Carlsbad Highlands, CA - 3/13

[Mark Walker]

It's always nice when you can get out and do some lepping right in your own
backyard.  After many weeks of relentless rain (yay!) in San Diego county,
it finally warmed up last week - and the butterflies were the first to
notice.  The usual suspects were present in this wonderful chaparral habitat
complete with ocean view - including a great big female Great Purple
Hairstreak (Atlides halesus), even though there was no sign of mistletoe
anywhere.  The most common butterfly on this day was the Western Green (or
Bramble) Hairstreak (Callophrys affinis).  As could be expected, these
individuals were stunning and fresh.  Also present was the Brown Elfin
(Callophrys augustinus), which became more common in the later afternoon.
On the hilltops were fresh Papilio zelicaon (Anise Swallowtail), along with
three Vanessas (cardui, virginiensis, and atalanta).  Both sexes of Apodemia
mormo (Mormon Metalmark) were out and about, along with Glaucopsyche
lygdamus (Silvery Blue).  The spring brood of Coenonympha tullia (California
Ringlet) was flying, along with both male and female Anthocharis sara (Sara
Orangetip).  Other participants included Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak),
which was enjoying a mass emergence near it's foodplant, Erynnis funeralis
(Funereal's Duskywing), and Plebejus acmon (Acmon Blue).  Meanwhile, I got a
sunburn.  Joy.

Mark Walker
still in Vegas

 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl