[leps-talk] More on Rare Butterflies in Brooklyn NY

[Anne Kilmer]

Michael Gochfeld wrote:
>>
>>Subject: Rare Butterflies saga at Prospect's Butterfly Meadow 8/11
>>Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2003 22:54:46 EDT
>>From: ProsBird at aol.com
>>To: benc at nac.net
>>
>>Period 8/9-8/11/03
>>
>> The appearance of a GIANT SWALLOWTAIL species first spotted last
>>Saturday the 9th has two additional astounding twists on Lookout
>>Hill's Butterfly Meadow.
>>
>>  Today, as reported by butterfly expert Jerry Layton, A SECOND GIANT
>>SWALLOWTAIL Butterfly has joined the first, now seen as the male. The
>>second unworn Giant Swallowtail is larger, indicating the female, and
>>has two of its tails intact whereas the first is missing the tails
>>plus a small corner of the left lower hindwing. Both Giants were seen
>>chasing each other, experiencing spirals with each other as well above
>>the Buddleia bushes, especially the one Buddleia outside the meadow. I
>>saw the two together on the latter Budleia at 3:45 PM after Jerry's
>>report left at my office.
>>
>> Now, another astounding twist that has me wondering the legitimacy of
>>the rare possibly southern strays sightings.
>>
>> While viewing the bountiful wildflower array inside the meadow after
>>his 2nd Giant Swallowtail find, Jerry sees a low flying darkened type
>>of Monarch that he got very close to. It's a QUEEN BUTTERFLY. It
>>stayed perched upon Wooded Sunflowers for quite a while.
>>
>>
>>If you like to ask Jerry more details or engage in discussion, he can
>>be contacted at Lsparrow41 at aol.com
>>
>>Peter
>>
>>PS.  For those who missed the link, the photos of the first Giant
>>Swallowtail can be seen on www.stevenanz.com  "new photos"
>>
>
Both of these butterflies are used in traveling exhibits; screened tents 
where people can observe the wonders of nature. Escapes are not 
uncommon. Three? Too many to have come there naturally unless there's 
been a hurricane, IMHO. I'm with you, Michael.
They could have traveled north as larvae on potted plants, although the 
USDA is pretty strict about that, but I'd look for that tent.
These traveling exhibits are well regulated, too; nothing is going to 
escape and trouble anyone but us.
Anne Kilmer
Mayo, Ireland


 
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