546 Fifth Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4839
313-995-1139
jmswales@umich.edu
In 1996 interest in local butterflies continued to grow. Substantial periodic reports were submitted by Hristos Anastassiu & Warren Wagner (HA,WW), Richard Brown (RB), John Farmer (JF), Michael Kielb (MK), John Swales (JS), Charles Swift (CS) and Roger Wykes (RW). Additional records were provided by Vi Benner (VB), Martin Bialecki (MB), Judy Dupois (JD), Susan Horvath (SH), Michael Parow (MP), Jerry Paulissen (JP), and David Shappirio (DS). Last year's two inaugural NABA Butterfly Counts were continued: one covered the Noggles Road area on the 22 June; the other took place a week later in NW Washtenaw County. In each case 32 species and about 200 individual butterflies were counted. Additionally, on July 4 Richard Brown organized a third count covering the "Saline River Watershed"; this count produced 35 species and 493 individuals. Over 50 species were found on the three counts. In total, around 1300 records were entered into the "Plover" data-base for 1996. Butterflies were reported from March 22 (Mourning Cloak) to November 16 (Milbert's Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloak).
The most noticeable highlight of the year was an explosion in the population of Giant Swallowtails, which had been scarce to rare in the two previous years. Giants seemed to be everywhere, including several reports from suburban Ann Arbor. The final tally was 101 individuals, more than that for the Tiger Swallowtail! Other noteworthy events included a strong flight of Tawny Emperors in the Roe Rd section of NW Washtenaw County and a number of "new" species for the data-base (listed below). If there was an obvious "miss", it would be that nobody reported Speyeria aphrodite in 1996.
The expression "Greater Washtenaw County" (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 1996 reports have been received of 81 species found in the GWC, with 77 in Washtenaw County itself. The comparable figures for 1995 are 74/72, and for 1994 67/62. This impressive trend speaks to greater observer effort and greater observer knowledge.
Species found in 1994-1995 but not in 1996
Species found in 1996 but not in 1994-1995
Thus, the total number of species found in the GWC over the last three years is 88, 82 of them in Washtenaw County.
As in previous years, 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
Other abbreviations are: MBG (The Matthaei Botanical Gardens); M14-ERA (The Environmental Study Area off N. Maple Rd. in NW Ann Arbor); NRA (the Noggles Road area in SW Washtenaw); and SGA (State Game Area).
Silver-spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus
Common and widely distributed in a variety of habitats. Seen from 31 May to 11 September, with a maximum of 25 on July 4 on Cassidy Rd (HA). Totals: N = 37; T = 109.
Hoary Edge Achalarus lyciades
Fairly rare and local. Seen from 14 June to 11 July, with a maximum of 5 on Hankerd Rd -- its stronghold -- on 29 June. One found on 11 July in the NRA, a new location. Totals: N =3; T = 7.
Southern Cloudywing Thorybes bathyllus
Uncommon. Found from 25 May to 3 August, with a maximum of 2 on two occasions. Totals: N = 7; T = 9.
Northern Cloudywing Thorybes pylades
Uncommon. Found from 11 June to 1 August. Only singles reported, mostly from NW Washtenaw County, but also reported from the Milan area and NW Monroe. Totals: N = 6: T = 6.
Checkered Skipper Pyrgus communis
No reports this year; a single individual in 1994, two in 1995.
Common Sootywing Pholisora catullus
As in 1995, remarkably uncommon. Found from 8 June to 27 August. The June report from Saline (RB) was exceptional since all other of the few sightings were from the end of July to the end of August from the county's southern borders. A maximum of 2 on two occasions. Unlike last year, very few records from NW Monroe. Totals: N = 7; T = 9. A continuing puzzle.
Dreamy Duskywing Erynnis icelus
Uncommon, but more reports than last year. Found from 19 May to 22 June, with a maximum of 3 from Boyce Rd. on 13 June. New locations were the NRA and the Milan area. N = 7; T = 13.
Sleepy Duskywing Erynnis brizo
Uncommon. Found from 12 May to 8 June, with a maximum of three on 28 May in Marshall Park (MK). Totals: N = 6; T = 8.
Horace's Duskywing Erynnis horatius
Uncommon. Found from 28 July to 8 September, with a maximum of 2 on two occasions. Given the identification problems, possible sightings of the first brood are likely to have again been "lumped" into the following species. Totals: N = 7; T = 9.
Juvenal's Duskywing Erynnis juvenalis
The only common and widespread duskywing in the area. Found from 18 May to 22 June, with a maximum of 22 at Marshall Park on 30 May (MK). Totals: N = 18; T = 55.
Wild Indigo Duskywing Erynnis baptisiae
Despite the optimism in last year's report, this proved to be a rare butterfly this year. Three sightings of single individuals from 1 August to 17 August. Two from the vicinity of the crown-vetch patches west of 1-94 in Ann Arbor (where most of the sightings were made last year), and one from the Botanical Gardens (HA). The expansion of this species into Washtenaw County seems to be "on hold".
Persius Duskywing Erynnis persius
Three examples of this rarity were collected by WW and HA on 14 June in the Petersberg SGA in NW Monroe. A major find. Not previously reported for a number of years.
Least Skipper Ancyloxypha numitor
Fairly common. Found from 14 June to 25 August, with a maximum 20 on Ida Rd, NW Monroe on 18 August. Totals: N = 20; T = 82.
European Skipper Thymelicus lineola
Abundant to super-abundant in the second half of June. Found from 14 June to 13 July. A maximum of 421 on the 22 June NRA count. Totals: N = 24; T = 1353.
Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus
One report of this rare immigrant from the south; a very fresh specimen nectaring on zinnias on 6 October at South Seventh (JS). Last reported in 1994 from the same location.
Leonard's Skipper Hesperia leonardus
Uncommon. Found from 21 August to 12 September. Six reports, all of single individuals -- exactly the same as last year! However, new locations included Sharon Hollow and Bandemer Park.
Peck's Skipper Polites coras
Common and widespread throughout much of the summer. Found from 31 May to 8 September, with a maximum of 32 on 27 August at Petersberg/Day Rds. Totals: N = 39; T = 184.
Tawny-edged Skipper Polites themistocles
A fairly common summer skipper, but rarely as numerous as the previous species. Found from 8 June to 8 September, with a maximum of 8 on 4 July in NW Monroe. Totals: N = 21; T = 75.
Crossline Skipper Polites origenes
This and the following entry represent new species for these Reports, presumably as a result of greater and more expert observer effort. Found from 11 July to 27 August, with a maximum of two on two occasions. Locations included the NRA, the MBG and Petersberg/Day Rds. Totals: N = 5; T = 7.
Long Dash Polites mystic
Found from 16 June to 2 August, with a maximum of 7 on 16 June near Petersberg in NW Monroe (HA & WW). Singles also found at Embury and Boyce Rds and in west AA. Totals: N = 4; T = 10.
Northern Broken-Dash Wallengrenia egeremet
Fairly uncommon. Found from 22 June to 30 July, with a maximum of 8 at South Seventh on 8 July (RW). Totals: N = 8; T = 20.
Little Glassywing Pompeius verna
Much commoner than the two previous years in its restricted flight period. Found 4-16 July, with a maximum of 9 on 6 July at Miller Park (RW). Totals: N = 11; T = 52.
Delaware Skipper Atrytone logan
Like the previous species, fairly common this year. Found from 29 June to 17 July, with a maximum of 17 at the NRA on 11 July. Also two exceptionally late individuals on 2 September in York Twp (RB). Totals: N = 17; T = 58.
Mulberry Wing Poanes massasoit
Uncommon. Found only 10-20 July, with a maximum of 7 on the first date at Grass Lake Rd (HA & WW). Totals: N = 5; T = 15.
Hobomok Skipper Poanes hobomok
This is the area's large, flashy skipper of June. Found from 31 May to 1 July, with a maximum of 9 on 9 June at the M-14 ERA (MK). Overall, less common than last year. Totals: N = 21; T = 64.
Broad-winged Skipper Poanes viator
Continues to be scarce and very local. Found from 17 July to 1 August. Two reports by HA from its (by now) traditional location along Fleming Creek at the MBG, with a maximum of 7 on 1 August. Also one individual found by RW at nearby Parker Mill. No reports from Embury Rd this year.
Dion Skipper Euphyes dion
Rare, but at least two new locations found. Three on Grass Lake Rd on July 10th (HA & WW), two the following day at the NRA and one at Gorman Lake (HA, MK, JS, RW).
Duke's Skipper Euphyes dukesi
Very local and rare. Only found on Zieman Rd in NW Monroe by HA and WW, where there were three on 10 August. No recent records from Washtenaw County itself.
Black Dash Euphyes conspicua
Restricted to wet marshes and fens. Found from 29 June to 1 August, with a maximum of three at Gorman Lake on 11 July. Totals: N = 5; T = 9.
Eastern Dun Skipper Euphyes ruricola metacomet
Fairly common, but less common than last year. Found from 4 July to 18 August, with a maximum of four on July 11 in the NRA. Totals: N = 10; T = 18.
Dusted Skipper Atrytonopsis hianna
Very rare. Four examples of this "early" prairie skipper were found by HA and WW at a traditional site near Petersberg in NW Monroe on 14 June.
Roadside Skipper Amblyscirtes vialis
Rare. One observed by RW on the NRA count on 22 June -- in almost exactly the same location where one was collected by MK last year. Given the information on the distribution maps, there may be a previously unrecorded small disjunct population of this species in SE Michigan.
Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes
Very common. Found from 19 May to 8 September, with a maximum of 15 at Sanford State Park near Milan on 31 July (JF). Totals: N = 52; T = 148. More reports than last year, but probably an observer effect.
Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes
As mentioned in the introduction, the major flight of P. cresphontes was perhaps the butterfly event of the 1996 season. Found from 1 June to 8 September, with a maximum of 15 on Zieman Rd in NW Monroe on 10 August (HA). Widespread reports from Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties, with several from the city of Ann Arbor. Totals: N = 41; T = 101.
Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus
Common. Found from 19 May to 2 September, with a maximum of five on two occasions. A few records of black form females. Totals: N = 41; T = 72.
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
Fairly common. Found from 25 May to 31 August, with a maximum of 12 in the Milan area on 1 July (JF). Further increased records again this year probably reflect more observers in the field. Totals: N = 24; T = 56.
Mustard White Pieris napi
Rare and local. A small flight of the "immaculate" summer form was reported. Found from 10 July to 21 August, with a maximum of four on Embury Rd. on 17 August (VB & JS). Totals: N = 3; T = 6.
Cabbage White Pieris rapae
Common, widespread and sometimes abundant. Found from 19 April to 27 October, with a maximum of 72 in Milan on 11 July (JF). Totals: N = 77; T = 1060.
Common/Clouded Sulphur Colias philodoce
Common, but never becoming abundant this year. Found from 19 May to 27 October, with a maximum of 14 at Saline Industrial Park on 4 July (RB). Totals: N = 49; T = 176. Towards the end of the season some hybrids with the following species were noted.
Alfalfa Butterfly/Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme
Common and, unlike the two previous years, at least as common as the previous species. Found from 8 June to 27 October, with a maximum of 18 on 28 September in Saline Twp.(RB). Totals: N = 46; T = 191.
Orange-barred Sulphur Phoebis philea
Not surprisingly, there was again no recurrence in 1996 of this exceptionally rare immigrant from the deep south.
Little Sulphur Eurema lisa
No reports this year.
American Copper Lycaena phlaes americana
This species remains surprisingly uncommon; only single individuals from 8 August to 27 October. Most of the late season sightings were from a meadow off Willis Rd in York Twp.(RB,RW). Totals: N = 10; T = 10.
Bronze Copper Hyllolycaena hyllus
Uncommon. Found from 16 June to 28 August, mostly from the western part of Washtenaw County, although there were also reports from NW Monroe and from Furstenberg Park in Ann Arbor. A maximum of two on four occasions. Totals: N = 9; T = 13.
Dorcas Copper Lycaena dorcas
Local and scarce. Two reports: one at Grass Lake Road on 10 July (HA), and eight at the "Hadley/Roe fens" on 20 July (HA & RW). No reports from Park Lyndon North this year.
Purplish Copper Epidemia helloides
No reports in 1996. Last reported in 1994.
Coral Hairstreak Harkenclennus titus
Uncommon. Found from 10 July to 12 August, with a maximum of three on 10 July from Miller Park (RW). Totals: N = 7; T = 11.
Acadian Hairstreak Satyrium acadium
Fairly rare. Found only 2-4 July, with a maximum of four on Wanty Rd during the Milan Count. Totals: N = 4; T = 9.
Edward's Hairstreak Satyrium edwardsii
No reports. Last reported in 1994.
Banded Hairstreak Satyrium falacer
Unlike last year, once again common. Found from 25 June to 1 August. A maximum of 15 on 4 July at Maple and Warner Rds. Totals: N = 17; T = 53.
Hickory Hairstreak Satyrium caryaevorus
One example of this rare hairstreak was closely examined by RW at Parker Mill on 7 July. This is probably the first area report of this species for a number of years.
Striped Hairstreak Satyrium liparops
Fairly uncommon. Found from 29 June to 31 July, with a maximum of 8 at Miller Park on 18 July (RW). Totals: N = 9; T = 24.
Brown Elfin Incisilia augustinus
Very local and rare. Once again only found at the 'leatherleaf bog' near Cavanaugh Lake, where four were reported on 18 May (HA).
Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus
An elfin was briefly seen perched on a dead leaf on the ground in the sandy areas of Hankerd Rd by VB and JS on 1 June. Efforts to relocate the individual were unsuccessful. A brief examination through binoculars showed elfin size and shape, scalloped wing margins, and a frosted patch on the lower hind-wing. These characteristics, plus its location within a kilometer of one of the last remaining patches of wild Lupine in the area, suggest a Frosted Elfin. The sighting is, however, inadequate for a county record.
Gray Hairstreak Styrmon melinus
This species is something of an enigma in southern Michigan, being extremely scarce. HA had a first record for several years with one on September 20 in the Petersberg SGA in NW Monroe County. The late date does not help decide whether this specimen might be a member of a local population, or a stray from further south (where it is much more common).
Eastern Tailed Blue Everes comyntas
Common. Unlike the two previous years, emerged in late May rather than in July. Found from 25 May to 30 September, with a maximum of 13 on 2 August at Seeley/Scio Church Rds in west Ann Arbor (RW). Totals: N = 32; T = 92.
Spring Azure Celestrina ladon
Common, especially in May, but in lower numbers than in 1995. Found from 2 May to 24 August, with a maximum of 16 on 25 May on Embury Rd (MK). Totals: N = 21; T = 58.
Harvester Feniseca tarquinius
Local and scarce. Found from 3 August to 9 September, with a maximum of three on I September at Argo Park (CS & RW). Most sightings were close to alder-lined river banks. Totals: N = 6; T = 9.
American Snout Libytheana carinenta
Rare immigrant from the south. One seen well with binoculars on 7 August by John Farmer in a hackberry near the Saline River in the Milan area. Two possible other sightings by the same observer around the same time and in the same vicinity. Although reported by Alan wormington as being a fairly frequent immigrant at Point Pelee, this is the first report for several years from the GWC.
Buckeye Junonia coenia
No reports in 1996; last reported in 1994.
Variegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia
Rare immigrant from the south. One on Petersberg Rd near Milan on 18 August (HA, JS,WW); another on 25 August in London Twp, Monroe (JF).
Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele
This large species is the only common and widespread fritillary in the area. Found from 22 June to 19 September, with a maximum of 9 at Gorman Lake on 11 July. Totals: N = 35; T = 84.
Aphrodite Speyeria aphrodite
No reports.
Silver-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene
This lesser fritillary appears to be local in the GWC, being largely restricted to fens. Only three reports, all towards the end of June. Eleven on 22 June on the NRA count; one on 26 June in NW Ann Arbor (MP); and four in Park Lyndon North on 29 June. Unlike last year, there were no sightings later in the season.
Meadow Fritillary Boloria bellona
Continues to be scarce, but more reports from more locations than in previous years. Found from 18 May to 3 September, with a maximum of four on Hack Rd on 24 August (RW). Totals: N = 8; T = 12.
Baltimore Euphydryas phaeton
Fairly widespread and sometimes locally common. Found from 21 June to 17 July with a maximum of 18 on 29 June on Park Lyndon North/Embury Rd (RB,JB,JS,RW). Totals: N = 17; T = 88.
Harris' Checkerspot Chlosyne harrisii
Uncommon and local. Found from 11 June to 11 July, with a maximum of six in the NRA on 22 June. Totals: N = 4; T = 9.
Silvery Checkerspot Charidryas nycteis
Fairly uncommon. Found from 11 June to 17 August, with a maximum of five on the NRA count. The two records from mid-August likely represent a partial second brood. Totals: N = 11; T = 19.
Pearl Crescent Phycoides tharos
Very widespread and often common. Found from 25 May to 28 September, with a maximum of 68 on 2 August on Seeley Rd (RW). Totals: N = 58; T = 438.
Northern Crescent Phycoides selenis
One of this year's additions and, given the difficulties of separating this species from the preceding one and the controversies surrounding the status of the crescent group, likely to be a controversial one. Found from 25 May to 22 June, with a maximum of three at the M14-ERA on June 9 (MK). Totals: N = 6; T = 11.
Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis
Continues to be uncommon. Found from 18 April to 10 August, with a maximum of only two at Park Lyndon North on 29 June. Totals: N = 13; T = 14.
Eastern Comma/Hop Merchant Polygonia comma
Many more reports than in the two previous years. Found from 31 March to 6 November, with a maximum of three on four occasions. Totals: N = 33; T = 45.
Compton Tortoiseshell Nymphalis j-album
Five single 1996 records of this supposedly rare immigrant from the north. Found from 29 June to 20 September. Three further sightings from the Embury Rd area suggest that a small temporary population may have established itself in that location. The 20th September sighting was on the edge of Eberwhite Woods in west Ann Arbor (JS)!
Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa
Fairly common, although never abundant. Found from 22 March (DS) to 16 November, with a maximum of five on Embury Rd on June 15 (MP). Totals: N = 38; T = 57.
Milbert's Tortoiseshell Aglais milberti
The 1996 numbers were up on 1995, but still fewer than in 1994. Found from 26 July to 16 November, with a maximum of six in the "south-central townships" on 27 August (RW). Totals: N = 10; T = 22.
American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis
Stunningly rare! Only two records: one on 22 June in the NRA, and one on Bishop Rd in Saline Twp on 25 June (RB).
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
Only two individuals reported, as opposed to 24 in 1995. Both records were early, suggesting that this famous immigrant failed to establish itself north this year. One on 19 May in the Milan area (JF), and a very worn individual on June 14 at South Seventh (JS).
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
Fairly uncommon. Found from 31 March to 26 August, with a maximum of 2 on four occasions. Totals: N = 10; T = 14.
Red-spotted Purple Basilarchia arthemis astyanax
Generally fairly uncommon, but becoming common in August. Found from 18 May to 1 September, with a maximum of 8 on 1 August on Embury Rd (HA). Totals: N = 23; T = 40.
Viceroy Basilarchia archippus
Surprisingly common, at least in comparison to the two previous years. Recorded from 8 June to 25 October, with a maximum of 18 At Sanford State Park on 31 July (JF). Totals: N = 50; T = 160.
Hackberry Butterfly Asterocampa celtis
Uncommon, except for riverine habitats around Milan and in NW Monroe. Found from 20 June to 27 August, with a maximum of 4 on two occasions. Totals: N = 14; T = 27.
Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton
Sightings continue to increase, with something of a "mini-outbreak" in extreme NW Washtenaw County. Found from 29 June to 31 July, with a remarkable maximum of 19 on Roe Rd on 4 July (HA). Totals: N = 9; T = 39.
Northern Pearly Eye Enodia anthedon
Uncommon. Found from 26 June to 1 August, with a maximum of four on 11 July at Gorman Lake. Most reports from the western townships. Totals: N = 6; T = 12.
Eyed Brown Satyrodes eurydice
Fairly uncommon. Found from 22 June to 26 August, with a maximum of 7 at Furstenberg Park on 14 July (MK). Totals: N = 11; T = 40. A broadly similar picture to 1995.
Appalachian Eyed Brown Satyrodes appalachia
Uncommon. Found from 22 June to 17 August, with a maximum of 9 on 22 June in the NRA. Totals: N = 8; T = 23. Sightings approximately double those of 1995.
Little Wood Satyr Megisto cymela
Common and widespread, particularly in June and early July. Found from 31 May to 1 August, with a maximum of 57 at South Seventh on 5 July (JS). Totals: N = 32; T = 405.
Common Wood Nymph Cercyonis pegala
Widespread and especially common in July. Found from 2 July to 12 September, with a maximum of 106 at South Seventh on 13 July (JS). Totals: N = 32; T = 309.
Monarch Danaus plexippus
Common, especially later in the season. Found from 18 May to 27 October, with a maximum of 18 in Milan on 4 September (JF). Totals: N = 52; T = 174.