Late butterflies

[Michael Gochfeld]

At noon today the cloud cover over central NJ subsided and warm sun
bathed the autumn grasses. Despite the late date, within minutes Joanna
Burger, Paula Williams and I saw a Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui; very
fresh), also they had a Clouded Sulfur (Colias philodice) and an Orange
Sulfur (C. eurytheme). 

The air temperature was 63F (16C). It's been unseasonably warm for the
last two weeks. On Sunday  two  C. philodice were flying. 

The Colias are NOT unusual, even into early December.  There are Painted
Lady records for December, but it is rare after October. 

M. Gochfeld

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

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

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