First real spring sighting in Maryland!

[John V. Calhoun]

> Pavulaan wrote:
> 
> > Today, while on a lunchtime walk, I spotted my season's first non-hibernating
> > butterfly in the Washington D.C. suburbs: Vanessa virginiensis (American
> > Painted Lady or American Lady), Silver Spring, MD., 2/28/98, in a curbside
> > herb garden.  A delightfully early record, beating out even the first Cabbage
> > White or Spring Azure of the season!   Either the critter hibernated locally,
> > due to the mild winter, or it has been so mild down south, that it migrated
> > north, earlier than normal, possibly even hibernating further north than
> > usual.


Anne Kilmer wrote:  
> or it could be a release from a classroom-reared batch of butterflies. 

Harry and Anne, 
Based on what we saw in Ohio, Vanessa virginiensis is probably capable 
of overwintering as a adult in Virginia.  In southern Ohio, we would 
start seeing worn members of this species in very early spring (early 
April). We believed them to be overwintering adults from the previous 
fall.  Although they could have migrated from further south, the 
butterflies were present as soon as the weather was conducive to 
activity. They could have represented a combination of the two. A mild 
winter certainly would help.
    
Anne Kilmer wrote:
>Haven't seen a monarch in ages.

Anne, while working out in the yard on Thursday, I saw a monarch here in 
Palm Harbor (near Clearwater, Florida).  This was the first I have seen 
in some time.  Have seen a handful of species this season, including 
lots of Zebras, Cloudless sulphurs, a few white peacocks, gulf 
fritillaries, and a single fiery skipper.  On a warm day in late 
January, I saw a fresh tiger swallowtail nearby--not usually seen this 
early around here.

Best,
John