This is about a butterfly-hunting expedition that took place last June.
November may seen like an odd time to be writing about butterflies. Yet, it is not uncommon for those who are busy with field work during the warmer months to use the colder months to identify finds, reflect on consequences, and write reports.
This has been the case with Janice Arndt. Last June 21st, I was privileged to spend the day with her as she searched for butterflies, some of them uncommon, for the Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program. A number of earlier postings arose from this one-day jaunt with Janice: butterfly symposium, an uncommon common, lizard, forb eating pair, and pond skater strikes. All in all, a grand day.
The results of Janice’s assessment still await the report, but below are the remaining nine butterflies I photographed, now all identified.
Boisduval’s Blue
Common Ringlet
Hydaspe Fritillary
Lorquin’s Admiral
Northern Crescent
Pacuvius Duskywing
Purplish Copper
Satyr Comma
Variable Checkerspot
A refreshing summer sight for this dreary pre winter weather. Beautiful.
Lorna, it strains the credulity that only short months ago, our world was filled with such colourful jewels.
Boisduval’s Blue is utterly stunning! What an absolutely gorgeous butterfly. Is it rare?
Marie, my reference sources suggest that it is to be found in the interior south of the Province. However, it lives in unconnected colonies in grassy forest meadows. The result being that it may abound one place, but be absent a short distance away.
The Hydaspe Fritillary looks like a ballerina! And I agree with Lorna – it was very refreshing to see some summer sights.
Leone, each time I receive a comment from either Leone or Lorna, I have to pause and think to myself: Ok, this is the one who lives on the South Arm, and that is the one on the North Arm—or is it the other way around? It’s all so confusing. Maybe I should confine myself to distinguishing among sparrows. Chuckle.
They’re stunning. And this is really helpful to see them so close(ly) with their true names. Well,
not their truest true names – which is another matter altogether.