Something's Missing

[Karen McNulty]

I am a new member of the listserve, living in Hartland at a fairly high
elevation (north of Granby, south of Granville, MA). At this point in the
summer my buddleia and coneflowers would normally be heavy with tiger &
black swallowtails, cabbage whites and fritillaries.  But even this weekend
with sunny, warm conditions, I have none, nor have seen but one since my
return from vacation Aug. 13.  Can anyone more insightful give an opinion?
I am just beginning identification studies, and I'm weak in this area, but
I have only seen a lot of bees, a few moths, and a small one that looks a
like a copper or metalmark. Is the chilly summer the cause? I work in a
public library and have poured through what resources we have, but can't
seem to find climate observations relative to sightings.  Thank you! --Karen