Canada & weather

[Kondla, Norbert FOR:EX]

In comparison to Derrick's observations from Vancouver Island; here in the
west Kootenay region of southeastern BC we also had abysmal weather for
April, May and June.  However populations seemed to be normal during that
time except for Papilio rutulus and eurymedon which were far more abundant
than I had seen them during the past several seasons.  Many species seemed
to have a very long flight period eg. Celastrina regularly seen even at low
elevations for 3 months. At the moment Nymphalis californica is having a
strong flight although if one looks for them in the heat of the afternoon;
not many will be seen as they skulk about in the shade

-----Original Message-----
From: D Marven [mailto:marven at home.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2000 7:54 PM
To: leps-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: Canada & weather


Hi All
Here on Vancouver Island our weather through the spring and early summer
has as one might say been the pits and it has had a major effect on our
butterfly species. Anglewings have been the main sufferers closely
followed by Swallowtails with numbers as low as has ever been recorded
by myself and others. What is strange is that early butterflies like
Sara Orangetip and the Elfin's did not seem to be overly affected also
Spring Azure's were seen in good numbers but know both Silvery and
Icarioides Blues are not to be found hardly at all. 
Anyone got any answers to this strange occurence ?

Here's another question maybe someone could answer, today in the Copper
Canyon area on Vancouver Island we saw what we believe to be a white
version of the Western Sulphur (Colias occidentalis) has anybody seen
this before in this species. I tried to catch it but it could fly
quicker than i could run and running in and out of a 3 feet ditch it
soon lost me. This butterfly was tentativly identified on jizz and did
not show any dark markings on the wings. Derrick

Derrick Marven
Duncan B.C.
Canada