Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
There is not much green to be seen right now in Chautauqua County, but thankfully we have some being digitally shipped to us from Costa Rica. RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser took this ridiculously awesome photo of a Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) butterfly blending so effortlessly into the landscape of its home. One of the more common species in Costa Rica, these stunning brush foot butterflies are always a pleasure to see if you are there, here, or anywhere!
Read MoreHidden Wood Duck
This pond had a bunch of Mallards, American Black Ducks, and some hybrids…and hidden in the back were a couple of Wood Ducks, a treat for a December day when this water could very well have been frozen over in many other years. I hope you will be able to put on your t-shirt and shorts and get outside to enjoy this unfathomable stretch of holiday heat this weekend. See what you can find and keep an open mind – in the past week I have seen uncommon lingering birds like these, a dragonfly (Autumn Meadowhawk) and a butterfly (Orange Sulphur). It’s unbelievable! Scott Kruitbosch...
Read MoreLate Lady
This American Lady was a lovely mid-November sight earlier this week, basking in the sun on a still warmer than average afternoon. You can see what month it is by how low that sun angle is striking the butterfly, casting a long shadow as the days continue to get shorter and darker. Are you still seeing any lepidoptera out there? Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCommon Buckeye
You can still find butterflies like the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) even here in November. This individual was sunning itself on a cool morning, still looking like those wings are in great shape in late autumn. Our science and conservation staff surveys and records butterflies across a multitude of sites in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, helping to increase the knowledge of range and abundance for certain species, discover early or late individuals pushing the boundaries of flight seasons, and adding layers information on the biodiversity at important locations. We also work to...
Read MoreVariegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
Here is our second record late butterfly of the day for Connecticut, this Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) for which the October 26 date at Stratford Point breaks the previous state record of October 20, 2007. This beauty certainly has the autumn and Halloween look down! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More
