First Butterflies
I haven't seen any yet, but we had several folks at last Saturday's butterfly monitoring workshop report seeing mourning cloaks and eastern commas. In a case of very good timing, the latest edition of Chicago Wilderness Magazine has just appeared with an article by yours truly discussing early spring appearances by these very species.
Even though I haven't seen any butterflies here, I feel like I'm getting a taste of the early spring insect season. I just watched a sphinx moth attracted to the lights at my dining room window. It's hard to believe that tomorrow night the temperature is supposed to go down to 11°.
Labels: Butterflies, Seasons
posted by Doug Taron @ 21:59
14 Comments:
Oh so 'yours truly' is becoming famous now is he? :) Good for you Doug. Yes spring might be on the way in some parts, but Chicago is way back in line as far as it getting warmer is concerned. That is such a cold place!!
Nice article Doug. I've never tried sugaring before. I may have to give it a go down by our creek. I was surprised (maybe I shouldn't have been) to see luna moths flying in Georgia last month on my trip there. It seemed a little early. Than again, they are more temperate than us in N.C.
We're seeing butterflies here. I'm getting ready to post some pics this week. I was really so happy to see our first Azure. Love those little blues. Spring is so close, everything is singing.
Oh I meant to add what a great article, Doug. I had no idea some butterflies could survive a Chicago winter. They are made of some sturdy stuff for such amazingly light creatures.
I just removed a lacewing and a yellowjacket from the office. Hopeful harbingers of Spring?
Last week I found myself in what I dubbed the Kingdom of Butterflies and posted a shout-out to you on FB - but alas I think it missed your homepage. I have never seen so many different species of butterflies and many enormous in one glance before.
ps - great article! How much rum?
Joan- Well, at least the cold isn't supposed to last. I'm hoping that this is the last time we'll go below 20°F this winter.
cedrorum- I'm clueless about phenology in a lot of other parts of the country. February for Luna moths strikes me as outrageous even in Georgia- but then what do I know about such things?
Robin- Thanks. I look forward to your butterfly photos.
TR- Damn, I missed your Facebook shoutout. What fabulous land were you visiting when you saw all the butterflies? I'm glad you thought of me. On the rum: only so much that there's enough left for you.
did the sphinx moth see his shadow?
I just received my Chicago Wilderness, great job on the article!!
Chris
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Spo- Apparently not. The weather has become quite pleasant here, and it's looking to stay so for a few days.
Chris- Thanks. I think that the layout of the print version looks even better than the online version.
TR- Way too cool.
I very much enjoyed that excellent article by you. I will try that sugaring solution. It should yield good results.
Well how bout this. I was googling Luna Moths to see if they were seen in this area and found this place. I will have to recheck my Chicago Wilderness for the article. I have only skimmed it.
Glenn- Welcome to the Tapestry. People stumble on my blog in all kinds of ways. The CW article is the Spring '09 edition's Tip Sheet.
Post a Comment
<< Home