1995 BUTTERFLY RECORDS FROM
"GREATER WASHTENAW COUNTY", MICHIGAN

John M. Swales

546 Fifth Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4839
313-995-1139
jmswales@umich.edu

File code: WCB95



One of the major differences between the 1994 and 1995 seasons has been a marked increase in the number of observers/reporters. In addition to last year's five (Vi Benner (VB), Michael Kielb (MK), Susan Kielb (SK), John Swales (JS) and Warren Wagner (WW)), we have 1995 reports from Hristos Anastassiu (HA), Martin Bialecki (MB), Richard Brown (RB), Don Harvey (DH), Angela Manney (AM), Michael Parow (MP), Jerry Paulsen (JP), Charles Swift (CS) and Roger Wykes (RW). Further, this year two NABA Butterfly Counts were conducted for the first time. One was at the Noggles Road area on the 17 June (MB,MK,SK,JS) when 26 species and 232 individuals were identified. The other occurred a week later in NW Washtenaw County (DH,MK,SK,CS,JS,WW,RW), with 23 species and about 200 individuals. This latter count encountered cloudy weather, turning to rain in the afternoon. In 1996 it is planned to run these two counts a week later, and to add a third count in July in NW Monroe County. Butterflies were found from 11 March (Eastern Comma) to 13 November (Mourning Cloak). In total, slightly more than a thousand records were entered into the "Plover" data-base for 1995.

The expression "Greater Washtenaw County", Michigan (GWC) refers to the county proper plus adjacent areas of bordering counties, such as the Jackson County portion of the Waterloo recreation area, Lenawee County down to Ives Road Fen, and the Maumee floodplain area of north-west Monroe County.

In 1995 reports have been received of 74 species found in the GWC, with 72 in Washtenaw County itself. The comparable figures for 1994 are 67 and 62 respectively.

Species found in 1994 but not in 1995

Species found in 1995 but not in 1994

Thus, the total number of species found in the GWC over the last two years is 80, 77 of them in Washtenaw County. As will be seen, a number of the 1995 "discoveries" can be ascribed to getting out in the field earlier in the season -- and once again having Herb Wagner to guide us. However, attempts to find Mottled Duskywing and Silvery Blue at their traditional locations were unsuccessful.

As in last year's report, the following two "summative" abbreviations have been used:
N = the total number of date/location species sightings during the season
T = the total number of species' individuals recognized during the season

Michael Kielb has again kindly provided histograms of certain species as an appendix (Figures 1-10). Please note that the histograms reflect the available data for both 1994 and 1995.

HESPERIIDAE: SKIPPERS

Silver-spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus
Fairly common and widespread. Seen from 14 June to 3 September, with a maximum of 27 on August 19 at Geddes Park (MK). Most common in mid August. Totals: N = 25; T = 75.


Hoary Edge Achalarus lyciades
Uncommon and local; only found in the Pinckney Rec. Area. Seen from 9-25 June, with a maximum of 5 on Hankerd Rd on 14 June. Totals: N = 5; T = 18. Not found in 1994.

Southern Cloudywing Thorybes bathyllus
Uncommon. Found from 9 June to 23 July, with a maximum of 8 on the NRA butterfly count (17 June). Totals: N = 6; T = 14.

Northern Cloudywing Thorybes pylades
Very scarce this year, with only two reports of single individuals: one in the Pinckney RA on 14 June (JS, MK) and one on the NRA 17 June count. Fewer reports than in 1994.

Checkered Skipper Pyrgus communis
As last year, just one report of this uncommon immigrant from the south: one found by MP on the Fuller field near the Arb on 15 June.

Common Sootywing Pholisora catullus
Fewer reports than in 1994 in Washtenaw County, despite more observers in the field. Apparently more common in NW Monroe, with a maximum of seven on 21 May (HA). Found from 21 May to 4 September. Totals: N = 6; T = 17. Reasons why this wasn't a common "roadside rambler" in Washtenaw County this year are unclear.

Dreamy Duskywing Erynnis icelus
Very scarce and local, with just three sightings: Two on 6 May (VB, SK, JS, WW) in the Hankerd Rd area and one at the same location on 4 June (VB,JS,WW). Also one found at the M14 Environmental Research Area on 20 May (MK). Not found in 1994.

Sleepy Duskywing Erynnis brizo
Uncommon. Found from 6 May to 9 June, with a maximum of five on 12 May in the Matthei Botanical Gardens (MK). Also reported from the M14 ERA, the Pinckney Recreation Area, and at Sackrider Hill, Jackson County. Totals: N = 9; T = 14. Not found in 1994.

Horace's Duskywing Erynnis horatius
Uncommon. Five reports from four different locations from 4 August to 9 September.

A maximum of 6 at Furstenberg Park on 30 August (MK). Given the identification problems, possible sightings of the first brood are likely to have been "lumped" into the following species. Totals: N = 5; T = 13.

Juvenal's Duskywing Erynnis juvenalis
Quite common and widespread. Found from 10 May to 23 June, with a maximum of 20 at Liberty and Dancer on 6 June (MP). Totals: N = 23; T = 66. The commonest duskywing in the area.


Wild Indigo Duskywing Erynnis baptisiae
Found fairly commonly in September in the Ann Arbor area. Probably a range expansion from NW Ohio in response to the use of crown-vetch as a stabilizing plant on excavated enbankments and cuttings. Found from 2 September to 23 September with a maximum of 6 around crown-vetch on Seeley Rd on 3 September. Also found in the vicinity of crown-vetch at Barton Park. However also located at Pioneer/Greenview on four separate occasions away from any known occurrence of its supposed host-plant, but in the vicinity of Creeping Thyme. Totals: N = 8; T = 23. This year the second commonest duskywing in the county, although probably an immigrant (Alan Wormington, personal communication). The status of this species in the GWC next year will be awaited with interest.

Least Skipper Ancyloxypha numitor
Fairly common. Found from 14 June to 25 August, with a maximum of 6 on Wanty rd, NW Monroe on 16 August. Apparently not as common as last year, and no big accumulations noted. Totals: N = 16; T = 34.

European Skipper Thymelicus lineola
Abundant in the second half of June. Found from 15 June to 9 July. A maximum of 94 on 23 June at Marshall Park. Totals: N = 13; T = 242.

Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus
No reports this year of this rare immigrant from the south. Two reports in 1994.

Leonard's Skipper Hesperia leonardus
Uncommon. Found from 12 August to 3 September. Six reports, all of single individuals from five different locations: Burmeister Rd, Embury Rd, Furstenburg Park, Hankerd Rd, and Lulu Rd in NW Monroe County. A comparable situation to last year.


Peck's Skipper Polites coras
Common and widespread throughout much of the summer. Found from 5 June to 10 October, with a maximum of 39 on 11 August at South Seventh. Totals: N = 35; T = 148.


Tawny-edged Skipper Polites themistocles
A fairly common summer skipper, but rarely as numerous as the previous species. Found from 7 June to 3 September, with a maximum of 16 on 11 August at South Seventh. Totals: N = 11; T = 40.

Northern Broken Dash Wallengrenia egeremet
Fairly uncommon. Found from 5-29 July. Eight separate reports of single individuals, plus two on Embury Rd on 8 July (HA). Harder to find than last year?

Little Glassywing Pompeius verna
Scarce. Only two reports this year, in comparison to four in 1994. Two found on Embury Rd by HA on 1 July and one found at Miller Park on 10 July by RW.

Delaware Skipper Atrytone logan
Fairly scarce this year. Only four reports: three on 1 July and seven on 8 July at Embury Rd (HA); one found by RW at Miller Park on 10 July, and one at a marsh in the NRA on 3 August (JS). This last described as "very worn". Eight records in 1994. Totals: N = 4; T = 12.

Mulberry Wing Poanes massasoit
Rare. Only record was one found on 8 July on Embury Rd (HA). (Two records in 1994.)

Hobomok Skipper Poanes hobomok
Common, especially in the first half of June. Found from 30 May to 16 July, with a maximum of 12 on 9 June at Hankerd Rd. Overall, much commoner than in 1994. Totals: N = 31; T = 137.

Broad-winged Skipper Poanes viator
Rare. Only one report. One found by RW on Embury Rd on 28 July. In 1994 8 were found at the MBG on 23 July, but no visit was made at around this time in 1995.

Dion Skipper Euphyes dion
Very rare. One on Embury Rd on 8 July (HA). No reports for 1994.

Duke's Skipper Euphyes dukesi
Only found in NW Monroe by HA: four on 22 July and two on 30 July. Not found in 1994.

Black Dash Euphyes conspicua
Restricted to wet marshes and fens. Found from 19 July to 3 August, with a maximum of three at Park Lyndon North on 26 July. Only found at this location and in the NRA. Totals: N = 4; T = 7.

Eastern Dun Skipper Euphyes ruricola metacomet
Fairly common (as last year). Found from 30 June to 19 August, with a maximum of 7 on Hankerd Rd on 12 August. Totals: N = 13; T = 26.

Roadside Skipper Amblyscirtes vialis
Rare. One found by JS in Stinchfield Woods on 11 June, and one found on the NRA count (MB, MK, SK, JS). Not found in 1994. The status of this species in the county would seem unclear.

PAPILIONIDAE: SWALLOWTAILS

Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes
One of the two common swallowtails in the area. Found from 26 May to 29 September, with a maximum of 10 on Wanty Rd, Monroe on 16 August. Totals: N = 42; T = 99. More reports than last year, but probably an observer effect.

Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes
Scarce and always a good find. Found from 17 June to 26 August. The only multiple occurrences were in NW Monroe with a maximum of five on Wanty Rd, Monroe on 16 August. The Washtenaw County sightings were restricted to Manchester Twp in the SW corner and Augusta Twp in the SE corner, except for one record from near Dexter (AM). Totals: N = 7; T = 14.

Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus
The other common swallowtail. Found from 20 May to 1 September, with a maximum of three on several occasions. A few records of black form females. Totals: N = 49; T = 72.

Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
Fairly uncommon. Found from 21 May to 2 September, with a maximum of eight in the Waterloo Rec. Area on 7 June (MK). Increased records this year probably reflect more observers in the field. Totals: N = 12; T = 22.

PIERIDAE: WHITES, SULPHURS

Mustard White Pieris napi
Rare and local. The only report is of six individuals on 6 May in the Hankerd Rd area (VB,SK,JS,WW). Not found in 1994.

Cabbage White Pieris rapae
Common, widespread and sometimes abundant. Found from 18 April to 28 October, with a maximum of 61 at South Seventh on 4 September. Totals: N = 69; T = 728.

Common/Clouded Sulphur Colias philodoce
Common, becoming super-abundant in September. Found from 10 May to 22 October, with a maximum of c.180 on Arkona Rd on 29 September (MK,JS,RW). Totals: N = 62; T = 580. Towards the end of the season many hybrids with the following species were noted.

Alfalfa Butterfly/Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme
Common in the later part of the season, but rarely as abundant as the previous species. Found from 15 June to 23 October, with a maximum of 46 on 29 September on Arkona Rd (MK,JS,RW). Totals: N = 30; T = 153.

Orange-barred Sulphur Phoebis philea
Not surprisingly, there was no recurrence in 1995 of this exceptionally rare immigrant from the deep south.

Little Sulphur Eurema lisa
Two reports this year of this scarce immigrant from the south. One on 6 July at Barton Park (JP,RW - collected) and one on 30 August at Furstenberg Park (MK).

LYCAENIDAE: COPPERS, BLUES, ELFINS, HAIRSTREAKS, HARVESTER

American Copper Lycaena phlaes americana
More reports than last year, but still uncommon. Found from 4 June to 10 October, with a maximum of five at Liberty and Dancer on 6 June (MP). Totals: N = 7; T = 12.

Bronze Copper Hyllolycaena hyllus
Uncommon. Five reports: one at Goodband Marsh (RW) on 11 August, three at Barton Park on 6 September (MK,JS), and singles at the same location on 28 September and 11 October (MK). Finally one at Sharon Hollow on 18 October (MK,RW).

Dorcas Copper Lycaena dorcas
Very local. Found from 19-29 July, but only at Park Lyndon North, where locally common, with a maximum of 14 on 26 July. Totals: N = 3; T = 19.

Purplish Copper Epidemia helloides
No reports in 1995. (One report in 1994.)

Coral Hairstreak Harkenclennus titus
Scarce and local. Found 7-18 July only at Miller Park (RW). Three records with a maximum of two on 16 July.

Acadian Hairstreak Satyrium acadium
No reports in 1995; three in 1994.

Edward's Hairstreak Satyrium edwardsii
No reports. Three records last year.

Banded Hairstreak Satyrium falacer
Surprisingly uncommon, especially in comparison with 1994. Found from 21 June to 29 July. A maximum of four on 8 July on Embury Rd (HA). Totals: N = 7; T = 13.

Striped Hairstreak Satyrium liparops
Fairly uncommon. Found from 6 July to 12 August, with a maximum of four at Liberty and Dancer on 29 July (VB,JS). In Washtenaw County the flight period for this species appears to be about two weeks later than for the previous one. Totals: N = 12; T = 15.

Brown Elfin Incisilia augustinus
Very local and rare. Four found at the 'leatherleaf bog' near Cavanaugh Lake on 6 May (VB,SK,JS,WW) and one located at the same location on 21 May (HA,MK,SK,WW). (Not found in 1994.)

Eastern Tailed Blue Everes comyntas
Common, especially in the second half of the season. Found from 6 July to 18 October, with a maximum of 14 on 3 September on Lulu Rd, Monroe. Totals: N = 38; T = 92.


Spring Azure Celestrina ladon
Common, especially in May. Found from 29 April to 16 August, with a maximum of 22 on 6 May on Embury Rd. Totals: N = 29; T = 131.


Harvester Feniseca tarquinius
Local and scarce. Originally located at Furstenberg Park on 2 July by JP, with a maximum of 4 on 3 July. Also two found at the same location by RW on 12 August, and by HA in his yard on Broadway on 30 August. Finally, one at "the point" (Foster's Park) on Barton Pond on 23 September (VB,JS) -- a surprisingly late date. MK also collected several aphid-covered larvae at Gallup Park on 16 August, raising one to maturity. With one exception, all Harvesters have been found in the vicinity of Black Alders lining the Huron River bank. (Not found in 1994).

NYMPHALIDAE: BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES

Buckeye Junonia coenia
No reports in 1995; three September sightings in 1994.

Variegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia
Rare immigrant from the south. One collected in a field near Dexter on 19 August by AM. No reports in 1994.

Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele
This large species is the only common and widespread fritillary in the area. Found from 15 June to 24 September, with a maximum of 8 on Steinbach and Ellsworth Rds on 22 July (VB,JS). Somewhat down in numbers compared to 1994? Totals: N = 25; T = 60.

Aphrodite Speyeria aphrodite
Rare and local. As last year, only found in NW Monroe as single individuals. Four reports from 21 July to 3 September (HA, MK, WW).

Silver-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene
This lesser fritillary appears to be rare and local in the GWC. So far only found at a marsh in the NRA, where two individuals were identified on the following dates: 17 June (NABA count), 3 August (MB,JS) and 1 September (MK,JS,RW). Apparently a small and fragile population; this species "has undergone a serious decline in Ohio" (Iftner et al 1992). (Not found in 1994.)

Meadow Fritillary Boloria bellona
Very scarce. The only records are one on Hack Rd on Washtenaw County's southern border on 29 September (MK,JS,RW) and one at the same location on 10 October. This last seems an especially late date. The reasons for the scarcity of this butterfly are by no means clear.

Baltimore Euphydryas phaeton
Locally common in its restricted flight period. Found from 15 June to 8 July with a maximum of 12 on 15 June on Marshall Road (MK). Totals: N = 8; T = 30.


Harris' Checkerspot Chlosyne harrisii
Rare. Two reports only: 2 on 17 June at the NRA, and 3 on 24 June on Embury Road (NABA count). DH also found larvae on 24 June at Pickerel Lake. (No reports in 1994.)

Silvery Checkerspot Charidryas nycteis
Uncommon, but sometimes locally common. Three reports: 2 on 17 June in the NRA, 14 on 23 June at Marshall Park (MK), and 3 on Embury Rd on 1 July (HA).

Pearl Crescent Phycoides tharos
Very widespread and often common. Found from 26 May to 23 October, with a maximum of 37 on 9 September on Burmeister Rd (RW). Totals: N = 73; T = 316.

Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis
In contrast to 1994, rather scarce this year with only five reports: from 1 July to 16 August with a maximum of 7 on Embury Rd on 1 July (HA).

Eastern Comma/Hop Merchant Polygonia comma

Uncommon. Found from 11 March (MP) to only 21 June, with a maximum of two on two occasions, and then one on Zeeb Road on 13 October (JS). Totals: N = 10; T = 12.

Compton Tortoiseshell Nymphalis j-album
Two records of this rare immigrant from the north. One on Embury Rd on 8 July (HA), and one on September 10 at Domino's Farms (AM).

Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa
Fairly common, although never abundant. Found from 17 March to 13 November, with a maximum of four at Saginaw Forest on 13 June (MK). Totals: N = 27; T = 33.


Milbert's Tortoiseshell Aglais milberti
Scarce in 1995, in contrast to 1994. Only four reports: one on Streiter Rd on 29 April (VB,JS); four on Arkona Rd on 21 June (JS); two on Hack Road on 10 October and one on Arkona Rd on the same date (both RW). Totals: N = 4; T = 8.

American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis
Uncommon. Found from 3 May to 19 August. Only singles reported. Totals: N = 12; T = 12.

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
Fairly common this year. Found from 1 July to 23 October, with a maximum of three on Wanty Rd, Monroe on 16 August (MK,JS,RW). Only one report in 1994. Totals: N = 18; T = 24.

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
Fairly uncommon. Found from 23 April to 9 September, with a maximum of 2 on two occasions. Totals: N = 19; T = 21.

Red-spotted Purple Basilarchia arthemis astyanax
Fairly uncommon. Found from 15 May to 19 August, with a maximum of 2 on several occasions. Totals: N = 13; T = 18.

Viceroy Basilarchia archippus
Fairly common. Recorded from 10 June to 10 October, with a maximum of 7 on Burmeister Rd on 9 September (RW). Totals: N = 24; T = 45.

FAMILY APATURIDAE: HACKBERRY BUTTERFLIES

Hackberry Butterfly Asterocampa celtis
Scarce. Found from 17 June to 18 August, with a maximum of 4 on 16 August at Bunce Rd, Monroe. Most easily found on or near rural river bridges. Totals: N = 5; T = 8.

Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton
Scarce, but more reports than the single sighting in 1994. Three on Embury Rd on 1 July and again on 8 July (HA); one found by MB in the NRA on 14 July; and one in NW Monroe on 22 July. Totals: N = 4; T = 8. Curiously, HA found only A. clyton while most other observers found only A. celtis.

FAMILY SATYRIDAE: SATYRS AND WOOD NYMPHS

Northern Pearly Eye Enodia anthedon
Uncommon. Found from 24 June to 11 July, with a maximum of six on 1 July on Embury Rd (HA). Most reports from the western townships. Totals: N = 5; T = 11.

Eyed Brown Satyrodes eurydice
Fairly uncommon. Found from 17 June to 3 August, with a maximum of 8 at Sharon Hollow on 2 July (CS). Totals: N = 11; T = 24. More reports than in 1994.

Appalachian Eyed Brown Satyrodes appalachia
Scarcer in 1995 than in 1994. Only four reports, from 25 June to 3 August, with a maximum of seven on Embury Rd on 1 July (HA). Totals: N = 4; T = 12.

Little Wood Satyr Megisto cymela
Common and widespread in June. Found from 30 May to 5 July, with a maximum of 45 on the NRA count on 17 June. Totals: N = 35; T = 189.


Common Wood Nymph Cercyonis pegala
Widespread and especially common in July. Found from 5 July to 2 September, with a maximum of 42 at South Seventh on 23 July. Totals: N = 34; T = 218.

FAMILY DANAIDAE: MONARCHS

Monarch Danaus plexippus
Common, especially later in the season. Found from 21 May to 27 October, with a maximum of 12 on 2 September on Seeley Rd (JS). Totals: N = 55; T = 141.



This page constructed by M.F. O'Brien from documents supplied by John Swales and Michael
Kielb. updated 02/09/96.