Last weekend in TX

[Mark Walker]

Howdy all,

Back in southern Texas, USA this week and I had an opportunity to explore
down in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.  Saturday was quite pleasant, though a
bit windy, while Sunday was flat out windblown.  Still, the warm weather did
manage to bring around a good number of lep and ode species.  Tuesday a cold
front moved in, so things haven't been so active lately.  Below is a brief
species sighting list for two of the south counties.  The highlight for me
was a singleton of Chlorostrymon simaethis (Simaethis or Silver-Banded
Hairstreak).  A stunning little butterfly.

12/5/98

Kenedy Co:

Calephelis nemesis (Fatal Metalmark) abundant
Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral) many immaculate individuals
Phyciodes phaon (Phaon Crescentspot) also common
Phoebis sennae (Cloudless Sulpher) common, both sexes nectaring
Eurema lisa (Little Sulpher) very common, many white females
Junonia nigrosuffusa (Dark Peacock) occasional
Agraulis vanillae (Gulf Fritillary) occasional
Lerema accius (Clouded Skipper) numerous
Nastra sp? (Neamathla Skipper?) numerous

Cameron Co:

All of the above, and including:

Anartia jatrophae (White Peacock) most common species
Ascia monuste (Great Southern White) common
Chlorostrymon simaethis (Simaethis Hairstreak) singleton
Urbanus sp? (Long Tailed Skippers) several, including dorantes and possibly
teleus (solid brown)
Amblyscirtes sp? (Roadside Skipper) a few, no id
Chlosyne lacinia (Bordered Patch) one specimen
Asterocampa leila (Tawny Emperor) 6 individuals
Hermeuptychia sosybius (Carolina Satyr) very common in grass
Calpodes ethlius (Brazilian Skipper)
Helioptes macaira (Macaira Skipper)
Pyrgus sp? (Checkered Skippers) at least two species, oileus?
Ancyloxypha sp? (Least Skipperling) singleton
Brephidium exile (Western Pygmy Blue) a dozen or so

Mark Walker
on the road again