Aberrant Pterourus glaucus

[Ron Gatrelle]

I'm one of those weird people who are into skippers and not swallowtails.
However, for those who are into swallowtails, I thought I'd share the
following.
The area of the US where North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia meet
has to be the location for the most aberrant population of Pterourus
glaucus. This is especially true in the spring brood - March and April. All
yellow or all black females are the exception - every form in-between is
the rule. Even the males tend to aberrations.

This species can be pretty common in this area, so anyone wanting to
photograph, collect or just observe these is guaranteed results. Make your
plans now for your butterfly club group trip or individual collecting trip.
I can give some specific directions, but that is really not necessary - as
they are everywhere there. But here are some general areas for you to begin
your search. About a mile before Highway 28 crosses into SC Burrell's Ford
Rd. (dirt road in very good condition) heads east. This road can be
accessed from  highway 107 on the SC side. It's on the map. Another area is
the vicinity of Whetstone. This is an obscure little hamlet in Oconee Co.
SC. Take Hwy 28 to Mountain Rest. There take paved Rd. SSR 196 to Whetstone
crossroads. I like to head down Whetstone Rd. SSR 193, or just wander
around the roads till I find something in bloom with lots of Tiger
Swallowtails about. Be quiet and polite here as a number of country people
live on these roads - and the flowers they plant along the road are good
spots. Be careful too because some of these folks have some pretty big
(loose) dogs.

A real easy to find spot is right on Hwy. 28 going north into GA. Just a
couple of miles before the St line there is a Historical Marker and small
parking area on the west side of the highway. The site is worth stopping at
just to read the fascinating marker. This is an old homestead ruins. The
trail (short) there takes one back into an old orchard. Tons of flowers and
swallowtails - other species too. It is even worth a trip from Japan to
visit this area - next year.

Don't look for any accommodations near by though. Either spend a lot of
money in Highlands or go econo class in Walhalla or Seneca. Have fun. (If
you see me don't distract me with the galucus - I'll be looking for A.
midea annickae, P. virginensis, G. lygdamus, A. halesus, P. m-album,
Celastrina, A. hegon, E. martialis, brizo, icelus, baptisiae, zarucco,
juvenalis, horatius etc.)

Ron


 
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