We also have Alypia mariposa here in Kern County to the north, but I find it sparingly in April
>>> <fred_heath at power-one.com> 03/16 6:39 PM >>>
Mark,
Your moth was probably a Riding's Forester (Alypia ridingsi). I
always have a heck of a time convincing new butterfly watchers that it
is a really a moth.
Interestingly, the real name of Shelter Valley is Earthquake
Valley, but the local real estate people felt that name might be a
determent to their profession.
-----Fred
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Eastern San Diego Co.
Author: <MWalker at gensym.com> at -INTERNET-MAIL
Date: 3/16/99 9:02 PM
Finally some rain here in SoCal. It actually snowed down to 1500 ft.
Here's a field report from Shelter Valley, San Diego county, California, USA
on March 12, 1999.
A wonderful day in the desert, with many interesting butterflies on the
wing:
Anthocharis sara sara, including form caliente/stella (Sara Orangetip) - 5
Anthocharis lanceolata australis (Grinnell's Marble) - 1
Euphydryas chalcedona quino (Quino Checkerspot) - 12
Calephelis wrightii (Wright's Metalmark) - 1
Glaucopsyche lygdamus australis (Southern Blue) - > 100
Callophrys affinis (Bramble Hairstreak) - > 100
Also a day flying black and white moth (couldn't id it). Too small for
Hemileuca - estimated 4 cm wingspan.
Mark Walker
Mission Viejo, CA