LATE Blue Grass and early skippers

[Michael Gochfeld]

The convergence of two events leads me to pose a puzzling question that I'm
sure some list members can answer.

I have been studying grasses, and on a recent (mid-July) field trip, noted
that the green tips of new growth of bluestems (Andropogon virginicus and
Schizachyium scoparium (excuse spelling) were just beginning to show amid the
clumps of last years vegetation (central New Jersey).

Last night at our local NABA meeting, Sharon Wander gave a well-illustrated
talk on larval hosts of NJ butterflies.  She highlighted several possibly
obligate bluestem feeders among which are two of our earliest skippers
(Cobweb flying mainly in April and Dusted flying mainly in May).

So how do these early fliers do it.  It's easy enough to locate bluestems,
one or more species are widespread.  But when these species are flying (up
until mid-June at the latest) the only apparent clue is the dead foliage.

If the larvae hatch quickly they won't have any green growth to sustain
them.  I couldn't find a statement on how long it takes the eggs of these
species to hatch---they'd have to be dormant for weeks, or the first instar
would have to take a prolonged nap before it found something to eat.

Or could they be eating something else at the earliest stages.  MIKE GOCHFELD





 
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