2018 Butterfly Field Note

Glenn Marangelo from the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium conducted several surveys this spring and summer. Here, he shares photos and observations from the field.

Posted on 8/20/2018 by Anonymous

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Throughout the spring and summer, the species composition of butterflies and other insects that use MPG North change dramatically.
In late June, I noticed flower scarab beetles (Trichiotinus assimilis) on many species of blooming plants.
The pink-edged sulphur (Colias interior) was the first of several sulphur butterfly species that I detected this year.
A female eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensic) rests on a perch just long enough for a quick photo.
In late May, a buzzing sound in the grasses revealed this fresh salmonfly cicada (Platypedia areolata).
Over a few days, the goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) can change color, from yellow to white, to better blend into its surroundings and surprise its prey.

A Lorquin’s admiral (Limenitis lorquini) takes a rare break on snowberry.
With two broods a season (except at higher elevations), melissa blues (Plebejus melissa) made their first appearance in May.
In late July, woodland skippers (Ochlodes sylvanoides) filled the air and covered flowers
The common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala) dominated late July’s observations.

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Photos

Remote cameras deliver an inside view of wildlife behavior as shown here in this Buckeye capture from the summer of 2012.
Melissa Blue by Jeff Clarke
This week’s capture totals include several images of snowshoe hares, putting them at third place in the roster. Their seasonal white coats provide camouflage as they bound across the crust of snow on broad feet.

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