but actually it is Ninebark.  In May I visited the Lost Nation SGA where that shrub is common along the side of the trail 
through the fen where C. mutica is found in order to look for larvae of an undescribed Olethreutes that Loran Gibson is working on.  I think I found larvae and am attempting to rear them through.  There was webbing on the FR-SGA Ninebark but I think larval feeding is done by now in the field.  The shrub is also the host of two local geometrids, Macaria abruptata and Eulithis mollicularia (as far as known the geos are monophagus).

I visited the H. ottoe field.  There are other plants of interest there including a few Penstemon hirsutus, New Jersey Tea, etc.  The field reminds me of similar habitats in the Allegan Forest.  However, to my eye there are 
significant differences. In the largest opening I think I could appreciate the many clumps of grass with old
spreading sprays of grey spent seed heads that may be the Fall Witch Grass you mentioned. What is unusual is the lack of Little Blue Stem grass in the large field, a very common grass at the Allegan locations.  I did spot some Little Bluestem in a small opening on my way to the large field.  Also, I wonder what could serve as a 
nectar source at the FR-SGA site.  I did not see Prickly Pear Cactus or Butterfly Weed which seem to be the
two big nectar sources in Allegan SGA.  There were scattered plants of Bluntleaf Milkweed (A. amplexicaulis), actually more than I can ever remember seeing in one spot before, but that plant is already in bloom so I wonder if it will still be providing nectar in 2-4 weeks. In the large field there were a few small green grassy bowls that 
remind me of O. chryxus habitat.  Has it ever been found there? [Note from OAP: It has been vouchered in Montcalm Co., but I would defer to Mo Nielsen as to any from the Ottoe Skipper site.]

In last (above) message I mention the milkweed A. amplexicaulis. I just pulled out Voss and am not quite sure I have that ID right. I used pictures in "Wildflowers and Weeds" of Courtenay and Zimmerman. There is no distribution dot in Montcalm Co in Voss but there are in adjacent counties.  The aspect of the plant and esp. the wavy leaf edges like that of the picture in the wildflower guide.

Sand Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis)

From: OAP, 16 June 2007:
On Sunday, 10 June 2007, in the company of Robert D. "Bob" Kriegel, we left the Michigan Entomological Meeting at the Cran Hill Ranch, Rodney, Mecosta Co. and on the way south (home) we stopped together in Montcalm Co. where I introduced Bob to the Lupine sites where I had been several weekends previously.
We went first to the Whitefish Rd. site, just south of the Mecosta - Montcalm Co line., then to the Whitefish and Cutler Rd site, on to the Tamarack Rd. site where we collected for awhile, mostly skippers (details after they come off the spreading boards). 

L: Coreopsis has replaced Lupine as the most plentiful flower at the Tamarack Rd. site. Just a few Lupine remain in bloom, the rest have gone to seed. R: View west along Tamarack Rd., from here to the top of the hill is the Lupine patch. Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007.
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

While at this site we meet the land owner of a portion of the property and his daughter. We exchanged pleasantries and he was very thoughtful and considerate and interested in the survey in which we were engaged.

Landowner along Tamarack Road., 10 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

We then moved on to some potential sites referred to us by our new acquaintances and then finally to Gates Road. This is the site at which in previous weeks (see previous reports in May) we had observed Erynnis persius and Lycaeides melissa samuelis, both of whom have Lupine as the host plant, and the flowering plant: Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa).

    
L: Gates Road Lupine site; R: Lupine has gone to seed, Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

   
L: Gates Road Lupine site with Prickly Pear Cactus buds ready to bloom soon; 
R: Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), female, Gates Rd., Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photographs by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

 
Gates Road Lupine site with the ever present ant mounds 
that are present at dry sand prairies, Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007.
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

Lupine has gone to seed, Gates Rd., Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photograph by Robert D. Kriegel copyright ©  2007

    
L: Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), female, Gates Rd., Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
R: Owen A. Perkins, who has guided his colleagues to the Gates Road site in May and June to survey for the Frosted Elfin (Incisalia irus), Persius Dusky Wing (Erynnis persius), and the Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) , all of whom host on Lupine (Lupine perennis), Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photographs by Robert D. Kriegel copyright ©  2007

Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), female, Gates Rd., Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photograph by Robert D. Kriegel copyright ©  2007

Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa), Gates Road, Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007. 
photograph by Robert D. Kriegel copyright ©  2007

Before leaving Montcalm Co. we stopped at the Montcalm Ottoe Skipper site.

Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia Ottoe) site in Montcalm Co., 10 June 2007
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia Ottoe) site in Montcalm Co., 13 June 2007
photograph by Owen A. Perkins copyright ©  2007

From: Jack Reinoehl, 14 June 2007 to John C. Farmer: 
John,
Thanks very much for the early record. I appreciate all records for my Michigan Birds and Natural History yearly account.
I've also had some quite early appearances in the last week 
              Little Glassy Wing on June 4 in Gratiot (also somewhat far north)
              Banded Hairstreak June 14 (earlier than I've seen it in the past) in Lenawee.

Black Swallowtail, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007


Cabbage White, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Orange Sulfur (alba form), Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Delaware Skipper, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Great Spangled Fritillary, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Great Spangled Fritillary, mated pair, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Hoary Edge, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Hoary Edge, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Little Glassywing, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Northern Cloudywing, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Southern Cloudywing, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Silver Spotted Skipper, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Spicebush Swallowtail, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Summer Azure, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Tiger Swallowtail, Petersburg SGA, Monroe Co, 15 June 2007

Baltimore Checkerspot, Embury Road, Washtenaw Co., 15 June 2007
photographs by Todd Smith copyright ©  2007

From: Emily in China, 15 June 2007:
My friends:
Thank you very much for your answer about Apamea, They are very useful for me .I clicked to the website you have given to me. That's  a very wonderful website  I think.(Big smile). I have learned that several species of Apamea's sex pheromone compound have been found. For example  Apamea anceps, Apamea indela   Z11-16Ac    200 Z11-16OH    50  Z11-16Al    1 ,Apamea lateritia,  Apamea monoglypha (Hufnagel,), Apamea oblonga (Haworth,), Apamea sordens (Hufnagel,). But I can't get more information from them. That means I don't know how to get the articles the authors have wrote about the process of extract pheromones in genus Apamea.or if you know someone who have done some experiments about sex pheromone extract in genus Apamea, can you tell me how to communicate with them , ok?
Thanks. Best wishes

From: Steve from Kansas, 14 June 2007:
I need about 15 Cecropia ova to rear.  Can anyone supply?
Thanks, - Steve from Kansas,
Stephen.Kinder@kcc.usda.gov

From: Kyle E. Johnson, 12 June 2007:
Field Update from Kyle Johnson (June 7-10)
In the past couple weeks I tried repeatedly to find Erebia mancinus in my study area (Glacial Lake Agassiz peatlands in northern Minnesota), but no results.  It was time to reinvestigate the lair of the beast.  The eve of June 6^th I left my study region on a four day journey to northeast Minnesota’s “Arrowhead” to the few known E. mancinus localities in the state...and continental U.S. for that matter!  So began the “Search for the Holy Grail”.

June 7:  The first day of the journey I was not alone.  That morning I met up with Dwayne Badgero and Don Rolfs at McDonald’s in Two Harbors.  I was giving them a tour of “mancinus country” before they headed out to Washington.  Dwayne’s big hope today was to find Erebia mancinus.

Before noon we arrived at what I call the “Lumberjack Bog”, south of Greenwood Lake in Lake County.  Erebia mancinus was not known from here, but I was anxious to investigate the area as it would be a slightly different habitat type.  I had previously vouchered such species as Boloria freija and Erebia discoidalis, so I thought it would be good place to start until weather improved (an ominous gray completely covered the sky)...perhaps Dwayne could get his first B. freija!

In the first half hour or so we flushed the common peatland geos Macaria truncataria, Eufidonia discospilata, Ematurga amitaria, and Hethemia pistaciaria.  Don got a few “firsts” out of this bunch.

Don Rolfs pulls a moth out of his net while Dwayne Badgero swats a mosquito (there were a “few” buzzing around!) at the Lumberjack Bog (Lake Co, MN).
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

Early on we had a bit of fine drizzle...but the hardy peatland geos didn’t mind.  Further in we reached a spruce stand which had caught my attention.  Although more open than known E. mancinus habitats, the large pole-like spruce trees and Labrador tea dominated understory (with good Carex sedge patches) gave me high hopes for the critter...only if the sun would come out!  Dwayne caught an Oeneis jutta flushed from the stand.  We then hiked back toward our vehicles.  The plan was to visit a known E. mancinus site first, and hopefully come back here later.  On our way back hints of sun broke through the clouds.  At the junction of two winter logging paths I decided to remove the mosquito netting (getting warm!)...and that is when a large black bobbing shape crossed the path in the distance.  Dwayne saw it too.  Off we dashed, but it vanished in the spruces.  Almost certainly it was Erebia mancinus!

Dwayne standing along the winter logging path where we saw a likely Erebia manincus cross; it vanished into the spruces on the right.  Part of Don visible in the far right!
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

No way were we leaving after that!  Plus more and more bits of sun broke through the clouds.  So back we went to the spruce stand I had spied earlier.  After little time I vouchered Oeneis jutta.  I had previously muttered to Dwayne that mancinus would probably fly right in front of me when I’m writing in my notebook, since such creatures will often take advantage of your vulnerable moments.  And so it happened.  As I was writing data in my notebook on the O. jutta capture, a nice looking Erebia mancinus flew slowly right in front of me!  MANCINUS!  MANCINUS!   I called out.  Up went the notebook, the pen, and the GPS.  The startled mancinus flew up, and I briefly lost sight of it.  Dwayne looked around in a frenzy, not knowing where it was, but eventually caught sight and joined the chase.  I suddenly realized I had a GPS and notebook lying somewhere in the bog...best not to continue!  Dwayne followed the mancinus into the spruces as I searched for lost gear.  The mancinus escaped, but at least I found my notebook and GPS...that pen is still out there, though!!!

            We now knew that Erebia mancinus was here...a new site!  But we needed the voucher.  Luckily the weather was kind, with more and more sun showing.  I first had to finish recording data on that Oeneis jutta...not easy knowing Erebia mancinus is on the loose!  Finally done, I was ready for the hunt.  Dwayne went more in the direction of the first mancinus, I went straight for the largest spruce stands, and Don covered the rear.  The adrenaline was flowing as I deliberately made my way through the park-like spruce stands.  Eyes were sharp for anything black and mysterious.  Another spruce stand, another jutta.  Another spruce stand, another jutta.  Another spruce stand...and suddenly there it was, the beast of lore.  Hands were shaking as it neared.  It seemed ready to dive into a spruce clump when I swung...in the net!!!  THIS IS A NEW SITE, 6^TH IN THE STATE. 

Area where I vouchered Erebia mancinus at the Lumberjack Bog, Lake County, MN.  This is a NEW SITE, 6^th IN THE STATE.  This is the most open habitat I’ve seen for E. mancinus in MN, though the vegetation is nearly identical.  The spruce bog forest is quite open, with large scattered pole-like trees (25-30’ tall, 3-6” dbh).  The understory is dominated by Labrador tea with scattered sedge (likely Carex trisperma) patches, and sparse leatherleaf and blueberry.  Creeping snowberry and small cranberry hug the Sphagnum, and Smilacina trifolia is common in the hollows.  Scattered small bushy spruces are also present.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

 I called out but neither Dwayne nor Don was in earshot.  Later Don ran into me, and almost immediately another mancinus appeared amongst the spruces.  I told Don to go for it but it moved out of reach.  I then tried to run it down for Don, but almost waited too long.  Chasing them is not easy work.  Erebia mancinus may fly slowly, but they are masters of their habitat and can use it against you.  It was a full minute or two of jumping over fallen spruces and diving through thick clumps of small bushy trees...but I finally got it in the end.  Dwayne later joined us.  He had not yet gotten his quarry.  We continued working the stand.  Soon Dwayne flushed and caught his first Erebia mancinus, a lifer!  Now Don had to get his.  Erebia mancinus seem to know who’s after them; they stayed clear of Don, but would fly right by me!  Finally after much work and many tries, Don caught his first E. mancinus, another lifer.  And to top it off, Dwayne vouchered his first Boloria freija on the hike back.  It was a great day for all of us!

 

Dwayne Badgero collects his first Erebia mancinus, a lifer!  As far as I know (historical data per Ron Huber & Robert Dana) Dwayne is the SEVENTH person to voucher Erebia mancinus within the Continental U.S.  Don Rolfs would be the EIGHTH.  “Erora laetus Club” members eat your hearts out!
photos © Kyle Johnson 2007

[Note from OAP: It may be a lifer but it is NOT from Michigan, that will be the day!]

Kyle leaning against one of the large pole-like spruces characteristic of good Erebia mancinus habitat.  Labrador tea dominates the understory.  Sedge patches (likely Carex trisperma) are numerous, though not visible in the photo.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

June 8:  Dwayne and Don were now far to the west, likely around the Black Hills.  I spent the entire day investigating the new Erebia mancinus site we had discovered the previous day.  That day I had counted a very conservative ten individuals...big numbers!  So naturally I expected to see far more on this day.  But it didn’t work out that way.  Although mostly sunny and no rain, the day was cooler, with temps topping out around 65°F.  That alone I don’t think hindered the mancinus activity (65°F is nice!).  But there was a good breeze going through the bog forest.  At any rate, the Erebia mancinus just weren’t in the flying mood this day.  I only counted six.  Of these, only one was actively patrolling (male); the rest were flushed.  In places where yesterday I saw several in minutes today I was seeing nothing.  Quite odd.  But this low activity had its payoffs.  I flushed & netted a nice female which I kept for eggs.  Upon putting her in a jar, I noticed she was not fluttering at all, but simply sat there with wings spread open.  Hmmm...don’t see these critters with their wings open very often.  So I decided to risk it and let her free.  I couldn’t believe it.  She didn’t try to fly away.  Mostly just sat there, or walked around a little bit.  Didn’t even mind a little poking for a better pose!  The perfect photographic opportunity...except for the mosquitoes and deer flies landing in numbers on my hands!

Female Erebia mancinus at the Lumberjack Bog, Lake County, MN (June 8, 2007).  This is the first time I have seen one sit with the wings spread open.
photos © Kyle Johnson 2007

 Aside from looking for Erebia mancinus themselves I was also looking closely at their habitat, and in particular what they could be using for a host.  Erebia is general use grasses and sedges.  Here it would have to be sedges.  GRASSES DO NOT GROW IN ACID BOGS!!!  Two sedges seemed to be prevalent in Erebia mancinus habitat; both apparently Carex spp.  The more common of the two I identified as Carex trisperma (it was in fruit, but I’ll leave the final say to a sedge expert!).  Carex trisperma is characteristic of forested spruce bogs.  The other sedge I just don’t know.

Handful of sedges from Erebia mancinus habitat.  This bunch I identified as Carex trisperma.  Although many bogs support “grassy” vegetation, these plants are SEDGES, not grasses.  Grasses are absent from acid bog, uncommon in poor fens, and compose only a limited part of the richer fen flora.photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

 Aside from the “usuals” at the Lumberjack Bog (including a couple worn B. freija) I vouchered both Junonia coenia (spotted by Dwayne the previous day) and Pontia protodice...must’ve been a southern wind blowing in that bog!  In the evening I made my way east in search of new Erebia mancinus sites.  Camped out at Osier Lake southwest of Isabella.  Quite a beautiful lake, reminiscent of my times in Ontario.  The sound of calling loons filled the night...always delightful!

Sunset at Osier Lake in Lake County, MN.
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

 June 9:  I spent the first half of the day searching a large peatland complex around Spruce Lake in Lake County.  Hiking in along the RR tracks I found two Pyrgus communis, and OVER TEN Junonia coenia!  Not something you expect to see up in the Arrowhead.  I spent about two hours in the peatland complex itself.  Oeneis jutta were abundant in the black spruce poor swamp forest, and in a wet bog birch/bog willow poor fen opening found a worn Boloria freija and a fairly worn Boloria frigga (no acid bog here for B. freija...fairly flat as well!).  Following a narrow path through quite shady black spruce bog/poor swamp forest I was taken by surprised as a male Erebia mancinus crossed in front of me!  THIS IS A NEW SITE, 7^TH IN THE STATE.

Area where I found Erebia mancinus at the Spruce Lake Bog, Lake County, MN.  THIS IS A NEW SITE, 7^TH IN THE STATE.  Habitat here is a quite shady black spruce bog (or near bog poor swamp) forest with large trees (25-40’ tall).  The understory is dominated by Labrador tea with creeping snowberry, Smilacina trifolia, leatherleaf, and scattered sedge patches (likely Carex trisperma).  Smaller bushy spruces are present in the understory.  Erebia mancinus can readily vanish in such a habitat!
photo © Kyle Johnson 2007

 Afterwards I visited a few small but promising habitat patches along Hwy. 1 around Isabella.  No luck, but there were just quick stops.  Around 4:00pm I hit my final destination, a new section of the massive Sand Lake Bog Complex (largest peatland in NE Minnesota).  A few miles away in a different part of this peatland Ron Huber first discovered Erebia mancinus in MN back in 1970.  In 2005 I rediscovered it near Ron’s original area (last seen 1982).  Today I was looking for new areas within the peatland; E. mancinus were highly localized where I found them previously.  This stop started like past experiences at the Sand Lake Bog...lots of black flies!  This place has to be the black fly capitol of MN.  Numerous cold streams & rivers (black fly larval habitat) run through the area, including the Sand River, which runs right through the peatland.  Black flies emerge from the streams, and get blown about by the