P. sennae (Cloudless Sulphur) outbreak

[Michael Gochfeld]

Several years ago in early Autumn I observed a northward movement of Cloudless 
Sulfurs and Gulf Fritillaries on the North Carolina coast near Wilmington.  Like 
Harry Pavulaan's description, the butterflies moved along a very narrow path (both 
species), just to the seaward side of the outermost vegetation.  "Leading line" 
movements have been discussed for hawks following specific landmarks.  But I 
thought that the butterflies might have been following a scent trail.  I also 
noticed a similar phenomenon on the coast of Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula) with 
dayflying moths. 
--------------------------------------------------------
Name: Michael Gochfeld
E-mail: Michael Gochfeld <gochfeld at eohsi.rutgers.edu>
UMDNJ/RWJMS and EOHSI, Piscataway, NJ
Date: 09/10/98
Time: 16:46:05