Common Buckeye on Grass-Leaved Goldenrod
Here we have the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) butterfly feeding on Grass-Leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia). You can see this individual has some wear and tear on its wings, but it was still flying very well. This patch of goldenrod has been extremely productive for all sorts of pollinator species, and we are hoping it yields a lot of super sightings in the next month.
Read MoreClover Hayworm Moth
Here’s what seems to be the Clover Hayworm (Hypsopygia costalis) moth, a species that I saw on multiple occasions during the middle of the summer. Apparently their name is derived from their caterpillars being a historic pest in haystacks, and they feed on various forms of dried vegetation. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMonarchs & Monarchs!
Keep the Monarchs coming! These “fall” cold fronts with helpful north winds will be pushing them to migrate just like the birds, so if you have not seen any lately you may end up with some very soon.
Read MoreLate Gray Hairstreak
This is a fresh looking Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) for early September, likely having emerged recently. You would think it is the middle of the summer considering the extremely hot temperatures as of late. Are you seeing new or additional butterflies in the very warm conditions?
Read MoreBlatchley Walkingstick (Manomera blatchleyi)
RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser, with some help from his ever so knowledgeable about walking sticks research partner Tyler Christensen, identified this as a Blatchley Walkingstick (Manomera blatchleyi) female. Sean said it was always a highlight to find these creatures during the summer as a child, but this was a new species for him. Wildlife can be unreal!
Read More
