[Ctleps-l] Niantic butterflies

[Emmayct at cs.com]

5 pipevine Swallowtails remain around the yard from my 20 or so releases so 
far this summer.  Last thurs I had 2 females eclose and had to go out, so I 
set them on zinnias to allow them to dry their wings. Before too long two 
males came along and I had 2 pairs mating right on the flowers. They remained 
for at least 3 hours. I was amazed how quickly the males found them and how 
easily they were accepted.(of course, they couldn't fly away yet)

Found 5 more Giant Swallowtail eggs late last week. A few more Black 
Swallowtail eggs and a few more groups of Pipevine eggs. Time is drawing short for 
them to mature enough to pupate.

My yard is full of skippers, Mostly Sachems and a few pecks, several Silver 
Spotted.

Also one Monarch
Gray Hairstreak
American Lady
and Two Painted Ladies, large and colorful
And, FINALLY, a Red Banded Hairstreak very fresh

Maryann in Niantic</HTML>