Sunday was the annual Rondeau count. Things looked gloomy at first with clouds and early rain, but then the sun came out. So did the butterflies. I covered south point trail as usual (since 1990), and we came up with 25 species. Average is just over 22. Nothing outstanding, but after I turned in results, a Snout was found in the VC parking lot. The Snout is rarely seen in the park. I did not take my camera along, as I find it a nuisance on a count. We had a high of 17 Banded Hairstreaks, the only one of that family today. An Eyed Brown and an Appalachian Brown chasing each other was an interesting discovery. An Eyed Brown is shown below, but I cheated with that photo. It was taken at the Tip of Long Point a year ago. 
A couple of Tawny-edged Skippers together was decent. We did get a Hobomok nearing the end of its cycle.
Total species for the count was a respectable 38, considering three major areas were not covered.
Hey Blake,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if you can give some tips on identification of the following pairs of butterflies:
1. Eyed and Appalachian Brown
2. BANDED AND STRIPED HAIRSTREAK!
3. Early/Summer Crescent and Pearl Crescent
Thanks!
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteFor the browns, you have to look closely. The basal line on the underside of the hind wing is much less jagged in Appalachian Eyed Brown than the Eyed Brown. The dots on the forewing are more isolated on Appalachian, but this can be difficult to detect. Appalachian can be in more wet wooded areas, but the two are usually found together.
The hairstreaks are my favourites! You have to look closely again, but they are easy to learn. Banded is the most common and earliest and usually darker, and the post median band has white on the outer edge. The blue spot and orange spot are about the same length. The Striped has more white stripes! The median bands are wide and have white on each side. The blue spot is longest and is capped with orange. The main orange spot has two or more smaller orange spots above it and they recede in size as you go up the edge of the wing. I find the Striped has more "tails".
The crescents can be tough. The rule of thumb, but not entirely reliable, is that Northern Crescent has orange antennal clubs, and Pearl does not. You have to also look at the underside. To add to the problem, males and females differ! You'll have to study them in field guides to learn more about them.