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23 Jul RE: Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting ["Mark Walker" ] 23 Jul AZ: Pima Canyon, Pima County ["Philip" ] 23 Jul Fw: [leps-talk] Great Copper paper [] 22 Jul Turning a bad day into a good one. [] 22 Jul Re: Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting [] 22 Jul Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting ["fsmodel" ] 21 Jul Great Copper paper [] 21 Jul Southern Arizona Mothing Help ["christy.howie" ] 21 Jul Great Copper (L. xanthoides) [] 21 Jul Fw: [DesertLeps] Colorado Rockies Part 1 - Arctics [] 20 Jul Colorado Photos [Todd Stout ] 20 Jul Colorado Part 4 - Blues ["tbentley13" ] 20 Jul Colorado Part 2 - Ringlets and a Parnassian ["tbentley13" ] 20 Jul Colorado Rockies Part 1 - Arctics ["tbentley13" ] 20 Jul Colorado Part 3 - Checkerspots ["tbentley13" ] 19 Jul Boyce Thompson Arboretum - central AZ [chris kline ] 16 Jul AZ: Catalina State Park, Pima County ["Philip" ] 15 Jul P.A benwarner ["Nancy Hansen" ] 14 Jul Alberta Canada Contacts ["Carl Swafford" ] 13 Jul AZ: Sierra Anchas, Gila County ["Philip" ] 12 Jul Re: ARIZONA SISTERS in California ["hesperioidea" ] 11 Jul Fresno Dome #3 [] 10 Jul One addition to Fresno Dome [] 10 Jul Fresno Dome Camp-Fresno Dome area [] 8 Jul Re: Fw: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. [Alex Grkovich ] 8 Jul Fw: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. [] 5 Jul July 11 and 12 Meeting of Pacific Slope Lepidopterists ["Bruce Webb" ] 4 Jul Jacumba-Buckman Springs, San Diego Co. [SHIRAIWA KOJIRO ] 4 Jul Callophrys specimens wanted [SHIRAIWA KOJIRO ] 4 Jul Sherman Pass fire recovery [] 03 Jul East Clear Creek-Central AZ ["marcelinevandewater" ] 03 Jul Re: Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying ["Bill Dempwolf" ] 2 Jul Added comments on the Kernville meeting; [] 2 Jul Re: Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying [Bruce Walsh ] 2 Jul Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying [] 2 Jul Frazier Park, CA - July 1 [SHIRAIWA KOJIRO ] 1 Jul Tehachapi Fritillary-extinct? [] 1 Jul Kernville meeting, part 5. [] 1 Jul Kernville meeting, part 4. [] 02 Jul Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying ["Bill Dempwolf" ] 1 Jul Kernville meeting-part 3 [] 1 Jul Kernville NABA meeting results-2 [] 1 Jul Re: Dangers of being NABA field trip leader [chris kline ] 1 Jul NABA meeting butterflies [] 30 Jun RFI: Colorado ["tbentley13" ] 30 Jun Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? [] 29 Jun Dangers of being NABA field trip leader [] 29 Jun San Diego County, June 28+29 [SHIRAIWA KOJIRO ] 29 Jun Fw: Re: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? [Alex Grkovich ] 29 Jun RE: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? [Alex Grkovich ] 29 Jun RE: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? ["Hank Brodkin" ] 29 Jun Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? [Alex Grkovich ] Subject: RE: Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting From: "Mark Walker" <xvermontrz AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:49:45 -0700 Awesome photos, Frank. Nice job. Mark Walker Oceanside, CA ________________________________ From: SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of fsmodel Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:12 AM To: SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SoWestLep] Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting Hi Ho, Still playing with my photos from the NABA meeting. My group was at one of the alkali skipper sites on June 28. Thanks to Ken Davenport and his spotters, we scored a nice, fresh alkali female... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2692717742/ Also, a decent sandhill skipper... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2691904701/ Then there was this third skipper, which still has me puzzled... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2692717898/ My first thought was female fiery, but the "cobwebby" appearance of the orange put me off, so I changed my call to sandhill. But frankly, that doesn't feel right either. Maybe my inexperience with the region, along with the fact that all I really have is a FW dorsal [and that dark, dark body], will force me to relegate this one to "insufficient data to identify". The bane of the photographer's existence. Can any of you folks more experienced with Kernville leps offer insight? Thanks, Frank Model Amherst, MA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: AZ: Pima Canyon, Pima County From: "Philip" <pgkline_uk AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:51:36 -0000 I visited Pima Canyon yesterday morning, hiking the first 3 miles between 3000 and 4200' elevation, before gathering thunderheads chased me out around noon. The Creek was flowing nicely and there were lots of butterflies and odonates, but nothing unusual. I saw the following 28 species: 2 Pipevine swallowtail 17 Two-tailed swallowtail 9 Cloudless sulphur 2 Mexican yellow 1 Sleepy orange 15 Marine blue 5 Ceraunus blue 1 American snout 1 Gulf fritillary 25 Bordered patch 50 Tiny checkerspot 10 Elada checkerspot 1 Texan crescent 5 Arizona sister 20 Empress leilia 1 Nabokov's satyr 1 Red satyr 1 Queen 6 Northern cloudywing 8 Acacia skipper 6 Golden-headed scallopwing 1 Arizona powdered-skipper 1 Funereal duskywing 5 Erichson's white skipper 12 Common streaky-skipper 25 Common sootywing 2 Orange skipperling 1 Fiery skipper Philip Kline Subject: Fw: [leps-talk] Great Copper paper From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:46:56 -0700 Everyone: Two other comments to make about the Great Copper paper by Oliver & Shapiro. (1) The chemical studies reafirm that Great, Edith's and Gray Coppers (L. xanthoides, editha and dione respectively) are separate species. (2) I am not sure we can be sure of where the dividing of type A and type B Lycaena xanthoides is. I am sure we would have to evaluate populations not covered in the study and we would need to evaluate and write up descriptions of how the different entities differ in terms of a physical description, including field marks. It is possible the two may overlap ranges somewhat in the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada. While Great Coppers occur on the San Joaquin Valley floor in the Stockton-Sacramento area in California, this species does not occur on the Valley floor in Kern County. It does get down to near the Valley floor east of Porterville in Tulare County and we need Fresno County records for the Valley floor. Ken Davenport Subject: [leps-talk] Great Copper paper Everyone: Thanks to Jeffrey Oliver for forwarding me this paper: Genetic isolation and cryptic variation within the Lycaena xanthoides species group (Lepidoptera-Lycaenidae) by Jeffrey C. Oliver and Arthur M. Shapiro (2007). Molecular Ecology 4308-4320. The two populations I see in Kern County and elsewhere could be separate subspecies or they might be unrecognized sibling species. Oliver and Shapiro shared that there are two entities within the Lycaena xanthoides group that could be separate species with the Tehachapi's diving northern and southern segregates. How this would impact populations found further east in the Kern River Valley is unknown. These could be separate from either of those entities. No names or taxonomic actions were made in that paper. There are also interesting comments about other taxa in the group that seem allied with Lycaena editha. I recall now that some of these matters have been discussed and I may even have had a copy of the paper, lost at some point due to a computer problem before I could read the paper carefully. We know that there are possibilities of sibling species within the Blue Copper (Lycaena heteronea and submaculata), Ruddy Copper (Lycaena rubidus and ferrisi) and now Lycaena xanthoides. I wonder if apparent blend zones might actually be areas of overlap where two species occur together. Good question, wish I knew. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Turning a bad day into a good one. From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:55:30 -0700 Everyone: With rains in the Kern River Valley and Mojave Desert I thought Walker Pass in Kern County would be worth a try. The plants looked well watered and the host buckwheats for Elvira's Pale Blue (Euphilotes pallescens elvirae) were in bloom. But no pallescens were seen yet. A search for Hedge-Row Hairstreaks in the Walker Pass area near Ceanothus also did not work. I wanted to see if ssp. subaridum was flying there because I have a past record from there and there are very few Kern County records of that subspecies. The only butterflies seen were Checkered Whites and a Northern White Skipper. I'll bet next week will have elvirae out and flying. With things not going well at Walker Pass, time to try Nine Mile Canyon in Inyo County about 15 miles to the north. My goal there was to take the Golden Hairstreak on Canyon Oaks near the summit of Nine Mile Canyon. This population looks similar to ssp. herri from Oregon. But problems struck again. Apparently, it has not started to fly at that locality yet. All of my past records were in late August and September. Here is what was flying in Nine Mile Canyon, Inyo County, California on July 22, 2008. White Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus probably albescens): Will go to Paul Opler for genitalic determination. Northern White Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) Western Pigmy Blue (Brephidium exilis) Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa paradoxa) Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon) Desert Metalmark (Apodemia mejicanus deserti): Took two in lower canyon near Eriogonum inflatum. Several plants looked healthy but the blooms were past. This species may have been flying the week of the NABA field trips. July flights are rare. Probably caused by unseasonal rains. California Sister (Adelpha californica): Flying in the canyon oaks in the upper part of Nine Mile Canyon but one flew eastward down in desert habitat. Queen (Danaus gilippus thersippus): Saw two nice individuals about two miles apart. Here is what was flying north of Chimney Peak Ranger Station, Tulare County, California on July 22, 2008. Northern White Skipper (H. ericetorum) Western Branded Skipper (Hesperia colorado idaho). One nice female, no others seen. Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio r. rutulus) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides). This was not in my plans for the day so my post on the subject must have destined me for this. But this species turned out to be common on this day and I took over a dozen. These were well spotted with no tendency to have small spots or look washed out below on the hind wing. Behr's Hairstreak (Satyrium behrii behrii) Hedge-Row Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium). I suspect the one female I took may be subaridum, but I could not tell when I put it on the spreading board. Sylvan Hairstreak (Satyrium sylvinus sylvinus). This species is really doing bizarre things in fire areas. At Sherman Pass it was ssp. sylvinus before the fire and desertorum moved in after the fire. At this locality and north at Spring it is nominate sylvinus (or something similar to it) which has taken over for desertorum which flew there (Chimney Peak area, summit of Nine Mile Canyon) before a 2000 fire. Desertorum may still be in Nine Mile Canyon, it did not burn there. I may not have ever taken the species sylvinus at Spring at all in past years. I will have to check notes. So in several places in the Sierras, the more southern subspecies desertorum is ranging north of nominate sylvinus. Bizarre. Thicket Hairstreak (Callophrys spinetorum). One fresh female. Pigmy Blue (Brephidium exilis) Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon acmon) Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini lorquini X pallidafacies with tendency towards form "eavsii", showing orange spotting along the bands of the hind wings, wider bands than nominate lorquini and more orange below. California Sister (Adelpha california) Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Note: No Great Basin Juniper Hairstreaks or Western Pine Elfins were seen. Species seen at "Government Springs", about 7 mi. south of Kennedy Meadows, same date. Northern White Skipper (H. ericetorum) Sonoran Skipper (Polites sonora sonora) Western Tiger Swallowtail (P. rutulus) Checkered White (P. protodice) Orange Sulphur (C. eurytheme) Great Copper (L. xanthoides) Sylvan Hairstreak (Satyrium s. sylvinus, very abundant). Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus ssp.) Marine Blue (L. marina) Acmon Blue (P. acmon acmon) Lorquin's Admiral (L. lorquini) California Ringlet (Coenonympha california california) Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:34 -0700 Frank: Your problem skipper looks like a female Sandhill Skipper (Polites sabuleti). Nice picture of the Alkali Skipper. Ken Davenport [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Onyx/Weldon Skippers from NABA Meeting From: "fsmodel" <fsmodel AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:11:59 -0000 Hi Ho, Still playing with my photos from the NABA meeting. My group was at one of the alkali skipper sites on June 28. Thanks to Ken Davenport and his spotters, we scored a nice, fresh alkali female... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2692717742/ Also, a decent sandhill skipper... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2691904701/ Then there was this third skipper, which still has me puzzled... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmodel/2692717898/ My first thought was female fiery, but the "cobwebby" appearance of the orange put me off, so I changed my call to sandhill. But frankly, that doesn't feel right either. Maybe my inexperience with the region, along with the fact that all I really have is a FW dorsal [and that dark, dark body], will force me to relegate this one to "insufficient data to identify". The bane of the photographer's existence. Can any of you folks more experienced with Kernville leps offer insight? Thanks, Frank Model Amherst, MA Subject: Great Copper paper From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:45:23 -0700 Everyone: Thanks to Jeffrey Oliver for forwarding me this paper: Genetic isolation and cryptic variation within the Lycaena xanthoides species group (Lepidoptera-Lycaenidae) by Jeffrey C. Oliver and Arthur M. Shapiro (2007). Molecular Ecology 4308-4320. The two populations I see in Kern County and elsewhere could be separate subspecies or they might be unrecognized sibling species. Oliver and Shapiro shared that there are two entities within the Lycaena xanthoides group that could be separate species with the Tehachapi's diving northern and southern segregates. How this would impact populations found further east in the Kern River Valley is unknown. These could be separate from either of those entities. No names or taxonomic actions were made in that paper. There are also interesting comments about other taxa in the group that seem allied with Lycaena editha. I recall now that some of these matters have been discussed and I may even have had a copy of the paper, lost at some point due to a computer problem before I could read the paper carefully. We know that there are possibilities of sibling species within the Blue Copper (Lycaena heteronea and submaculata), Ruddy Copper (Lycaena rubidus and ferrisi) and now Lycaena xanthoides. I wonder if apparent blend zones might actually be areas of overlap where two species occur together. Good question, wish I knew. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Southern Arizona Mothing Help From: "christy.howie" <chrisauster AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:31:55 -0000 Hello, Last monsoon season, I was able to go "mothing" in southern arizona many times with Howard Byrne and may have met some of you along the way. This year due to changes in circumstance, my opportunities to go with him are very limited. It was an experience I greatly enjoyed and hope to continue. I'm hoping to find someone who would be willing to let me tag along and learn more. I don't collect so I'm no competition. I have a pretty good eye for the unusual, although I probably won't know its name. I reared several types of caterpillars and may have some females (I hope!) emerging to help call. I live in Scottsdale and could meet you or help with gas, bring munchies and provide some conversation during the "dead zone". If you are willing to educate a neophyte or know of someone who might be, please contact me. Thank you for your time and your interesting posts. Happy Lepping! Christy A Subject: Great Copper (L. xanthoides) From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:50:56 -0700 Everyone: One butterfly that occurs commonly in south central California is the Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides). Populations in southern California in the Coast Ranges, Tehachapi's. San Gabriels and in the Sierra Nevada have been considered to be nominate xanthoides (TL: Sacramento, CA). I collected this butterfly commonly (almost all small in size) in Stockton, San Joaquin County, CA) in June of 1965. This subspecies is often characterized by bold spotting below, but this character varies with the population and geography. Another described subspecies in southern California is obsolescens (TL: Hunter Mountain in the Death Valley region) which is characterized by obsolescence on the HW below, especially in males. I have noted in my Kern/Tulare County publication (Gillette series of Colorado State University) that populations of xanthoides in the Kern River Valley and vicinity often resemble obsolescens. Historically, prior to the description of obsolescens, there was a form "luctuosa" described from Tehachapi mentioned and figured in Comstock's 1927 book. Comstock stated on page 173 that it was characterized by the "lighter ground color of the under surfaces, and the reduction in size of the spots on the secondaries. The two forms intergrade." I have accummulated a fair number of xanthoides from the Kern River Valley area in recent years and took several form "luctuosa" at Tehachapi Mtn. Park last week. These are generally smaller than xanthoides taken higher in adjacent mountain ranges which have larger spotting and there are areas of blending. I have heard that there have been recently chemical studies on xanthoides which I have not seen, but I am wondering if these luctuosa forms and populations that resemble subspecies obsolescens from Lake Isabella, Weldon and elsewhere might represent a cline or blend zone with that subspecies. In the description of obsolescens, the authors mention nominate xanthoides in the Owens Valley area. I have taken the species in Nine Mile Canyon, Whitney Portal (one is similar to a male L. dione), the south fork of Bishop Creek and in the Rock Creek Gorge and these are very variable with both heavily spotted and lightly spotted individuals. Some populations in the Coast Ranges (eastern Monterey County) are chalky white below and very washed out below. Some species do not fit in well with our subspecies concepts and this appears to be one of those. No proposals here. I have not seen the types of luctuosa nor have I seen the original description. Perhaps environmental factors greatly influence how xanthoides looks in various places. I note the Emmel's (Butterflies of southern Calif., 1973) view that luctuosa was a synonym of nominate xanthoides based on color similarities. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 Best Wishes, Ken Davenport [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fw: [DesertLeps] Colorado Rockies Part 1 - Arctics From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:18:31 -0700 Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 8:01 AM Subject: Re: [DesertLeps] Colorado Rockies Part 1 - Arctics Tom: Identifying Arctics from photos can be very risky because of their similar patterns and colors. Also with Colorado Arctics (polyxenes and melissa) the translucency of the wings is a factor (polyxenes brucei is more transparent but worn melissa can also be transparent).. Also within chryxus, there is a low elevation form that tends to fly only in even numbered years like this one and a high elevation form which some consider a separate species, "calais" altacordillera Scott. The latter is more likely to also be found in odd numbered years. These are my impressions of the Arctics you got. I have collected most of the Oeneis species in Colorado but others who live there may be more familiar with these. There of course is great variation within species. And without seeing the whole butterfly, identification is tentative. (1) Your first picture appears to be uhleri, ssp. uhleri is what is on the east slope of the Rockies. I recommend getting the Butterflies of Colorado publication (Colorado State publication) to read the ins and outs of uhleri subspecies and complexities. Not all populations of this fit into subspecies very well. (2) Based only on what I can see, it appears you have O. chryxus altacordillera (as treated in the Pelham list) based on elevation and appearance. High elevation chryxus can sometimes be hard to tell apart from Edward's Arctic (Oeneis bore or taygete edwardsi, bore in Pelham, taygete in Fisher). The orangish coloration of the FW in your photo seems more in line with chryxus. This issue (altacordillera, a subspecies of (calais) or a chryxus subspecies) is not covered in Fisher's publication, it was named by Scott in 2006. Many lepidopterists are skeptical about altacordillera having separate species status from chryxus. Pelham treats altacordillera as a ssp. of chryxus and I am skeptical of ivallda being a calais ssp. We need more study and information. Regardless of status, making such a distinction may be very difficult from any photo. (3) Your first picture of a possible Melissa Arctic comes across to me as the wrong color for melissa and the markings are unclear. I won't even hazard of guess from that photo. (4 and 5) These appear to be Melissa Arctics (ssp. lucilla). The grayish brown coloration is important and the wing shape appears less elongated than what I see in polyxenes. Also, the wings appear to lack transparency. Moving to your blues. I think your first blues were all Arctic Blues (Plebejus (Agriades) glandon rustica, I don't see a lygdamus in there based on coloration and HW markings above. You also should have ancilla and P. lupini lutzi as Todd Stout noted. I have not checked your other photos. Tom: Nice photos. I mentioned, these were impressions of ID I get from looking at your photos. I have personally had difficulty telling some melissa and polyxenes apart (especially when not in mint condition) , even with collected individuals. And Oeneis bore edwardsi can be hard to tell apart from some chryxus at Cottonwood Pass, Colorado. Experiencing the Arctics of Colorado was a highlight of my travels and that series of butterflies in my collection bring back great memories of scenery and adventure. Mt. Evans, Cottonwood Pass, Loveland Pass area and an unnamed high elevation hill loaded with uhleri and altacordillera stands out. Ken Davenport [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Colorado Photos From: Todd Stout <todd_stout29 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:39:34 -0600 Hi Tom, I'm no subject matter expert on Colorado. These are my best guesses. I would recommend also utilizing TILS-Leps-Talk and/or DesertLeps for inquiries of this nature as your pool of expertise is expanded considerably. http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3111.jpg Euphydryas anicia wecoeut http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3184.jpg Euphydryas anicia eurytion http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3357.jpg Euphydryas anicia brucei http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2842.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3199.jpg Coenonympha tullia ochracea http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2870.jpg Usually at that altitude I'm thinking Agriades glandon rustica; but the ventral surface of the other nearby blues suggests Glaucopsyche lygdamus. I might recommend shooting both ventral and dorsal surface (especially on males) when shooting Lycaenidae when ids are important. http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3213.jpg Agriades glandon rustica http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3965.jpg Euphilotes ancilla http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3989.jpg Plebejus lupini lutzi Paul Opler, Andy Warren, Ray Stanford, Jim Scott, Steve Spomer, and/or Mike Fisher would id better on these than I--especially with Colorado material. Todd Todd L. Stout Utah Lepidopterists' Society http://www.utahlepsociety.org/toddstout.html todd_stout29 AT hotmail.com 801-558-6302 TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" 1999 To: SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.comFrom: tbentley13 AT yahoo.comDate: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:32:36 +0000Subject: [SoWestLep] Colorado Part 4 - Blues Another group of butterflies that I am getting to know more about as I head west more often. 1-3 are from Kenosha Pass - 10000 ft or so. http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2870.jpghttp://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3209.jpghttp://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3213.jpg4-5 are from SolVista Basin SKi Area in Grand County. This is just south of the West entrance of Rocky Mtn NP. Buckwheat blues of some type is my guess.http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3965.jpghttp://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3989.jpgOverall the trip was successful. High in the alpine areas, huge numbers of arctis and alpines were flying. A few checkerspots too and the loan parnassian. A couple Pierids but they never really settled for any photos. Saw two Boloria species but they never let me shoot them.Biggest surprise for the trip was not seeing a single copper or hairstreak!Tom Bentleywww.thomasbentley.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Colorado Part 4 - Blues From: "tbentley13" <tbentley13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:32:36 -0000 Another group of butterflies that I am getting to know more about as I head west more often. 1-3 are from Kenosha Pass - 10000 ft or so. http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2870.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3209.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3213.jpg 4-5 are from SolVista Basin SKi Area in Grand County. This is just south of the West entrance of Rocky Mtn NP. Buckwheat blues of some type is my guess. http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3965.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3989.jpg Overall the trip was successful. High in the alpine areas, huge numbers of arctis and alpines were flying. A few checkerspots too and the loan parnassian. A couple Pierids but they never really settled for any photos. Saw two Boloria species but they never let me shoot them. Biggest surprise for the trip was not seeing a single copper or hairstreak! Tom Bentley www.thomasbentley.com Subject: Colorado Part 2 - Ringlets and a Parnassian From: "tbentley13" <tbentley13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:24:02 -0000 Ok a few more Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia) - Both from Kenosha Pass. Is there a known subspecies from this area? #1 http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2842.jpg #2 http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3199.jpg Rocky Mountain Parnassian (Parnassius smintheus) - Horseshoe Mtn, Pike NF approx 13K #1 http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3604.jpg Thanks Tom Bentley www.thomasbentley.com Subject: Colorado Rockies Part 1 - Arctics From: "tbentley13" <tbentley13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:20:02 -0000 Hope this is the place for some Colorado reporting. Over the 4th, I visited a few locations. Butterflies were everywhere...just not as cooperative as I had hoped for more photos. Below are a few of my shots that I am looking for confirmation of species and subspecies if possible. Batch of Arctics: #1 Uhler's Arctic (Oeneis uhleri) - Kenosha Pass, Park County http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_2759.jpg #2 Chryxus Arctic (Oeneis chryxus) - Horseshoe Mtn, Pike NF near Mt Sherman - 12-13K http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3294.jpg #3 Possible Melissa Arctic (Oeneis melissa)- Horseshoe Mtn, Pike NF near Mt Sherman - 12-13K http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3337.jpg #4 Possible Melissa Arctic (Oeneis melissa)- Horseshoe Mtn, Pike NF near Mt Sherman - 12-13K http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3474.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3509.jpg Any suggestions appreciated. Tom Bentley www.thomasbentley.com Subject: Colorado Part 3 - Checkerspots From: "tbentley13" <tbentley13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:27:22 -0000 Ok here is the group that I will admit, I am very unfamiliar with. I don't see a whole lot of checkerspots in Illinois. #1-3 Checkerspots from Kenosha Pass http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3095.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3111.jpg http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3184.jpg (Maybe a Edith's Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)) #4 Checkerspot from Horseshoe Mtn approx 12,500 http://www.thomasbentley.com/ids/butterflies/img_3357.jpg Thanks again... Tom Bentley www.thomasbentley.com Subject: Boyce Thompson Arboretum - central AZ From: chris kline <kline_at_pine AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:16:43 -0700 (PDT) Good afternoon,   In preparation for next Saturday's butterfly walk (start time 9:30AM), led by yours truly, took a two hour walk today.  Overall, a nice variety of bugs with one special bug in particular!   9:30-11:30 AM.  Overcast. Temps high 80's-low 90's.  Winds calm.   Pipevine Swallowtail  9 Sleepy Orange  4 Orange Sulphur  1 Cloudless Sulphur  1 Southern Dogface  3 Large Orange Sulphur  2 Dainty Sulphur  2 Mexican Yellow  2 *'Siva' Juniper Hairstreak  2 Gray Hairstreak  2 Leda Ministreak  6 Ceraunus Blue  2 Marine Blue  2 Fatal Metalmark  4 Tiny Checkerspot 1 Elada Checkerspot  1 Texan Crescent  1 Empress Leilia  23 Common Buckeye  8 Queen  85 (most likely an underestimate) Funereal Duskywing  2 Acacia Skipper  2 Arizona Powdered Skipper  2 **Golden-headed Scallopwing  5 Common/White Checkered Skipper  1 Orange Skipperling  1   26 species; 174 individuals   * Only the second time I have observed this bug at BTA in five years.  Far east end of the High Trail.   ** This has been an especially good year for these guys!  Normally I see maybe two or three a summer.  This year I'm seeing them regularly.   Notably absent are Giant Swallowtail, Reakirt's Blue, Fiery Skipper, Eufala Skipper.  I think this is the first walk this year that I have not seen Giant Swallowtail and Reakirt's Blue.  Normally this time of year we have ample supply of Fiery and Eufala Skippers.  Saw one Fiery last week and have yet to see a Eufala.   chris     "Who knew simply being content was the dream come true!" - John Reuben Chris Kline Education Director Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 U.S. Highway 60 Superior, Arizona 85273 (520) 689-2723 work schedule: T-Sa 7am - 4pm [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: AZ: Catalina State Park, Pima County From: "Philip" <pgkline_uk AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:13:53 -0000 I was a bit early to see a lot this morning, but still saw a nice variety: 5 Pipevine swallowtail 1 Sleepy orange 10 Leda ministreak 1 Ceraunus blue 3 Reakirt's blue 2 Elada checkerspot 2 Painted lady 2 Common buckeye 7 Empress leilia 1 Nabokov's satyr (seems a bit low elevation - 3000', but a few oaks around) 1 Acacia skipper (finally got a decent photo, they never stay still!) 2 Golden-headed scallopwing 1 Arizona powdered-skipper 9 Common sootywing Philip Kline Subject: P.A benwarner From: "Nancy Hansen" <kenplum AT humboldt1.com> Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:47:52 -0700 To the group While at the Alturas Lep. Soc. meeting, I took some Plebejus atrapraetextus benwarner adults in the vicinity of Cedar Pass. I suspected that the larvae would be a Lupine feeder. Appears that I was right as I have a female laying on the Lupine that it was fluttering around. Refer to P.A. benwarner, Papilio Number 12, April 28, 06 James A Scott. Fire conditions in Northern California are horrific. Highway 299 here to Redding is closed as have been other West to East Hwys. Ken Hansen McKinleyville CA. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Alberta Canada Contacts From: "Carl Swafford" <droffaws AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:26:09 -0400 Does anyone have any contacts for Alberta Canada butterflies? I will be in the Calgary area July 24 - Aug 1. I would love to know some areas for finding some good Leps. Carl Swafford [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: AZ: Sierra Anchas, Gila County From: "Philip" <pgkline_uk AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 05:20:15 -0000 On Thursday, July 10th, I visited the Sierra Anchas in East-Central Arizona stopping at several spots along Workman Creek and hiking Trail 151 up to Aztec Peak and back down the Workman Creek Road. Butterflies were numerous, particularly in a wet meadow area above Workman Creek Falls, where I also had the good fortune of watching a spectacular Apache spiketail dragonfly laying eggs in the Creek. I've posted photos at: http://blackbird.smugmug.com/gallery/5404841_PN3ab#330622598_WCyWo I'm not certain of a couple of IDs if anyone feels like taking a look. Here's a checklist of what I saw in the two areas: Workman Creek: 2 Pipevine swallowtail 3 Clouded sulphur 6 Reakirt's blue 1 Acmon blue 5 Atlantis fritillary (based on range) 2 Mylitta crescent 1 Satyr comma 3 Common buckeye 1 Weidemeyer's admiral 2 Arizona sister 1 Queen 4 Silver-spotted skipper 1 Funereal duskywing 1 Taxiles skipper 4 Dun skipper 1 Large roadside-skipper 1 Bronze/Cassus roadside-skipper (pretty sure it was bronze) Aztec Peak Area: 1 Pipevine swallowtail 3 Two-tailed swallowtail 1 Checkered white 8 Clouded sulphur 2 Mexican yellow 1 Dainty sulphur 10 Ceraunus blue 30 Marine blue 15 Reakirt's blue 75 Spring azure 1 Nais metalmark (superb butterfly) 16 Atlantis fritillary 2 Bordered patch 7 Mylitta crescent 11 Mourning cloak 6 Common buckeye 2 Weidemeyer's admiral 3 Canyonland satyr 1 Monarch 2 Queen 25 Silver-spotted skipper 1 Rocky Mountain/Meridian duskywing 1 Pacuvius duskywing 2 Unid. duskywing 20 Taxiles skipper 2 Dun skipper Philip Kline Subject: Re: ARIZONA SISTERS in California From: "hesperioidea" <hesperioidea AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:33:18 -0000 All, At long last, the following paper has been published. As promised, here is the citation: Prudic, K. L., A. D. Warren & J. Llorente-Bousquets. Molecular and morphological evidence reveals three species within the California sister butterfly, Adelpha bredowii (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae). Zootaxa 1819:1-24. Anyone interested in a .pdf copy of this publication can write to me offline. This paper shows that Adelpha bredowii, Adelpha eulalia and Adelpha californica are all species-level taxa. Only the latter two fly in the USA; bredowii is endemic to Mexico. Best, Andy --- In SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com, warrena AT ... wrote: > > > Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 12:58:08 -0700 > From: Hank Brodkin > Subject: RE: ARIZONA SISTERS in California. > > Andy, David, Jim and all - > I thought there was a paper out separating these. Does anyone have a > citation? > > Hank Brodkin > > > > Hi Hank et al., > > The paper showing that A. bredowii, A. eulalia and A. californica are all > species-level taxa, authored by Katy Prudic and myself and based on combined > molecular data, has not been published yet. If it weren't for my > super-time-consuming thesis, which currently surrounds me and consumes almost > all of my waking moments, no doubt it would be published by now. I am > currently in the final push to finish my thesis (has to be done in April), and > the final remaining details needed to finish the Adelpha paper are going to > have to wait until my thesis is done... that is, if my coauthor let's me live > that long :) But is the first post-thesis project that will be completed... > > I will pass on the citation for the published paper as soon as it is available. > Stay tuned... > > Cheers, > Andy > Subject: Fresno Dome #3 From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:34:47 -0700 Everyone: Never type up a list when you are tired and have deadlines. Two more additions to Fresno Dome, Madera County, California, for July 8th, 2008. Clodius Parnassian (Parnassius clodius baldur or sol). These were scarce at Fresno Dome Camp along the stream but very abundant from Fresno Dome Trailhead, nearby meadows and up the road. While high elevation subspecies is baldur, some of these were huge like ssp. sol. I have also noticed individuals from high on Sherman Pass Rd. were unusually large this season. Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus pudicus): Found below Fresno Dome Camp. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: One addition to Fresno Dome From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:16:43 -0700 Everyone: One blue I overlooked: Sierra Nevada Arctic Blue (Agriades podarce cilla): Common near shooting stars flowers in wet meadows at Fresno Dome Trailhead. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fresno Dome Camp-Fresno Dome area From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:59:34 -0700 Everyone: I am trying to cram more collecting in prior to my likely moving into a new home next week. While some criticize me for having a Toyota Highlander because of alleged poor gas mileage in SUV's and $5 gas which will force cutbacks in my trips in late season, my Highlander made it from Bakersfield to Fresno Dome just south of Yosemite on a single tank of gas. My SUV is getting 27-30 miles per gallon. It's a 4 cylinder and I gave up some power for mileage. This trip was day before yesterday on July 8th and is a four hour drive to the campground itself. The NABA folks would have gone nuts here because butterfly activity was extremely high (and the blues would have tested their ID skills) and there were species here rare or absent at the Kernville meeting. I did run into cloud buildup in the afternoon which shut down things above the Fresno Dome trail 2-4 miles above the campground by noon. . I would try Big Sandy Camp 4 miles below Big Dome Camp later in the day without finding much. Best butterfly activity was along small creeks, meadows, roadsides, forest glades and at flowers. I did not get the opportunity to go up trail to Fresno Dome (2 miles uproad from the Campground) but going up meadow at the trailhead had lots of choice species. For those who like fishing, my son Kevin caught 15 rainbow trout (10 were thrown back so he could keep the five biggest) and I was stopped by fish and game for suspicion of using a net to catch fish. Good thing I had butterflies in glassine envelopes in my pocket! List and some comments: Nevada Mexican Cloudywing (Thorybes mexicana nevada): Common dry edges of meadows with Polygonum flowers. Dyar's Pacuvius Duskywing (Erynnis pacuvius lilius) Common near Ceanothus. Tecumseh Sandhill Skipper (Polites sabuleti tecumseh) Common drier parts bordering or in wet meadows. Sonora Skipper (Polites sonora sonora) Common everywhere. Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon zelicaon) Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus rutulus). Much easier to observe than at Sherman Pass. Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon). Very common. Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae) Very common here in nature. I kept expecting Small Veined Whites (Pieris "napi" marginalis "microstriata" =castoria) which does occur here commonly at times, especially April-May. Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Stella Orangetip (Anthocharis "sara" stella). Fresh and still flying at over 7600'. Many on edges of subalpine meadows and in streambeds. NABA folks had hoped to see Pacific Orange-tips at their Kernville meeting. Gray Marble (Anthocharis l. lanceolata). A few were around in the area above Fresno Dome itself and higher up. Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides transmontana): Seen sparingly above 7000'. Pearly or California Marble (Euchloe hyantis hyantis). One taken at Fresno Dome Trailhead. These are likely common at a hilltop up the Fresno Dome trail. a short hike from the parking area. Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme). Lustrous Copper (Lycaena cupreus lapidicola). One at a Polygonum flower in drier meadow at about 6500'. Lilac-Border Copper (Lycaena nivalis nivalis). Seen sparingly in region. Edith's Copper (Lycaena editha editha) Very common in spots at dry spots in wet meadows visiting Polygonum flowers. Especially in meadow below Fresno Dome Camp near stream crossing with road to Big Sandy. Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon eryphon). few still around, often perching on willows, not pines. Echo Azure (Celastrina echo echo). Seen sparingly. Boisduval's Blue (Plebejus i. icarioides): Sometimes involved in huge puddle parties, especially at wet spots in drier areas of meadows or at wet spots along the road. Anna Blue (Plebejus anna anna)= "idas" to some. These were common along creeks and in wet meadows. Easily confused with Melissa Blues which are not known from this area. Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus aehaja): Very abundant. Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon acmon). Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe viridicornis) I was able to find several and at high elevation for so early in season. Common even at Fresno Dome trailhead area at about 7000+ elevation. The size and shape of the unsilvered spots on the HW below should distinuish this species from zerene, the latter not seen yet. Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis egleis): Just coming out, in forest glades and edges of meadows. Mormon Fritillary (Speyeria mormonia mormonia) Several appearing in open wet meadows or along streams at Fresno Dome Trailhead. Western Meadow Fritillary AKA Pacific Fritillary (Boloria epithore sierra): Hundreds of these along streams and in very wet meadows. Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla altasierra) Fairly common Fresno Dome Trailhead and roadsides above 7000'. Hoffmann's Checkerspot (Chlosyne hoffmanni hoffmanni). Just emerging from about 7000' up. I was just finding these when the clouds shut things down at this portion of the mountains. Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta mylitta) Field Crescent (Phyciodes "campestris" pulchella: Common. These are easily confused with California Crescents (Phyciodes orseis herlani)in the area. The clouds ended my search for orseis early. t appeared the latter species may have flown earlier in the season. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) Regular along streams. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Buckeye (Junonia coenia grisea) Green Comma (Polygonia faunus rusticus) Absent from Fresno Dome Camp, possibly seen at 8000'. These tend to be common earlier in season and will emerge in September. Zephyr Anglewing (Polygonia gracilis zephyrus). Conspicuous by rarity at Fresno Dome Camp and scarcity even higher up. The one zephyrus I netted above Fresno Dome Trailhead was wildly atypical, it resembles an Oreas Anglewing (Polygonia oreas) with even a bold black spot on the HW. Such individuals give rise to reports of an occasional oreas in the Sierra. I kept this individual. Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis l. lorquini): Common. California Sister (Adelpha "bredowii" californica): Straying up to 8000', common lower down along road. Monarch (Danaus plexippus): A few seen. Many additional species should be out at lower elevations along Forest Hwy. 10. I did not sample Upper Sonoran Zone nor did I look for Western Cloudywing (Thorybes diversus) at lower levels. It appears to be too early for Zerene and Leto Fritillaries at Fresno Dome Camp. I recommend two or more full days for anyone seriously looking for butterflies. Stream levels were low but well stocked with trout for those who fish. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 199 Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Fw: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. From: Alex Grkovich <agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 05:52:01 -0700 (PDT) Ken, David...   The only thing that I can add is that Mark Walker should have been there...   A day trip to extreme northern New Hampshire and adjacent northwestern Maine (along logging roads north of Wilsons Mills, Oxford Co., Maine) produced a not entirely unexpected surprise: A few of the multitides of encountered White Admirals (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) along the logging roads through the boreal forest demonstrated the northwestern rubrofasciata phenotype...This was at rather high altitude for the East...above 1500 ft. More sampling of arthemis populations are needed in extreme northwestern Maine at higher altitudes...   Alex  --- On Tue, 7/8/08, flutterflies93306 AT att.net wrote: From: flutterflies93306 AT att.net Subject: [SoWestLep] Fw: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. To: SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com, "David Horner" , DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008, 7:25 AM David: The fritillary pictured is a Mormon Fritillary. The Zerene was the one high on the steep hill at about 7400'. Looking for butterflies is not that different than looking for artifacts like Indiana Jones. And just about as dangerous. Ken Subject: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. Friends, July 3rd was a great day for me. If you would like to read about my adventure with Ken Davenport and see some pictures of Butterflies, muddy boots and Ken himself then please visit my blog at: http://www.solardar kroom.com/ blog/index. php Regards, David [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Fw: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 04:25:09 -0700 David: The fritillary pictured is a Mormon Fritillary. The Zerene was the one high on the steep hill at about 7400'. Looking for butterflies is not that different than looking for artifacts like Indiana Jones. And just about as dangerous. Ken Subject: [Bulk] [DesertLeps] The elusive Indra Swallowtail, treacherous footing, and trying to keep up with Ken Davenport. Friends, July 3rd was a great day for me. If you would like to read about my adventure with Ken Davenport and see some pictures of Butterflies, muddy boots and Ken himself then please visit my blog at: http://www.solardarkroom.com/blog/index.php Regards, David [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: July 11 and 12 Meeting of Pacific Slope Lepidopterists From: "Bruce Webb" <BruWebb AT surewest.net> Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 16:47:34 -0700 At the request of the meeting coordinator, Laurence Crabtree, I am posting this to the listserv. If you have not registered by this time, please let Laurence Crabtree know IF you need a banquet dinner ($20) and bring your registration ($20.) Bruce Webb Granite Bay, California ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Greetings Pacific Slope Lepidopterists', Please consider joining us in Modoc County this summer for some great collecting, presentations and camaraderie. We will be meeting in Alturas on July 11 and 12. Where the west still lives, Alturas has the only stop light in Modoc County and while there is no Starbucks, there are at least three places where you can get your saddle repaired! This is intended to be a casual event starting with a bar-b-que on Friday evening at the Federated Church (307 E 1st St.), also where the formal presentations will be made the next day. Papers submitted on any aspect of Lepidoptera will be accepted by Dr. Jerry Powell (powellj AT nature.berkeley.edu). We will conclude with a banquet at the local Basque restaurant on Saturday evening. Collecting should be good. I have not yet scheduled any field trips but am hoping that some folks will volunteer to help with this. We will provide registered participants with additional information. Several million acres of public land in this part of the country are available for collecting (no permits required for recreational collecting). Many interesting Lepidoptera have been found and described from the Warner Mountains and the adjacent western edge of the Great Basin. I plan to display my modest collection of moths from northeastern California and Nevada for specimen comparison and discussion. Most of the information you need can be found at www.alturaschamber.org or www.fs.us/r5/modoc. Please don't hesitate to contact me at ldcrabtree AT frontiernet.net or at 530.294.5366 for any specific information you may need. Motels are adequate, but I suggest you make reservations early. There are also several campgrounds within a few miles of Alturas. Sites at these campgrounds cannot be reserved, information about them can be found at or by calling 530.233.5811. Laurence Crabtree Meeting Coordinator +++++++++++++++++++++ Registration For the 2008 Meeting of the Pacific Slope Meeting of the Lepidopterists' Society Alturas, CA July 11-12, 2008 Name___________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________ City____________________State___________Zip ___________E-mail_____________ No.of persons_____ attending meeting X $15.00 ($20.00 after June 1) $____ No. of students____ X $10.00 $____ Banquet (buffet), number of people __ X $20.00 $____ Special food requests ? __________________________________________ TOTAL............................ $____ Make Check payable to: Laurence Crabtree, and mail this form to: Laurence Crabtree, P.O. Box 213, Bieber, CA 96009. (phone 530.294.5366). Cancellations after June 15 will result in a $15.00 cancellation fee, otherwise refunds will be in full if possible. Field Trips Informal field trips will be organized prior to the meeting. ................................. Call for Contributed Papers and Posters Name________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________E-mail____________________________________ Powerpoint equipment will be available. Note any additional equipment you may require: ______________________________________________________________ Send Title and Abstract in a Word or Text file as an email attachment to Dr. Jerry Powell (powellj AT nature.berkeley.edu) or printed hard copy to Dr. Jerry Powell, Essig Museum of Entomology, University of CA, Berkeley CA 94720-3112 by June 1. Contributed papers will be scheduled for July 12. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Subject: Jacumba-Buckman Springs, San Diego Co. From: SHIRAIWA KOJIRO <whiterock AT bekkoame.ne.jp> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 20:38:22 -0700 Hi all, My wife wanted to sleep-in and my boys told me that they want to stay home today. So I respected them and went out to Jacumba-Buckman Springs area in San Diego County. My primary objective of visit there was to find my camera lens cap I dropped few weeks ago. And I found it! Sighting for today. Sunny, partly cloudy, some breeze, 89 degrees from 8:30-10:30, very dry. Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Cabbage White (Pieris rapae rapae) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) California Dogface (Zerene eurydice) Tailed Copper (Lycaena arota ssp) Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides xanthoides) Hedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium ssp) Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) Edward's Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus gyas) Acmon Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) acmon) Gray Buckeye (Junonia coenia grisea) Few surprises today. Eriogonum elongatum was already blooming in the eastern San Diego County. Looked for Dammer's Blue (Euphilotes enoptes dammersi), but no luck. No luck with Gorgon Copper either. Female Tailed Coppers were fluttering around Oak Gooseberries and were actively laying eggs. It was wonderful to see them laying many eggs. They were all laying eggs around inner part of the Gooseberry, which make sense in this very hot semi-desert habitat. Around the Gooseberries, I only found 3 species. Tailed Copper, Checkered White and Acmon Blue...wait a minute...red, white and blue! Happy 4th of July !! Koji San Diego Subject: Callophrys specimens wanted From: SHIRAIWA KOJIRO <whiterock AT bekkoame.ne.jp> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 13:20:43 -0700 Hi all, I am currently working with a professor in Tokyo to review Callophrys group (worldwide) by mDNA. We are in need of Callophrys specimens that are less than 1 year old (can be dried specimens). Currently, I have sent him (with some help from others too): C. eryphon C. augustinus iroides C. nelsoni C. loki C. thornei C. perplexa perplexa Any other species that you are willing to help will be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me directly for where to send the specimen in San Diego, CA. Thank you. Koji San Diego Subject: Sherman Pass fire recovery From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:03:55 -0700 Everyone: It was back up Sherman Pass today with a net to collect species I am studying. I also visited some choice past places where I did not take NABA folks because of parking or safety issues. The place changes constantly. These observations, many with David Horner. (1) California Tortoiseshells waited for NABA to leave and now fresh adults are emerging in wet meadows and along streams. (2) I took an apparent Western White (Pontia occidentalis) in the wet meadow east of Sherman Pass and north of the road. Checkered Whites (Pontia protodice) are having an outbreak year and there have been no "official" records for P. occidentalis. An abberation? (3) A Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides) was in the subalpine wet meadow E of Sherman Pass. Never seen one in that area before. (4) Green Lupine Blue (Plebejus lupini chlorina) continues to expand its occurence with the spread of its Eriogonum umbellatum host into burned areas. Now chlorina is even at Alder Creek 6700' where I took a female with orange up the FW Veined Blue style. Except this is bigger and the wings are overscaled with blue. (5) Edith's Checkerspots (Euphydryas editha): Turning up in places I have never seen them prior to this year. Found three in the subalpine meadows E of Sherman Pass and four up a creek in wet meadows with flowers at about 8600.' They are not just on sedimetamorphic rock outcrops now. I am trying to figure out if these are ssp. augustina or closer to the nubigena group. (6) Parnassius clodius) had a bad year last year but this formerly scarce and very local butterfly before the fire now is distributed commonly at many places above 6700' ranging upwards to 9000' and was even seen in the subalpine meadow east of the pass. David Horner and I saw 100+ in the two hours we were in their domain. (7) Zerene Fritillary (Speyeria zerene monticola) is expanding its occurrence in the Sherman Pass area and is now ranging from about 5000' to 8000.' (8) Mormon Fritillary (Speyeria mormonia) is having an early flight in the subalpine meadows E of Sherman Pass but has now moved into the small open meadows up streams WEST of the Pass where it co-occurs with the Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis egleis) on both sides of the Pass. (9) While Large Marbles (Euchloe ausonides) are normally finished for the year by now at Sherman Pass, many fresh individuals were encountered today. (10) Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius) has become common E of Sherman Pass on north side of the road. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: East Clear Creek-Central AZ From: "marcelinevandewater" <marcelinevandewater AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:16:50 -0000 Paul Kinslow and I used "Finding BF's in AZ" by Bailowitz and Brodkin, to find this beautiful remote area at about 8000 ft elevation. Our first target was the Northern Crescent which was easily found as there were several. For the second, the Long Dash Skipper, we had to work hard, but the temperatures were very pleasant up there and finally one made our day:) Trip list East Clear Creek, June 24th. 30 species. W.Tiger Swallowtail 21 Checkered White 3 Orange Sulphur 4 Southern Dogface 2 Dainty Sulphur 8 Marine Blue 5 Spring Azure 12 Melissa Blue 2 W.Tailed Blue 1 Gray Hairstreak 2 W.Pine Elfin 4 Northwestern Fritillary 6 Arachne Checkerspot 1 Field Crescent 4 Northern Crescent 9 Mylitta Crescent 2 Satyr Comma 6 Mourning Cloak 3 Painted Lady 1 Com Buckeye 22 Weidemeyer's Admiral 7 Arizona Sister 4 Canyonland Satyr 1 Silver-spotted Skipper 16 Long Dash Skipper 1 N.Cloudywing 3 Com Checkered Skipper 2 Garita Skipperling 2 Cassus Roadside-Skipper 3 Taxiles Skipper 1 Marceline VandeWater Scottsdale, AZ Subject: Re: Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying From: "Bill Dempwolf" <bdempwolf AT austin.rr.com> Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:48:05 -0000 Ken, Thank you for the feedback and pointers to the articles. I found the Taxonomic Report - now I have to digest it! Bill Dempwolf --- In SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com, wrote: > > Bill: > > I'll at least tackle the issue of your "Acmon Blue" from New Mexico. I don't have images of your other problem bugs. Paul A. Opler published a paper in the Taxonomic Report (1 March 2003 Volume 4 Number 1) that may be posted at the TILS web site that you could read or download. The article is entitled Fixation of Type Locality for Lycaena acmon Westwood and characterization of the species and its distribution. " That article discusses what is acmon and what is not. On page 5 of that article, the "acmon" which I believe you likely found in New Mexico is widely known as "Plebejus acmon texanus." The status of texanus is under study. > > James Scott recently published a paper in which he proposed that the entities formerly considered acmon in the Rocky Mountains and in the states east of the Pacific states are better viewed as Lupine Blues because many of those use buckwheats as larval hosts and are single brooded. Scott provided little actual information to support his proposal and the acmon and lupini complexes are currently under study by Opler and Emmel and I am involved in this as well...at least at the field level where I live. > > f you are an NABA member, Jeffrey Glassberg and the NABA names committee did not accept James Scott's views and continue to treat the Rocky Mountains and other non-Pacific States problem blues acmon instead of lupini. Glassberg cites the argument in his NABA names publication that many have rejected texanus as a lupini because it is multiple brooded and appears to use legumes as well as buckwheats in Arizona. That is my field experience in Arizona as well and my personal opinion (which may not mean much) is that texanus is either an acmon species or a full species in itself. All of these are under study and it is very possible that both acmon and lupini complexes may actually be ten or more species. At our current state of knowledge...the only names that are officially species are "acmon" and "lupini". > > In the Pelham checklist, texanus is listed as a lupini subspecies but note above that he states "The arrangement of taxa under this species should be considered tentative, some of these may represent species-level taxa." > > Ken Davenport > > Subject: [SoWestLep] Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying > > > I'm just back from a week camping near Red River, New Mexico with a > Boy Scout troop. After the drought and scarcity of butterflies in > central Texas it was nice to see green plants and an abundance of > butterflies. After staring at some of the specimens I brought back I > can see I'm in for a long time this winter trying to identify these > new (to me) species. I'd appreciate some guidance on some basic > questions on some of the specimens I spread while there and am now > staring at. > > Is the best differentiation between Euchloe ausonides and Euchloe > lotta the lack of white scales in the discal dot in the upper side of > the forewing in lotta? > > I know I have at least 3 species of blues represented in my specimens, > but I'm having a tough time figuring out which they are. From the > description and picture in Scott, as well as the picture here: > http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1624 I would identify one > of the species as Plebejus acmon. Scott shows it in northern New > Mexico, but the Butterflies and Moths website doesn't. Is it a > candidate for northern New Mexico? If not, what is a good candidate > (with the metallic spots on the underside)? > > I think I have several specimens of Plebejus saepiolus. The female > specimens have small orange spots on the hind wing, while the male > specimens do not. Is there a good identifier for saepiolus, to > differentiate from Plebejus icarioides? > > Looking at Scott, Plebejus icarioides pheres and Plebejus glandon > appear similar. How do you differentiate these species? Or more > specifically, what is the identifying mark for Plebejus glandon (since > I assume that's what I have)? > > Thank you in advance for helping with these basic questions. I have > many more specimens I'll be relaxing and spreading this winter ..... > and will probably have more questions. > > Bill Dempwolf > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Added comments on the Kernville meeting; From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 19:49:00 -0700 These added comments for the Kernville meeting. Tailed Copper: Seen by Susan Steele's group at Shirley Meadows in the Greenhorns and on a ridge south of Kennedy Meadows. Great Purple Hairstreak: Found by Steve Summer at Holey Meadow June 27th. Unusual at high elevation. Mormon Metalmark: New early record for June 27 for Tulare County. Previous early record was July10th. ID was confirmed June 30th by netting. Several Mormon's were out at that time, but Speyeria egleis was also confirmed there by netting. I will be returning to Sherman Pass tomorrow to meet up with David Horner to aid him get his photos and for me to research some butterflies. There are two forms of Polygonia gracilis in the region, one resembles Polygonia oreas and is associated with subalpine willows above 8000.' Another "dark form" of zephyrus. I am also sampling the high elevation Edith's Checkerspots and if time allows, I may try to turn up new Poladryas arachne monache (=Arachne Checkerspot) populations. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying From: Bruce Walsh <jbwalsh AT u.arizona.edu> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 07:38:16 -0700 Sounds like time for a little barcoding! cheers bruce Subject: Fw: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 07:29:50 -0700 Bill: I'll at least tackle the issue of your "Acmon Blue" from New Mexico. I don't have images of your other problem bugs. Paul A. Opler published a paper in the Taxonomic Report (1 March 2003 Volume 4 Number 1) that may be posted at the TILS web site that you could read or download. The article is entitled Fixation of Type Locality for Lycaena acmon Westwood and characterization of the species and its distribution. " That article discusses what is acmon and what is not. On page 5 of that article, the "acmon" which I believe you likely found in New Mexico is widely known as "Plebejus acmon texanus." The status of texanus is under study. James Scott recently published a paper in which he proposed that the entities formerly considered acmon in the Rocky Mountains and in the states east of the Pacific states are better viewed as Lupine Blues because many of those use buckwheats as larval hosts and are single brooded. Scott provided little actual information to support his proposal and the acmon and lupini complexes are currently under study by Opler and Emmel and I am involved in this as well...at least at the field level where I live. f you are an NABA member, Jeffrey Glassberg and the NABA names committee did not accept James Scott's views and continue to treat the Rocky Mountains and other non-Pacific States problem blues acmon instead of lupini. Glassberg cites the argument in his NABA names publication that many have rejected texanus as a lupini because it is multiple brooded and appears to use legumes as well as buckwheats in Arizona. That is my field experience in Arizona as well and my personal opinion (which may not mean much) is that texanus is either an acmon species or a full species in itself. All of these are under study and it is very possible that both acmon and lupini complexes may actually be ten or more species. At our current state of knowledge...the only names that are officially species are "acmon" and "lupini". In the Pelham checklist, texanus is listed as a lupini subspecies but note above that he states "The arrangement of taxa under this species should be considered tentative, some of these may represent species-level taxa." Ken Davenport Subject: [SoWestLep] Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying I'm just back from a week camping near Red River, New Mexico with a Boy Scout troop. After the drought and scarcity of butterflies in central Texas it was nice to see green plants and an abundance of butterflies. After staring at some of the specimens I brought back I can see I'm in for a long time this winter trying to identify these new (to me) species. I'd appreciate some guidance on some basic questions on some of the specimens I spread while there and am now staring at. Is the best differentiation between Euchloe ausonides and Euchloe lotta the lack of white scales in the discal dot in the upper side of the forewing in lotta? I know I have at least 3 species of blues represented in my specimens, but I'm having a tough time figuring out which they are. From the description and picture in Scott, as well as the picture here: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1624 I would identify one of the species as Plebejus acmon. Scott shows it in northern New Mexico, but the Butterflies and Moths website doesn't. Is it a candidate for northern New Mexico? If not, what is a good candidate (with the metallic spots on the underside)? I think I have several specimens of Plebejus saepiolus. The female specimens have small orange spots on the hind wing, while the male specimens do not. Is there a good identifier for saepiolus, to differentiate from Plebejus icarioides? Looking at Scott, Plebejus icarioides pheres and Plebejus glandon appear similar. How do you differentiate these species? Or more specifically, what is the identifying mark for Plebejus glandon (since I assume that's what I have)? Thank you in advance for helping with these basic questions. I have many more specimens I'll be relaxing and spreading this winter ..... and will probably have more questions. Bill Dempwolf [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Frazier Park, CA - July 1 From: SHIRAIWA KOJIRO <whiterock AT bekkoame.ne.jp> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:16:13 -0700 Hi all, Had another meeting at L.A. today, so stopped by at Frazier Park area today. Sunny and very calm wind. My purpose this time was to photo Bright Blue Coppers and Veined Blues. Here are the sightings. I wasn't paying much attention to other butterflies so not many (2 hours visit). Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Behr's Hairstreak (Satyrium behrii) - forest service? cut some of the the hostplant (Purshia), but still surviving Bright Blue Copper (Lycaena heteronea clara) - some already worn. No female seen. Acmon Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) acmon) Veined Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) neurona - good number, a female was ovipositing on leaves of Eriogonum (underside) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) - very worn individual Behr's Satyr (Cercyonis sthenele behrii) and collected a speeding ticket. Oh boy, these photos are going to be expensive ones... Koji San Diego Subject: Tehachapi Fritillary-extinct? From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 22:20:11 -0700 Everyone: Many of us have been concerned that the Tehachapi Fritillary (Speyeria egleis tehachapina) may now be extinct. None have been seen on Mt. Tehachapi, Kern County, CA. in about ten years to my knowledge. There are also no recent records for the Piutes. While doing the Kennedy Meadows field trip we were watching a fire fighting helicopter which took its load not to the fire NE of Kennedy Meadows but to somewhere in the opposite direction. Maybe to the Piute Mtns. fire which was just beginning. The smoke was ominous coming up behind the Piutes the next morning and sunlight was greatly blocked out with the sun looking blood red. When I left for home from Lake Isabella at 9 PM at night fire was coming over the Piute ridges over about a ten mile wide.area and I could see that Piute Peak was burning. That was the main source of records for that butterfly. I don't know how Bodfish and Lake Isabella are faring right now. Find out before coming to this region. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Kernville meeting, part 5. From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 22:03:16 -0700 Everyone: Sorry, my computer is malfunctioning and sent off my post in progress. I will resume with Nymphalidae. Monache Arachne Checkerspot (Poladryas arachne monache). The two arachne we observed were found west of the Sherman Pass Rd. south of Troy Meadow in the Pine Mountain area. Others were seen on the ridge about 10 miles south of Kennedy Meadows. I do not know how other groups did. A big problem in the Pine Mtn. area was getting any place to park six cars. Very few monache observed in recent years. Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla palla) Those lower down on Sherman Pass Rd. and those in Greenhorns are nearest the nominate ssp. in my opinion. The Alder Creek population shows influence with ssp. australomontana and show extreme variation. Many are heavily patterned while others have very little pattern above and resemble the Sagebrush Checkerspot (Chlosyne acastus acastus and neumoegeni). I have speculated that there may be both palla and an acastus resembling palla in the region. Females can be yellowish, reddish, brown or blackish. Many misidentify them as Gabb's Checkerspot which is not in the Sierra. Southern Mountains Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla australomontana): Found in Kennedy Meadows area. At least Troy Meadow south to Nine Mile Canyon.Those from Bald Mountain this year seemed to favor the more obsolescent pattern. Field Crescent (Phyciodes pulchella=campestris) Variable with both blackish and orange forms. Very common Alder Creek upwards and at Kennedy Meadows Campground...the later place unavailable to us during field trips because of fire fighters using it as a base of operations. Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta mylitta) A common butterfly in much of the area, especially along small streams and in meadows. Chalcedon (AKA=Variable) Checkerspot: Euphydryas chalcedona chalcedona. Common right by road at Frazier Park. Atypical in Greenhorns. Edith's Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha): A high elevation population occurred at 8000-9000' on the Sherman Pass Rd. Uncommon and very overlooked. They were so wary and so small folks never noticed them. Still, this usually rare variety presented me with five or six individuals over the week. August Edith's Checkerspot (E. editha augustina) Common at Troy Meadows and vicinity. Unfortunately, my group split priorities and those who tried Troy Meadows proper apparently failed to locate the editha. Those who voted to look for arachne got editha photos. Life just is not fair. It is possible the name augustina may apply to subalpine population as well, but more material is needed. Olancha Checkerspot: Common Sherman Pass Rd., less common in Kennedy Meadows area. Satyr Anglewing (Polygonia satyrus): Seen at Alder Creek once and seen in Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Zephyr Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis zephyrus): Seen uncommonly except common in meadow just east of Sherman Pass June 30th. There were two different phenotypes with an oreas looking thing associated with subalpine meadows and willows where normal zephyrus also occurred. California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica californica) Very few seen in mountains. Most were badly worn. Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis "Aglais" milberti subpallida). I saw two fresh ones in Greenhorns south of Tiger Flat. Seen in Sequoia National Monument. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) Seen occasionally during week, usually along streams. American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis). Seen sparingly, one found E of Sherman Pass. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). Few flying. West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) Uncommon in Greenhorns. Few seen elsewhere either. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta rubria): singletons along streams or near stinging nettles in large meadow N of Tiger Flat. Buckeye (Junonia coenia grisea) A few were out at several sites. Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini lorquini): Frequent along streams and in subalpine meadows, also south of Kennedy Meadows and Chimney Peak area. California Sister (Adelpha "bredowii" californica): Seen regularly at lower Alder Creek crossing at 5680'. and in upper Sonoran and lower Transition zones. California Common Ringlet (Coenonympha california california AKA C. tullia california): Most common at wet spots at mid-elevations. Very scarce lower elevation, can stray above 8000.' Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala). I don't know where this was seen. It occurs only in the Greenhorns. Behr's Great Basin Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis sthenele behrii): Best seen in Frazier Park and Lake Of Woods. Scarce in Greenhorns. Seen on Chimney Peak Rd. Little Wood-Satyr (C. sthenele paulus): Seen at Government Springs south of Kennedy Meadows. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus): Seen regularly along Alder Creek at both crossings at 5680' and 6700', most common at lower elevations where milkweed hosts occur. Queen (Danaus gilippus thersippus) Seen sparingly, twice along upper Kern River Rd. =Mtn. Hwy 99; other sighting unknown. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Kernville meeting, part 4. From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 21:13:32 -0700 Everyone: Lots of catching up with things. Now I can do part 4. Brush-footed butterflies: Henne's Coronis Fritillary (Speyeria coronis hennei): One reported from Mt. Pinos. Zerene Fritillary (Speyeria zerene monticola) Surprisingly difficult for many to identify. These are easily separable by the relatively large size (usually larger and more bright orange-red than callippe) and always unsilvered spots below on the HW. Most frequently seen at Alder Creek at 6700' but I took a very nice male at the lower crossing of Alder Creek at Cherry Hill Rd. at 5680'. Nuch more wary than callippe. Common at Freeman Creek Grove most years. Macaria Callippe Fritillary (Speyeria callippe macaria): Always silvered on the Sherman Pass Road but not so south of the Greenhorns. Easily observed nectaring at Alder Creek, straying above 8000' on the Sherman Pass Rd. Unsilvered Macaria Fritillary (S. callippe laurina): A high percentage of adults are unsilvered. Very similar to macaria to the south. Seen on Old State Rd., Shirley Meadows and north to road to Baker Ridge. Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis egleis) confused with Macaria Fritillaries by most observers. These became common at the seep at the jeep road to Sherman Peak and upwards and co-occurred with macaria from 7000-8500'. Brighter orange-red than macaria, less reddish than zerene. Greenhorn Hydaspe Fritillary: Seen sparingly north of Alta Sierra to the Baker Ridge Rd. Usually common at Shirley Meadows, I don't know how common they are this year. Pacific or Western Meadow Frillary (Boloria epithore sierra): Main flight was earlier north of Tiger Flat in Greenhorns, more common north in Quaking Aspen area. Absent from Sherman Pass region and Kern Plateau. Monache Arachne Checkerspot (Poladryas arachne monache): My group and I observed a pair on a ridge top above the Penstemon host. They did not pose well and disappeared all too quickyBest Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Butterflies from New Mexico - Assistance in Identifying From: "Bill Dempwolf" <bdempwolf AT austin.rr.com> Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:14:39 -0000 I'm just back from a week camping near Red River, New Mexico with a Boy Scout troop. After the drought and scarcity of butterflies in central Texas it was nice to see green plants and an abundance of butterflies. After staring at some of the specimens I brought back I can see I'm in for a long time this winter trying to identify these new (to me) species. I'd appreciate some guidance on some basic questions on some of the specimens I spread while there and am now staring at. Is the best differentiation between Euchloe ausonides and Euchloe lotta the lack of white scales in the discal dot in the upper side of the forewing in lotta? I know I have at least 3 species of blues represented in my specimens, but I'm having a tough time figuring out which they are. From the description and picture in Scott, as well as the picture here: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1624 I would identify one of the species as Plebejus acmon. Scott shows it in northern New Mexico, but the Butterflies and Moths website doesn't. Is it a candidate for northern New Mexico? If not, what is a good candidate (with the metallic spots on the underside)? I think I have several specimens of Plebejus saepiolus. The female specimens have small orange spots on the hind wing, while the male specimens do not. Is there a good identifier for saepiolus, to differentiate from Plebejus icarioides? Looking at Scott, Plebejus icarioides pheres and Plebejus glandon appear similar. How do you differentiate these species? Or more specifically, what is the identifying mark for Plebejus glandon (since I assume that's what I have)? Thank you in advance for helping with these basic questions. I have many more specimens I'll be relaxing and spreading this winter ..... and will probably have more questions. Bill Dempwolf Subject: Kernville meeting-part 3 From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 18:18:13 -0700 Everyone: Here's the report for Lycaenidae: Tailed Copper (Lycaena arota arota). It seems someone saw this, but none were encountered on my trips during the week. Lustrous Copper (Lycaena cupreus lapidicola): Singletons from Boy Scout Meadow and meadow E of Sherman Pass per Wes Fritz. Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides xanthoides) Found regularly lower down Sherman Pass Rd. and south of Kennedy Meadows. Gorgon Copper (Lycaena gorgon gorgon): Common above Cuddy Creek near Frazier Park, also in Greenhorns and off Sherman Pass Rd. Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides helloides): Seen regularly but not commonly at Weldon and Onyx. Lilac-Bordered Copper (Lycaena nivalis nivalis) Reported from Quaking Aspen. Golden Hairstreak (Habrodais grunus grunus) Seen along Cedar Creek in Greenhorns. A few singletons elsewhere. None seen on my trips. Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus corcorani): Reported from Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Behr's Hairstreak (Satyrium behrii behrii): Frequent in Kennedy Meadows area, some around Bald Mtn. California Hairstreak (Satyrium californica californica): Common one spot at mid-elevation Old State Rd. in Greenhorns. Scarce elsewhere. Sylvian Hairstreak (Satyrium sylvinus sylvinus): Likely reported from Sequoia Nat'l Monument and portions of Greenhorn Mtns. Desert Sylvan Hairstreak (S. sylvinus desertorum) Common east slope of Greenhorns, southern Sierra, Kern River and Sherman Pass Rd. N of Kernville. Dryope Sylvan Hairstreak (S. sylvinus dryope): Found sparingly in Frazier Park area. Gold-Hunter's Hairstreak (S. auretorum spadix): Several on oaks along Old State Rd. Glassberg reports finding them at seep along that road later in the day. None seen there earlier. Not seen nectaring by our group, all were perching high on oaks and out of my sight. Identified by binoculars and oak species. Mountain Mahogany Hairstreak (Satyrium tetra). Highly prized by watchers. Common at seep on Old State Rd. when we were there. Also frequent up Sherman Pass Rd. and on milkweeds by Alder Crk. crossing at 5680.' (Cherry Hill Rd.) Hedge-Row Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium saepium X chalcis): Common where Ceanothus grew. including Greenhorns and lower Sierra. Nelson's Hairstreak (Callophrys "gryneus" nelsoni or C. nelsoni). Common (but not real common) in Greenhorns and Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Some note nelsoni in Greenhorns have more white markings on HW than those further north. I plan to investigate further next season. Great Basin Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys "gryneus" siva nr. chalcosiva): Regular near Western Junipers from Pine Mtn. south to Chimney Peak ranger station area. Thicket Hairstreak (Callophrys spinetorum) Reported from Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Western Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus iroides): Two seen Sherman Pass Rd., some reported in Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon eryphon). Found in Sequoia National Monument, upper Sherman Pass Rd. W of summit above 8000' and south of Kennedy Meadows. Those in SE Tulare County may be closer to ssp. pallescens. Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus pudicus) A few singletons found. Marine Blue (Leptotes marina). Very uncommon at present. Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis) Most common in Kern River Valley with a few straying to higher elevations. Echo "Spring" Azure (Celastrina echo echo). Maybe common in Sequoia National Monument. Few seen in Greenhorns or up Sherman Pass Rd. Arrowhead Blue (Glaucopsyche piasus piasus): Very few seen at 6700 to 9000' on Sherman Pass Rd. ne I found at Alder Creek 6700' was fresh. Silvery Blue (G. lygdamus). Common at Alder Creek 6700' and upwards on Sherman Pass rd. Comstock's Blue (Euphilotes "battoides" glaucon comstocki): Common at mid-elevations of Greenhorns along Old State Rd. with E. umbellatum host. Also up Sherman Pass Rd. at 8000' and near Bald Mtn. Sympatric with lots of Dotted Blues (E. enoptes) at the Old State Rd. spot. Bernardino Blue (Euphilotes bernardino bernardino): A few seen in Greenhorns. Maybe some on Sherman Pass rd. Dotted Blue (Euphilotes enoptes): See above. Found sparingly along Sherman Pass Rd. Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus): Reported but locality unknown. Is known to breed at Hanning Flat, Lake Isabella and generally in drier mountains in region. Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola): locality unknown to me, but can turn up anywhere in region. Anna Blue (Plebejus "idas" anna anna) common near Quaking Aspen and other meadows. Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa paradoxa) Common Calkin's Flat along Kern River, also in Kennedy Meadows region, Lamont Meadows and Nine Mile Canyon. Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus): common in high elev. meadows. Also south of Kennedy Meadows. San Emigdio Blue (Plebejus emigdionis): Several at Lake of the Woods, seen sparingly at Weldon and Onyx. Boisduval's Blue (P. icarioides icarioides with evius and eosierra) Complex blend zone in region. Common Sherman Pass area and Kennedy Meadows area (ssp. eosierra), also on Mt. Pinos (ssp. evius) Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon acmon): common in region. Green Lupine Blue (P. lupini chlorina): common on Mt. Pinos (McGill Camp), Old State Rd. in Greenhorns at mid-elev. and higher portions of Sherman Pass Rd. and near Bald Mtn. on Eriogonum umbellatum. Males stray long distances to mud puddle. Veined Blue (Plebejus neurona). Locally common near McGill Camp and at summit (Al Rubbert reporting). Glassberg found them flying at a known locality near Bald Mountain in the Sierra. Sierra Nevada Arctic Blue (Agriades podarce cilla): Very common in meadows E of Sherman Pass, at Paloma Meadow and a small meadow W of Sherman Pass. This was a major highlight of the trip for many, right up there with Veined Blues. Metalmarks. Behr's "Mormon" Metalmark: A very blackish variety of this butterfly was flying in numbers at the base of the hills across from the golf course right in Kernville. Overall conditions were dry but much better conditions existed high on Sherman Pass and in Sequoia Nat'l Monument. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Kernville NABA meeting results-2 From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 16:17:03 -0700 Everyone: This is the continued list of butterflies found in the southern Sierra Nevada. The Piute Mountains are on fire and have been since saturday. If the Tehachapi Fritillary was not extinct prior to yesterday, it may be now. The locality for it on Piute Peak burned yesterday. Lake Isabella and Bofish are in danger and may be evacuated. No NABA trips were scheduled there during the week. SWALLOWTAILS Clodius Parnassian (Parnassius clodius baldur) Very common on Sherman Pass Rd. as low as 6700' up to 9000'. A few seen elsewhere. Desert Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes coloro). I saw what appeared to be a large female on a steep hillside with Tauschia at Alder Creek yesterday. I got a good look but could not net it. Since there is no proof, this will remain an unofficial record. Anise Swallowtail (Papilio z. zelicaon): Seen sparingly in the Greenhorns, at higher elevations off Sherman Pass Rd. and Bald Mtn. Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra phyllisae): At least 2 seen at Alder Creek at 6700', one on Sherman Pass Rd. on rocky outcrop at 9000', one on same road at 9000' and many at Bald Mountain on a rock avalanche slope below the lookout. Many on field trips were two frightened to venture going down to where these were. Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus rutulus) Often common along streams and rivers). Two-Tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata pusillus): Sparingly found at Alder Creek 6700' Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon) common in mountains. PIERIDS Becker's White (Pontia beckerii) A few seen at various locations, most in SE Tulare County south of Kennedy Meadows. Checkered White (Pontia protodice) common at many many localities low and high. Spring White (Pontia s. sisymbrii): A few out high on Sherman Pass Rd. and Bald Mtn. Cabbage White (Pieris rapae). Common Limestone Camp, Calkins Flat and Weldon. Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides ausonides and transmontana) intergrading along Sherman Pass Rd. both on west and east slopes and also in Black Rock Ranger Station and Troy Meadows. Unusually common for so late in season. Transmontana only above Alder Creek at 6700' and eastward. Pearly Marble (Euchloe hyantis hyantis): Common on Bald Mtn. and taken even on west side of Sherman Pass above 7800.' Not seen in this area (except one record for Sherman Peak above 10,000' one year) before this year, at least not be me. Gray Marble (Euchloe lanceolata lanceolata). Probably fairly common but not stopping to visit flowers and not seen by many watchers. Before and after the meeting I netted some to confirm some whites were this prized species. Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme). Very widespread but not very numerous. Often misidentified as California Dogfaces or Harford's Sulphur during field trips. Harford's Sulphur (Colias harfordii AKA C. alexandra harfordii): Sparingly seen (I saw three myself) at Frazier Park and on Mt. Pinos. Claimed sightings in Greenhorns and Sierra. Queen Alexandra Sulphur (Colias alexandra edwardsii). An apparent huge female seen by me at Government Spring south of Kennedy Meadows in Tulare County. This was on an outing and I had no net. Records in this region need more proof. California Dogface (Zerene eurydice). Few seen, some sightings at Mt. Abel, Mt. Pinos and one report from Greenhorns. A big disappointment for visitors hoping to see it. Ken Davenport Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Dangers of being NABA field trip leader From: chris kline <kline_at_pine AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 10:55:44 -0700 (PDT) One man's curse is another man's blessing I suppose!   YEars ago when I worked summers for the USGS I had everyone jealous of me one summer in Arizona's WHite Mountains.  I kept running into black bears, cougars, bobcats, etc.  All the other seasonals weren't seeing anything and thought that I had the best gig of everyone.  And it was cool, but when you are out by yourself, miles away from civilization, it got stressful after a point!   Now-a-days I am tagging monarchs, and i believe if memory serves correctly, everytime I have tagged in the Springerville, AZ area I have had run-ins with Prairie Rattlers.  One was in very tall grass and I couldn't actually see it, just heard.  Stepped back out the grass and there it was in one of my footprints in the grass!   chris "Who knew simply being content was the dream come true!" - John Reuben Chris Kline Education Director Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 U.S. Highway 60 Superior, Arizona 85273 (520) 689-2723 work schedule: T-Sa 7am - 4pm --- On Sun, 6/29/08, flutterflies93306 AT att.net wrote: From: flutterflies93306 AT att.net Subject: [SoWestLep] Dangers of being NABA field trip leader To: SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com, TILS-leps-talk AT yahoogroups.com, DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 9:26 PM Everyone: This business of being an NABA field trip leader is getting out of hand. In four of the days I have been in this role my group members tell me they are happy to be in my groups because they have heard I am a rattlesnake magnet. Then they want to get pictures and surround the rattlesnakes. Many are trying to add California species of rattlesnakes to their life lists. I have now had encounters with rattlesnakes three days in a row and four times on NABA trips. Susan Steele had the same problems today with her group. Todays encounter was a snake in a ravine at mid-elevations off the Old State Road in the Greenhorns. while we were at a classic locality for Euphilotes battoides (glaucon) comstocki, Euphilotes enoptes and Plebejus lupini chlorina. Also lots of Satyrium sylvinus desertorum, S. californica californica and Satyrium tetras. Lowland Kern River Valley was poor today. No Alkali Skippers seen, only a few San Emigdio Blues, some Purplish Coppers and lots of White Checkered Skippers, the latter found at Hanning Flat where the water table has risen so much that it has becoming a swamp...so much that we were all listening to Bullfrog calls. But time was limited and the zero Alkali Skippers was likely due to time of day we were at Onyx and location. We have limited access to the ranch and the pasture where the Alkali Skippers are more widely found. The NABA meeting is over but about 40 of them plan to share in tomorrows butterfly count. Today, I really was handicapped by not having binoculars. It was hard to identify tree perching hairstreaks without netting and releases. And we had several ID issues impossible to resolve without a close look at both upper and lower sides...especially with Euphilotes "battoides" and enoptes together, some Plebejus acmon and lupini females and some atypical Satyrium. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils- ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils- ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: NABA meeting butterflies From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 09:10:18 -0700 Everyone: Jim Brock requested I send off a complete list of all the butterflies encountered during the week of the NABA meeting. I am familiar with the board listings and encountered over a hundred species myself over the week of NABA scout trips, butterfly counts (the Sequoia Monument-Sherman Pass area had 74 species yesterday.) and field trips. For the whole week we had about 114 or 115 species. I'll cover this report in sections. Names are my choice of names, but I may provide some NABA name equivalents. SKIPPERS: Silver-Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus californicus). Common at Alder Creek 6700'. Probably seen Sequoia Nat'l Monument where it is well known. Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades indistinctus). Common west of Sherman Pass 6500-9000'. Nevada Mexican Cloudywing (Thorybes mexicanus nevada): Common west of Sherman Pass above 7500', also in meadows E of Sherman Pass and on Bald Mountain. Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius): Seen in mountains very uncommonly, probably because of drought over past few years. Dyar's Pacuvius Duskywing (Erynnis pacuvius lilius). Common west of Sherman Pass above 7500 and also at Bald Mountain at 9400'. Does overlap with Erynnis persius at several places. A real challenge for those identifying with bincoculars since they may occur together. The host plant association with Ceanothus was very reliable. It occurred on high elevation rocky outcrops or dry soils with the host. Artful Pacuvius Duskywing (Erynnis pacuvius callidus) A few seen near McGill Camp and elsewhere on Mt. Pinos. Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis): Seen sparingly along the upper Kern River and in drier low elevation montane habitats. Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius). Very abundant at Alder Creek 6700' on Sherman Pass Rd., but also seen in subalpine meadow E of Sherman Pass across the street from where Sierra Nevada Arctic Blue was present. Also seen around Black Rock Ranger Station-Troy Meadows area). I learned from my field trip folks that this species is nearly extirpated from New England. Two-Banded Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus ruralis ruralis) Seen sparingly dry margins of subalpine meadows E of Sherman Pass. Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis). Occurs higher mountain areas of region, seen sparingly during meeting. Not reliably separated without check of genitalia. White Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus albescens): This species occurs lower down and in the Kern River Valley where communis may occur as well. Some individuals from Hanning Flat have been determined as albescens by Paul Opler. Checkered Skippers probably albescens were very common at Hanning Flat at Lake Isabella. We did not put this on the field trip agenda because of the extreme dry conditions earlier in the season. However, the water table there has risen and even with zero rain in three months, the underground water has created favorable plant growth of the mallow hosts. we saw about 15 individuals there in about 15 minutes. The few I had with me (these were people who did not have to leave at 2 PM) on my field trip had an unexpected highlight not held by those living in the Southwest. Northern White Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum) Seen sparingly during the meeting, probably between broods or drought related or both. Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus): A few seen on Sherman Pass Rd. up to 6700'. Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus): Seen in the Kern River Valley and even at the school grassy where the meeting was being held. Alkaline Skipper (Pseudocopaeodes eunus eunus): Very sparingly seen at Onyx and Weldon. Private property issues limited us. Juba Skipper (Hesperia juba): Sparingly seen during the week, mostly at higher elevations. Western or Common Branded Skipper (Hesperia colorado idaho, AKA Hesperia comma of others): Common Bald Mountain and Kennedy Meadows region. Any reports from Freeman Creek or most of Sequoia National Monument are likely ssp. harpalus, formerly yosemite. A specimen I reported from near Chimney Peak as Lindsey's Skipper was found to be misidentified after I rechecked the individual after I mounted it. It was collected prior to the NABA meeting. I did not use a net during the meeting and field trips per NABA guidelines. Field Skipper (Atalopedes campestris campestris). Reported, occurs in Kern River Valley. I do not know where this one was seen. Sandhill Skipper (Polites sabuleti sabuleti) Found sparingly at Weldon and Onyx. Tecumseh Sandhill Skipper (Polites sabuleti tecumseh). Found sparingly in subalpine meadows. Often misidentified as common Branded Skipper by those not aware tecumseh exists. Sonora Skipper (Polites sonora sonora): Common in wet meadow montane habitats or in wet canyons (including Alder Creek 6700') where it became problematical for people to separate this species from Rural Skipper (Ochlodes agricola nemorum) which occurs there at Alder Creek as well. Rural Skipper (Ochlodes agricola nemorum): Very scarce this June probably because of drought. Seen on Tiger Flat in Greenhorns and up Sherman Pass Rd. to at least 7000'. Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala): Occurs in Kern River Valley, common along state Hwy. 184 (in San Joaquin Valley) in alfalfa field on route to Mt. Pinos field trip from Kernville. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RFI: Colorado From: "tbentley13" <tbentley13 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:24:55 -0000 I am heading to Colorado over the 4th of July. This is my first lep photo trip to this region. Right now I am planning on Apex Park on the front range, Kenosha Pass, Horseshoe park area and also the alpine area in Rocky Mtn NP. I know this is a lot of areas. Can anyone suggest specific trails in any of these spots? I have not seen any Colorado trip reports on any of the lep listserves in some time and I feel like I am sort of blind on this trip. Feel free to contact me offline. Thanks. Tom Bentley Schaumburg, IL www.thomasbentley.com Subject: Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? From: drdn AT mail.utexas.edu Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:58:34 -0500 In his review of the book, in J. Lep. Soc., Kieth Brown identifies the butterfly in Plate 4, fig. 1 as *Papilio paeon*. This is presumably *Heraclides paeon thrason* (C. & R. Felder, 1865) of the Lamas Neotropical Checklist. ...........Chris Durden Quoting Alex Grkovich : > Just curious about folks' opinions on something. Reference is made to > DeVries, Butterflies of Costa Rica, Volume 1 (1987), Plate 4, Figure 1: is > this male specimen actually Pailio cresphontes, or is possibly P. thoas > nealces??? Just wondering, because this specimen DOES look like it might be > thoas, and misidentifications DO occur. Actually, DeVries in the same book > has Danaus gilippus and D. eresimus montenzuma mixed up in Plate 33 of the > same book... > > Alex > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > Subject: Dangers of being NABA field trip leader From: <flutterflies93306 AT att.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:26:07 -0700 Everyone: This business of being an NABA field trip leader is getting out of hand. In four of the days I have been in this role my group members tell me they are happy to be in my groups because they have heard I am a rattlesnake magnet. Then they want to get pictures and surround the rattlesnakes. Many are trying to add California species of rattlesnakes to their life lists. I have now had encounters with rattlesnakes three days in a row and four times on NABA trips. Susan Steele had the same problems today with her group. Todays encounter was a snake in a ravine at mid-elevations off the Old State Road in the Greenhorns. while we were at a classic locality for Euphilotes battoides (glaucon) comstocki, Euphilotes enoptes and Plebejus lupini chlorina. Also lots of Satyrium sylvinus desertorum, S. californica californica and Satyrium tetras. Lowland Kern River Valley was poor today. No Alkali Skippers seen, only a few San Emigdio Blues, some Purplish Coppers and lots of White Checkered Skippers, the latter found at Hanning Flat where the water table has risen so much that it has becoming a swamp...so much that we were all listening to Bullfrog calls. But time was limited and the zero Alkali Skippers was likely due to time of day we were at Onyx and location. We have limited access to the ranch and the pasture where the Alkali Skippers are more widely found. The NABA meeting is over but about 40 of them plan to share in tomorrows butterfly count. Today, I really was handicapped by not having binoculars. It was hard to identify tree perching hairstreaks without netting and releases. And we had several ID issues impossible to resolve without a close look at both upper and lower sides...especially with Euphilotes "battoides" and enoptes together, some Plebejus acmon and lupini females and some atypical Satyrium. Best Wishes, Ken Davenport flutterflies93306 AT att.net or kdavenport AT tils-ttr.org For more information: http://www.tils-ttr.org TILS Motto: "We can not protect that which we do not know" © 1999 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Diego County, June 28+29 From: SHIRAIWA KOJIRO <whiterock AT bekkoame.ne.jp> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:15:33 -0700 Hi all, Had a chance to go out with my family last two days. with my wife. Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) Pale Swallowtail (Papilio (Pterourus) eurymedon) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Becker's White (Pontia beckeri) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) - ovipositing Harford's Sulphur (Colias harfordii) Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides xanthoides) Nut-Brown Hairstreak (Satyrium auretorum spadix) Mtn Mahogany Hairstreak (Satyrium tetra) Hedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium) Western Elfin (Callophrys (Deciduphagus) augustinus iroides) inspecting Dodder Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) Bernardino Blue (Euphilotes bernardino bernardino) Acmon Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) acmon) - huge size! Clemence's Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) lupini monticola) - too many of them. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Ran into 40-50 Blues & Hairstreak mudpuddling. My wife was laughing at me smiling in storm of Lycaenids. Wonderful experience. with my younger son. Looked for Gorgon Copper. Lots and lots of hostplant (Erigonum elongatum), but many Great Coppers instead of Gorgon Coppers. I wonder if Great Copper also use E. elongatum, or they are just abundant everywhere... Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephia phyleus phyleus) Giant Swallowtail (Papilio (Heraclides) cresphontes) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) - many Cabbage White (Pieris rapae rapae) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) Harford's Sulphur (Colias harfordii) California Dogface (Zerene eurydice) Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides xanthoides) Bernardino Blue (Euphilotes bernardino bernardino) Orange Margined Blue (Plebejus (Lycaeides) melissa paradoxa) Acmon Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) acmon) Clemence's Blue (Plebejus (Icaricia) lupini monticola) Semiramis Fritillary (Speyeria coronis semiramis) American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) California Sister (Adelpha california) Striated Queen (Danaus gilippus thersippus) Had to spend lots of time in front of Lantana flowers as my son wanted to net Giant Swallowtail. They out-smarted my son and flew just high/far enough from my son's net, frustrating him. He never got it, but was fun watching him. Koji San Diego Subject: Fw: Re: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? From: Alex Grkovich <agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:17:13 -0700 (PDT) --- On Sun, 6/29/08, Alex Grkovich wrote: Gary,   Ah-hah - paeon... Thanks so much...And it occurred to me after reading your post that there is a picture (ventral albeit, but the dorsal characters can be determined by extrapolation) of P. paeon in Smart 1975 (Butterflies of the World)...He also illustrates Mexican cresphontes, for that matter...which is essentially identical to Mexican cresphontes that I have seen...   That (Fig. 1, Plate in DeVries) really CAN'T be cresphontes...Bottom line, I would say...   Alex --- On Sun, 6/29/08, Rosli Gier wrote: From: Rosli Gier Subject: Re: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? To: agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 6:52 PM Alex, I was curious about this so got out my copy of DeVries' book and had changed the name of Fig. 1, plate 4 to Papilio paeon.  I had also switched the Danaus species names on plate 33.  Then in the front of the book I had made a note that those corrections have been made from reference to Lep. Soc. Journal, Vol. 42, 1988, No. 3, p.240.  Maybe that will help you out.  Hope so.   Gary Gier, Soda Springs, ID.     ----- Original Message ----- From: Alex Grkovich To: TILS-leps-talk AT yahoogroups.com ; SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com ; DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com ; flutterflies93306 AT att.net Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 1:29 PM Subject: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? Just curious about folks' opinions on something. Reference is made to DeVries, Butterflies of Costa Rica, Volume 1 (1987), Plate 4, Figure 1: is this male specimen actually Pailio cresphontes, or is possibly P. thoas nealces??? Just wondering, because this specimen DOES look like it might be thoas, and misidentifications DO occur. Actually, DeVries in the same book has Danaus gilippus and D. eresimus montenzuma mixed up in Plate 33 of the same book...   Alex [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp { BORDER-RIGHT:#d8d8d8 1px solid;PADDING-RIGHT:14px;BORDER-TOP:#d8d8d8 1px solid;PADDING-LEFT:14px;PADDING-BOTTOM:0px;MARGIN:14px 0px;BORDER-LEFT:#d8d8d8 1px solid;PADDING-TOP:0px;BORDER-BOTTOM:#d8d8d8 1px solid;FONT-FAMILY:Arial;} #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp HR { BORDER-RIGHT:#d8d8d8 1px solid;BORDER-TOP:#d8d8d8 1px solid;BORDER-LEFT:#d8d8d8 1px solid;BORDER-BOTTOM:#d8d8d8 1px solid;} #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp #hd { FONT-WEIGHT:bold;FONT-SIZE:85%;MARGIN:10px 0px;COLOR:#628c2a;LINE-HEIGHT:122%;} #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp #ads { MARGIN-BOTTOM:10px;} #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp .ad { PADDING-RIGHT:0px;PADDING-LEFT:0px;PADDING-BOTTOM:0px;PADDING-TOP:0px;} #yiv1259226226 #yiv1443643307 #ygrp-mkp .ad A { COLOR:#0000ff;TEXT-DECORATION:none;} No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1525 - Release Date: 6/29/2008 3:09 PM [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? From: Alex Grkovich <agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:29:02 -0700 (PDT) Hank...   Yes, I thought that I saw the "notch" also in that specimen first time I looked at this plate...   Cresphontes from the tropics seems to be somewhat different from cresphontes in the U.S. From what I've seen in the Guides, thoas from the Caribbean also seems to be somewhat different than on the mainland...   Confusing...to say the least...   Alex  --- On Sun, 6/29/08, Hank Brodkin wrote: From: Hank Brodkin Subject: RE: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? To: agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com, TILS-leps-talk AT yahoogroups.com, SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com, DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com, flutterflies93306 AT att.net Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:21 PM On the plate I do see on figure #1 what appears to be the extension of the claspers extruding from the last abdominal segment, that is lacking in thoas, the only certain way to tell males of both these species. Interestingly I see no yellow on the tails in #1. That being said Males probably can only be ID'd to certainly in the hand and I am sure that SOME females can not be told at all without checking the barcode, although there is a difference in genitalia here also. Look at as many photographs of these two that you can lay your hands on and there seems to be enough variation in the yellow mid forewing marks to really stump even the experts (which I do not pretend to be) and even DeVries says "The best way to tell this [the female] from P.thoas is by oviposition or by rearing it on Rutaceae." Hank Brodkin Carr Canyon, Cochise County, AZ hbrodkin AT cox.net "Butterflies of Arizona - a Photographic Guide" "Finding Butterflies in Arizona - a Guide to the Best Sites" http://members.cox.net/hbrodkin/ -----Original Message----- From: DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Alex Grkovich Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 12:30 PM To: TILS-leps-talk AT yahoogroups.com; SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com; DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com; flutterflies93306 AT att.net Subject: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? Just curious about folks' opinions on something. Reference is made to DeVries, Butterflies of Costa Rica, Volume 1 (1987), Plate 4, Figure 1: is this male specimen actually Pailio cresphontes, or is possibly P. thoas nealces??? Just wondering, because this specimen DOES look like it might be thoas, and misidentifications DO occur. Actually, DeVries in the same book has Danaus gilippus and D. eresimus montenzuma mixed up in Plate 33 of the same book...   Alex [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1525 - Release Date: 6/29/2008 3:09 PM ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? From: "Hank Brodkin" <hbrodkin AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:21:57 -0700 On the plate I do see on figure #1 what appears to be the extension of the claspers extruding from the last abdominal segment, that is lacking in thoas, the only certain way to tell males of both these species. Interestingly I see no yellow on the tails in #1. That being said Males probably can only be ID'd to certainly in the hand and I am sure that SOME females can not be told at all without checking the barcode, although there is a difference in genitalia here also. Look at as many photographs of these two that you can lay your hands on and there seems to be enough variation in the yellow mid forewing marks to really stump even the experts (which I do not pretend to be) and even DeVries says "The best way to tell this [the female] from P.thoas is by oviposition or by rearing it on Rutaceae." Hank Brodkin Carr Canyon, Cochise County, AZ hbrodkin AT cox.net "Butterflies of Arizona - a Photographic Guide" "Finding Butterflies in Arizona - a Guide to the Best Sites" http://members.cox.net/hbrodkin/ -----Original Message----- From: DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Alex Grkovich Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 12:30 PM To: TILS-leps-talk AT yahoogroups.com; SoWestLep AT yahoogroups.com; DesertLeps AT yahoogroups.com; flutterflies93306 AT att.net Subject: [DesertLeps] Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? Just curious about folks' opinions on something. Reference is made to DeVries, Butterflies of Costa Rica, Volume 1 (1987), Plate 4, Figure 1: is this male specimen actually Pailio cresphontes, or is possibly P. thoas nealces??? Just wondering, because this specimen DOES look like it might be thoas, and misidentifications DO occur. Actually, DeVries in the same book has Danaus gilippus and D. eresimus montenzuma mixed up in Plate 33 of the same book...   Alex [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.101 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1525 - Release Date: 6/29/2008 3:09 PM Subject: Re: [leps-talk] Papilio cresphontes? From: Alex Grkovich <agrkovich2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008