agarithe

[Ron Gatrelle]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Quinn" <Mike.Quinn at tpwd.state.tx.us>
Subject: RE: Sedentary habit of S. FL. lep populations - surprising?


> James, I don't think it's surprising at all that the P. agarithe
population
> in south Florida would be sedentary. Basically, if you were surrounded on
> three side by near certain death (the Atlantic Ocean) you'd be sedentary
> too!
> Over time, many island dwelling birds lose their wings.
> Similarly, I believe that I read that a new insect (naturally) introduced
to
> a Hawaiian Island is (far?) more likely to come from either Asia or North
> America, both over 3,000 miles distant, than from any of the other
Hawaiian
> Islands that might be just a few hundred miles distant. Mike Quinn

I have never encountered an agarithe here in coastal South Carolina in over
30 years.  BUT, I have never seen an Orange Barred (P. philea) here either
and they are known to actually breed here at times.    My vote is for a P.
philea which can look pretty orange - esp. if it was a female. I think this
is much more likely.

Charleston is the type locality of P. sennae eubule.  It took many years to
convince me that it is resident here all year.  Now there is no doubt.
The first Cloudless I encountered in western NC mountains this year was in
April.  Not only does it head north real early but adults are capable of
enduring extended freezing temps.

Ron Gatrelle



 
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