Butterflying at Pinery

Today was the annual butterfly count at Pinery/Port Franks.  It was a bit ominous at first with the clouds and a bit of a sprinkle, but it turned out to be a nice.  The weather forecast was wrong again since it turned out to be sunny later on.

Silvery Checkerspot

By late morning, things picked up and our group of myself, Paul Carter, Maris Apse and Jeff Larson did fairly well in the south half of the park.  We identified 27 species.
There were some highlights including at least six Dusted Skippers. 

They were found in various areas and I think this is a new high for the count.  It was surprising, as they are usually getting close to done by now.

Dusted Skipper on the fly

Another highlight was Mulberry Wing at the boat launch. 

Mulberry Wing (note "airplane" shape marking)

We actually had three of them and I think this is new for the count within Pinery.  It has been a number years since I have seen this species.
We also had some Common Roadside Skippers.

Common Roadside Skipper

Coral Hairstreak on Black-eyed Susan

We did very well with hairstreaks--the most we have ever seen.  We had 6 Banded, 6 Coral, one Edwards', and 5 Striped.  The striped total is a new high.

Banded Hairstreak (very fresh!)

One area had several Red-spotted Purples plus two that we considered intergrades with the White Admiral. 

intergrade

normal Red-spotted Purple

White Admirals at Algonquin Park

Several moths were also seen including a couple of fresh Spiny Oakworm.  One still had its wings curled up.

Spiny Oakworm Moth (?)

We also saw a LeConte's Haploa moth.  It did not want to be photographed!
A good day.