Autumn Meadowhawk
Here is that other fall dragonfly I was talking about earlier this week – the Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum). Their common name certainly reflects when they are sighted, and fiery red males like this one add a little pop to the decaying leaves as they devour the last of the flying insects, from moths to mosquitoes. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreShadow Darner
This Shadow Darner (Aeshna umbrosa) dragonfly was a great surprise to find last week on a warm autumn afternoon. The number of dragonflies in the air is certainly decreasing along with the rest of the insects, but there were several Shadows in the grasslands and woodland edges near a pond. Do you know what the dragonfly we most often see late in the fall season is? I saw one of those on the same day, and I will post that later this week. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSachem Skipper
Here is a real close look at a Sachem skipper butterfly (Atalopedes campestris) last month when they were absolutely everywhere that I looked. She was very cooperative! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRed-banded Hairstreak
Here is one very close view of a beautiful Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) from last month. The little butterflies are disappearing now that we are into October, and they will be missed. Until next year…
Read MoreVariegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
This Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) was an unexpected shore surprise last month as I had it fluttering along the rocks just above the tidal zone. It was a cool and breezy day, and the butterfly was trying to warm up like this when it could in between short flights. It looked to be on a mission to somewhere, and I hope it got where it wanted to go. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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