Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
Texas Butterflies

Updated on Friday, October 19 at 10:02 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

  Went by Bloomers Plant Nursery in Elgin as well as another less
productive spot today.   Best thing (for me) was either a Coyote or Jalapus
Cloudywing feeding on white lantana and another flower that I don't know
the name of at the nursery..  Once I got the book out I knew I could not
remember it well enough to tell the difference between the two.
  There were Scallop-wings here and at least one of them I am sure was
Hayhurst's, Sickle-wingeds were here as well (at least 3).  There were a
lot of the little LBJ Skippers (maybe a 100+) which I don't have time for
but there was one larger sort of faint greenish one that I just could not
figure out from Kaufman's Guide.  There were loads of Long-tailed Skippers,
2 White-striped Longtails and 1 Dorantes.  3 Julias and a couple of Zebras.
Monarchs and Queens. One plant was covered with Hairstreaks of some sort
but oddly that was the only plant in the place that had any!.   1 Tiger
Swallowtail...And Lots and Lots and Lots of big and little Yellow & Orange
jobbers of several kinds (not much time for them anymore either)

  Back at my Utley place the Red Admirals have really returned as per my
note yesterday and there are plenty of Tropical and Goatweed Leafwings,
Question Marks and Tawny and Hackberry Emps coming into the bait.  Moths
are for sure on the increase as well

Brush Freeman

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

All,
Today was another good one at FSP again.  I did not find the Telea or the
Ruddy but of the 65 or so species I did see the best was a Blue
Metalmark, Lasaia sula.  I found it near the top of one of the Blue
Mistflowers that border the roadway.  I got several photos as did Fran,
Martin, and others.  Unfortunately the tour busses from the Butterfly
Festival had already departed.
I am curious to know if and how often this species has been seen that far
west in the Valley.
Two-barred Flashers were abundant today and Checkered Whites have
appeared for the first time.  A Strophius hairstreak was reported by Dave
and Ednelza.
A Potrillo skipper was also seen by several people but I missed it.
Happy Butterflying,
Dave Hanson 
Mission, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Quoting Chuck Sexton :

> After everyone else around us seemed to have some movement of Monarchs in
> the past week, the Monarchs finally decided to descend on Balcones
> Canyonlands NWR today...at least in modest numbers.  There was a very weak
> cool front which moved through late yesterday.  Cool (55F) early this
> morning but winds shifted around to S by late morning.  Nonetheless, we saw
> an explosion of numbers of resident species along with the Monarch
> movement.
>
> Rob Iski and I tagged about 30 Monarchs today and saw at least that many
> more passing through (day total 60++).  Diversity for the day at the office
> and butterfly garden (<<0.5 acre) was 37 species (list available upon
> request) including:
>
> --  3 species of long-tailed skippers (Long-tailed, Dorantes, and
> White-striped)
> --  Another Sickle-winged Skipper
> --  A few Common Mestras
>
> And even though a few of our resident species such as the ladies finally
> showed up in numbers, there were still several species "missing in action"
> such as Red Admiral, Asterocampa's, blues, Goatweed Leafwing, Large Orange
> Sulphur, and snouts.  It's been an interesting and rather mysterious Fall
> butterfly season.
c----------------------------------------------------------------------
We do not have your ladies but we do have the Red Admirals in numbers (at 
banana 

bait), also *Asterocampa*, *Anaea* a little way downstream in West Austin. Also
we have no Snouts (of any kind) and large Orange Sulphurs are few. It is so dry
that there is a dearth of nectar accumulators. It has been such an interesting
year that it is worth spending hours out in the dry hot sun to pick up the few
rarities and occasional new county records. Of course wild habitats have sparse
fauna but watered parks and backyards cheat the elements. Daily I have Zebras
and Julias at the Zinnias in my backyard and they wander into my conservatory
to lay eggs on the Passion flower vines for future enjoyment and I have still
not given up hope of some crazy wanderer from Mexico showing up in my banana
traps.
-----------------------------------------------------Chris Durden
>
> Chuck Sexton, Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist
> Balcones Canyonlands NWR
>
> ======================================
> To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
> LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
> To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
> LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
> TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 
>

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

After everyone else around us seemed to have some movement of Monarchs in
the past week, the Monarchs finally decided to descend on Balcones
Canyonlands NWR today...at least in modest numbers.  There was a very weak
cool front which moved through late yesterday.  Cool (55F) early this
morning but winds shifted around to S by late morning.  Nonetheless, we saw
an explosion of numbers of resident species along with the Monarch
movement.

Rob Iski and I tagged about 30 Monarchs today and saw at least that many
more passing through (day total 60++).  Diversity for the day at the office
and butterfly garden (<<0.5 acre) was 37 species (list available upon
request) including:

--  3 species of long-tailed skippers (Long-tailed, Dorantes, and
White-striped)
--  Another Sickle-winged Skipper
--  A few Common Mestras

And even though a few of our resident species such as the ladies finally
showed up in numbers, there were still several species "missing in action"
such as Red Admiral, Asterocampa's, blues, Goatweed Leafwing, Large Orange
Sulphur, and snouts.  It's been an interesting and rather mysterious Fall
butterfly season.

Chuck Sexton, Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist
Balcones Canyonlands NWR

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

...The 2 Zebra Heliconius were here also here again this PM.

Charles Easley
Cleburne, Johnson County Texas
cwebirds AT cdibb.com  The Zebra

Zebra Heliconius has been recorded in southern New Mexico in Eddy County on 
September 8, and Otero County (NCR) on October 13.  This appears to be 
similar in latitude to Johnson County, Texas.  Red Stars on map here: 
http://naturenm.org/NM/ZebraHeliconiusNM07.jpg

Bob Barber
Alamogordo, NM

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Another great find today for myself in Johnson County. A slightly worn Common 
Mestra made a stop on some late 

blooming Black-eyed Pea bushes this PM. After seeing what Lawrence Duhon found 
in Tarrant County, makes me 

think i'll butterfly tomorrow. Is this a new record for Johnson County? The 2 
Zebra Heliconius were here also here 

again this PM.



Charles Easley
Cleburne, Johnson County Texas
cwebirds AT cdibb.com  The Zebra

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

In the "you never know what you'll find" category, I came home for  
lunch and took a brief walk in the backyard.  Among the dozens of  
butterflies around there of many species, I saw a tiny bug that looked  
strange to me land on my Texas Lantana.  After I ran and got the  
camera, I got a few good shots and later determined that it was an  
ELADA CHECKERSPOT!!  Is this a new county record for Tarrant County  
(on the northern edge of the county, no less)?  Does this species  
usually wander north of its normal South Texas range?  I guess we in  
North Texas can't let all of the South Texas folks have all of the  
tropical fun!

DORSAL PHOTOS:
http://lduhon.smugmug.com/gallery/3019305#-O-LB
http://lduhon.smugmug.com/gallery/3019305#-XL-LB

VENTRAL PHOTOS:
http://lduhon.smugmug.com/gallery/3019305#-X2-LB
http://lduhon.smugmug.com/gallery/3019305#-O-LB

Lawrence Duhon
Fort Worth, TX
http://lduhon.smugmug.com/Butterflies

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hemaris thysbe

South Austin, Texas
10/19/07
On one very bug popular Shrubby Boneset in the yard, Ageratina havanensis
Tim
-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tim Jones
> 
> I'd say you got it again. Soldier Fly - Hoplitimyia 
> mutabilis. A Honey Wasp mimic.  Thanks!
> 
> If soldier flies are mimicking honey wasps, and Travis County 
> is identified as the wasps northern most appearance, would 
> this Soldier fly be at the limit of its northern range, too?

Hi Tim,

I would say not, if only because the specimen pictured on BugGuide was
apparently collected in Louisiana!

 http://bugguide.net/node/view/97299/bgpage 

But many of these mimicry complexes involve three or more species, not
just a single mimic and single model. So there may well be something in
Louisiana that stings that closely resembles these two species in shape
and coloration. Or, it is possible that the soldier fly is successful
enough that it can spread beyond its model now; soldier flies usually
breed in compost, garbage, and other decaying materials, one of the few
types of habitat which has increased in acreage over the last couple of
centuries...

Cheers,

Josh


Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Program Specialist
World Birding Center
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park 
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml 
joshua.rose AT tpwd.state.tx.us  x 236

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hi Josh,

I'd say you got it again. Soldier Fly - Hoplitimyia mutabilis.
A Honey Wasp mimic.  Thanks!

If soldier flies are mimicking honey wasps, and Travis County
is identified as the wasps northern most appearance, would
this Soldier fly be at the limit of its northern range, too?

Warm regards,

Tim

At 11:12 AM -0500 10/19/07, Joshua Rose wrote:
>  > -----Original Message-----
>>  From: Tim Jones
>>
>>  What species is this?
>  > 
>>  South Austin, Texas
>>  10/18/07
>
>Hi Tim,
>
>If by "Bee Fly" you mean family Bombyliidae, no. The antennae look much
>more like a Soldier Fly, family Stratiomyidae.
>
>Or maybe you just meant it was colored like a bee. It strongly reminds
>me in color of a honey-wasp (Brachygastra mellifica):
>http://www.texasento.net/Brachygastra.htm
>Not sure if you have those in your area; they apparently occur at least
>up to San Antonio.
>
>After a little review, I think your critter is Hoplitimyia mutabilis,
>compare to this photo:
>http://bugguide.net/node/view/97299/bgpage
>
>Cheers,
>
>Josh
>
>
>Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
>Program Specialist
>World Birding Center
>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
>http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml
>joshua.rose AT tpwd.state.tx.us
> x 236
>
>======================================
>To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
>LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
>To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
>LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
>TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 


-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tim Jones
> 
> What species is this? 
> 
> South Austin, Texas
> 10/18/07

Hi Tim,

If by "Bee Fly" you mean family Bombyliidae, no. The antennae look much
more like a Soldier Fly, family Stratiomyidae.

Or maybe you just meant it was colored like a bee. It strongly reminds
me in color of a honey-wasp (Brachygastra mellifica): 
http://www.texasento.net/Brachygastra.htm 
Not sure if you have those in your area; they apparently occur at least
up to San Antonio.

After a little review, I think your critter is Hoplitimyia mutabilis,
compare to this photo: 
http://bugguide.net/node/view/97299/bgpage 

Cheers,

Josh


Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Program Specialist
World Birding Center
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park 
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml 
joshua.rose AT tpwd.state.tx.us  x 236

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Howdy folks,

Had the pleasure of co-leading a Texas Butterfly Festival trip with Ro
and Betty Wauer yesterday. We spent most of the morning at Estero Llano
Grande State Park, where we were unable to find any of the Evans'
Skippers, so had to "settle" for a Potrillo (Cabares potrillo), a Guava
(Phocides polybius), and a Violet-banded (Nyctelius nyctelius), plus a
Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) and a male Silver Emperor
(Doxocopa laure)! We had lunch at the Frontera Audubon Preserve and then
saw several Crimson Patch (Chlosyne janais), a Silver-banded Hairstreak
(Chlorostrymon simaethis), and some caterpillars of Brazilian Skipper
(Calpodes ethlius). By then, the heat was intense, and we almost went
home, but decided to make a quick stop at Santa Ana NWR. We were very
glad we did, as - visiting only the gardens and not walking any of the
refuge trails - we had brilliant looks at 1-3 Malachite (Siproetes
stelene), a Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima), another Guava Skipper, and
both male and female Silver Emperors! We also saw Pale-banded Crescent
(Anthanassa tulcis) in all three places and Brown-banded Skipper
(Timochares ruptifasciata) in a couple.

Cheers,

Josh


Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Program Specialist
World Birding Center
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park 
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml 
joshua.rose AT tpwd.state.tx.us  x 236

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

What species is this?

South Austin, Texas
10/18/07

-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hi,
It continues to be a wonderful October. I came home today to find a 
Malachite, a Ruddy Hairstreak, and what I think is a Strophius Hairstreak 
(*Allosmaitia strophius*). I would like to ask for verification on the 
hairstreak ID; pix are at
http://leps.thenalls.net/Recent/recent.htm

Also, I was one of several present at Falcon State Park yesterday when a 
couple from Mass. (I think) found a possible Yojoa Hairstreak (*S. 
yojoa*). I haven't seen one mentioned for the park's list, so I thought 
I'd mention it and ask for confirmation on the ID while you're looking at 
the above bug. This one was one or two crotons over from yet another 
Ruddy/Muted specimen!
Thanks,
Berry

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Yesterday's D. plexippus seemed to have moved on.

This one could use a little help.

Again, the only one seen this morning.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Austin, Texas
10/18/07

Monarchs seem to be few and far between round these parts.

As promised:

Tim
-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

TexButterfliers: (Accidently posted on TexBirds for those of you seeing 
this twice)

Just before sunset I observed over 100 Monarchs landing in the large Oaks 
around my barn.  I did quick walk up the ranch road with the temps 
dropping fairly fast and saw Monarchs landing in trees all along the 
roadside.

During the afternoon I sat in the shade watching butterflies and moth feed 
on my Blue Mistflower plants and had the following list in two hours of 
easy buttefly watching - two new species for the ranch(*).

Butterflies

1.	Pipevine Swallowtail – 1
2.	Orange Sulphur – 1
3.	Southern Dogface – 3
4.	Cloudless Sulphur – 1
5.	Little Yellow – 3
6.	Sleepy Orange - 2
7.	Dainty Sulphur – 4
8.	Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak – 1
9.	Gulf Fritillary – 1
10.	Phaon Crescent – 1
11.	Common Buckeye – 1
12.	Arizona Sister – 1 flyover
13.	Common Mestra – 7 Only one feed
14.	Monarch – 100+ only two came to the Mistflower
15.	Queen – 15
16.	Common/White Checkered Skipper – 2
17.	*Julia’s Skipper – 2
18.	Sachem – 2
19.	Eufala Skipper – 1


Moths

1.	*Texas Wasp Moth (Horama panthalon texana)

Tom Collins
Center Point (Between Kerrville and Comfort)

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Today, 18 Oct 07, in my lantana patch I had three great butterfly species. Two 
of which I believe are NCR's. 


2 Zebra Heliconian's NCR ? Very vivid color. Do they breed here in North 
Central Texas? 


1 Julia Heliconian NCR ? Black marks on upper fold of wing. Dull on underside 
of wing. Female?? 


3 Gulf Fritillary's 

On my fennel are 9 Black Swallowtail cats - Is this late ? And if so will they 
over-winter in a chrysalis state and 

emerge next spring. If so can I keep them inside so they will not become food 
for some animal? 



Charles Easley
Cleburne, Johnson County, Texas
cwebirds AT cdibb.com

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hello all,

Today was a great day for butterflies in south Austin. I stayed mostly in my 
yard, because there was no need to go elsewhere. 


At one point, I had Long-tailed Skipper, Dorantes Longtail, White-striped 
Longtail, and Zilpa Longtail (photos) in one large Lantana patch. 


Another new species for my yard was Sickle-winged Skipper.

A total of 37 species were seen.

Shawn Ashbaugh
Austin, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

I have two very fresh and beautiful two barred flashers in my yard right 
now...I saw one a few days ago that looked a bit worn but these two are fresh! 


Call me if you would like to see them or any other wonderful things I have 
flying about like banded peacock, red-bordered pixie and much, much more! 


I live about 5 minutes from the TBF HQ on south Stewart Road.

sorry for spelling and cap errors---in a hurry!

Shawn Patterson
 or 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hello,

Has anyone had experience using Sulphur dust to control mites and chiggers?
If so, do you know if there is any adverse effects to butterflies,
caterpillars or any of the other "wanted" insects."  Also, do you know if it
will cause problems for aquatic insects if it makes its way into pond water?

We have a bit of a chigger problem at are site and our looking for a
solution that not harm our wildlife or habitat. 

If anyone has experience with this, we would appreciate your input!

Thank you!

Marisa E. Oliva, Manager
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands &World Birding Center
714 Raul Longoria RD, PO Box 1079, Edinburg, TX 78540

www.EdinburgWBC.org
 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

  Prior to yesterday I was lucky to have 1 maybe 2 Red Admirals appear at
the baits here in Bastrop Co.  I left for South Texas for a few days and
returned to find more than a dozen at the baits (I counted 14 this
morning).  Nearly all of these birds are showing wear and some are really
ragged.  This sudden appearance has me wondering if they did come from
elsewhere, like the north.  I know they migrate north in the spring but was
not aware that they might migrate south as well...If indeed this is what is
going on. I guess I should have known though as Glasberg does talk about a
south bound influx in Sept-Oct.

  Almost unheard of for Bastrop Co...There are a couple of dozen Leafwings
out on the baits as well.  I looked thru them this morning and find all but
2-3 are immaculate Tropical Leafwings joined by that small minority of
Goatweeds.  Phil S. would like that I am sure.

  There are still a couple of Gemmed Satyrs here...I saw one still
fluttering over the leaf litter yesterday as it was getting almost to dark
to see...It wish it could be a moth I reckon.  Moths are not fairing well
due to the huge numbers of various orb weavers around the place.  But the
moths do have a neat trick sometimes.  I have often seen them hit the fresh
sticky webs and go right through them like butter, frustrating a hungry
spider...If the moth is fairly fresh it just sheds the scales on the wings
and leaves those behind, sort of lubricating itself thru the web I guess,
by use of those.  I am sure this is all common knowledge...Older, worn
moths do not fare as well.

  Finally I want to retract a retraction I made concerning Monarchs flying
over I-10 earlier in the month.  I should have stuck to my guns,
observations, and impressions when I said I thought them to be Monarchs.  I
wavered under the distant comments of others reluctantly.  So now  I
retract that retraction. Best stick to what one sees and those deep gutted
observations rather than to listen to what some folks hundreds of miles
away may tell you about what you are or are not seeing.  

Brush Freeman

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

I was picking up a co-worker at Dallas Love Field (Dallas Co.) yesterday (17 
Oct) and there were 2 White-tipped Black moths on the windows on the 3rd floor 
of the parking garage. Also perched on the windows were an American Snout 
butterfly as well as 3 Ocola Skippers. 


Rich
 
Richard Kostecke, Ph.D.
The Nature Conservancy
P.O. Box 5190, Fort Hood, Texas 
Phone: Fax:
E-mail: rkost73 AT yahoo.com or rkostecke AT tnc.org
Personal website: rkostecke.com 
 


----- Original Message ----
From: Mike Quinn 
To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 4:59:10 PM
Subject: White-tipped Black Moth - 7 new Okla. county records!!!

Wonder why were aren't getting more reports from North Texas....
http://texasento.net/Melanchroia.htm

Mike Quinn, Austin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Fisher 
Date: Oct 17, 2007 4:54 PM
Subject: [okleps] White-tipped Black Moth
To: OKLeps 

Just got another report of a White-tipped Black Moth from Rogers County.  So
far this year we've received reports from Tulsa, Osage, Rogers, Adair,
LeFlore, Love, & Kingfisher Counties where previously we only had a single
record from Grady County.  Join the crowd and find one in your county this
weekend.  Since this little bug is so rare in Oklahoma, please report all
sightings even if it's not a record.

Good hunting!

John

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/okleps/

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

How timely, eh? Perhaps they'll extend the 30 day comment period
as suggested? (I got this on the 17th)
It's nice to see interest in this gaining momentum.
Tim

Fwd:
A friend sent me this.  Do you know about it?  Please forward widely.

Call for Public Comments about the Border Wall

Comments about the construction of border walls in Texas are being
accepted as part of the Environmental Impact Statement.
"Environmental Impact" is the impact on the human environment, as well
as on wildlife and the quality of water and air. Please write, fax or
e-mail your comments in by October 15, 2007.

Here are a few ways to focus your comments:

� Destruction of wildlife habitat. The lower Rio Grande
Valley has already been cleared of 95% of the brush. In an area
considered one of the most biologically diverse in North America, any
additional destruction of brush, including clearing 508 acres for
construction of the wall, will have severe consequences for wildlife.
How will wildlife survive with their habitat limited by a wall? How
will they get to and from the river, find food, shelter, and potential
mates in habitat dissected by a wall? In some cases like Starr
County, the Rio Grande is the only source of water for wildlife. Any
animal that encounters miles of wall will have to travel long
distances for a very basic necessity, water.

� Endangered & rare species. The ocelot, jaguarundi and
red-billed pigeon currently face the real possibility of extinction or
extirpation. These are just a few of the endangered and rare species
whose U.S. populations would certainly collapse with construction of
the wall. The ability of rare species like the ocelot and jaguarundi
to cross into Mexico helps keep wildlife populations healthy by
maintaining a level of genetic integrity. Reduction of gene flow
among or within populations will reduce the likelihood of long-term
survival of these species. A formal Section 7 Consultation under the
Endangered Species Act needs to be done.

� Violation of International Migratory Bird Treaty. If
construction of the wall takes place during the spring, as stated in
the Federal Register, many migratory and nesting birds will be
affected. The clearing of brush will destroy thousands of nests, many
with young birds in them. This is in direct violation of the
International Migratory Bird Treaty.

� Impact of construction. What will be the impacts of
construction? Of roads for vehicles and heavy equipment? Of lighting
and transmission lines?

� Economic impact. Access will be cut off for wildlife
enthusiasts interested in wildlife watching, canoeing, kayaking, and
hiking along the river. Eco-tourism brings more than $125 million to
the RGV annually from 200,000 eco-tourists, creating 2,500 jobs in the
local economy. What are the economic impacts of limiting access to
refuges, state parks, and other public and private parks and natural
areas?

� Community impact. A wall could mean uprooting families from
their homes and demolishing or cutting off access to historical
buildings and community centers. How many people will lose their
homes? What buildings will be destroyed? How will property owners
gain access to their land? What will the presence of a wall do to
property values? How will there be public access to cemeteries and
historical and archaeological sites along the river? Will there be
access in case of fire or other emergencies on the other side of the
fence?

� Impact on agriculture. Farming is still the backbone of
the economy in the Rio Grande Valley. How much agricultural land will
be taken out of production by the wall? How will farmers gain access
to their land? To their pumps and irrigation equipment? How will
they bring farm equipment onto farmland behind a wall?

� Impact on flood control. All the walled areas are in a
floodplain. Has the Army Corps or DHS coordinated with FEMA? How
will the wall affect the flood control levees? Will the IBWC have
access to the levees and input in the construction? Will future
widening of the levees result in even more habitat loss on the south
side (since the wall is on the north side)?

� Relations with Mexico and the rest of the world. Mexico
will perceive the border wall as an insult.. How will this affect the
bi-national relations and cooperation? How will the border wall
affect US relations with other countries and its standing in the
world? By building a wall around our borders, what kind of example is
the US setting of a free and open democratic society?

� Alternatives to a physical wall. According to the National
Environmental Policy Act, alternatives to projects must be explored.
What are the comparative costs and impacts of alternatives to a border
wall such as "virtual fencing," more boots on the ground, and
comprehensive immigration reform?

� Problems with the EIS. The EIS is geographically too
limited. The EIS should look at total and cumulative impacts into the
future. What about the impacts in other areas where a wall is
proposed? How will the impacts of this initial proposed fencing
change if the total amount of fencing called for by the Secure Fence
Act is installed? What will be the environmental impacts of future
needs of the wall such as maintenance and lighting?

� Inadequate public comment period. The public comment period
is less than thirty days. For a project of this magnitude, the public
comment period should be extended.

Submit your comments to Customs & Border Patrol by one of the
following methods:

~ E-mail: RGVcomments AT BorderFenceNEPA.com

~ Mail:

Rio Grande Valley Tactical Infrastructure EIS

C/O e2M

2751 Prosperity Avenue, Ste. 200

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

~ Fax:

~ Electronically: www.BorderFenceNEPA.com

** Be sure to include you name, address and identify your comments as
for the RGV Sector EIS.**

-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Berry got some excellent dorso-verso pix of this umcommon Texas butterfly.

Here's a recap of Texas BP records:

Chlosyne endeis (Godman & Salvin, 1894) - Banded Patch

Naturalist Howard George Lacey collected 1 male and 1 female (Kendall
& Kendall. 1971), the much worn female was collected during May 1902
in Edwards Co. (Barnes & McDunnough 1913). In addition to this 2004
photo from near La Gloria, in northern Hidalgo Co., it was also
reported in the LepSoc Season Summary from Duval and Starr Counties in
2004 and 2005. Martin Reid of San Antonio posted a note to the
TX-Butterfly listserv about his finding five individuals in Duval
County in April 2005. Also known from Willacy and Cameron Counties
(Charles Bordelon, pers. comm., 2006).

More info on various Texas Patch species here:
http://texasento.net/eumeda.htm

Again, great pix!! Mike Quinn, reporting from Mission, TX

On 10/16/07, Berry Nall  wrote:
> I didn't get to see all the hairstreaks at the state park today, but I did
> have a beautiful new butterfly waiting for me at my house: a fresh-looking
> Banded Patch, *Chlosyne endeis*. Pix at
>
> http://leps.thenalls.net/bandedp/cendeis.htm
>
> Falcon Heights (Starr Co), TX
> Berry

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

TX.Travis.029
Austin, lr. Barton Cr.
DurdenCJ 07290A
------------------------------
*Urbanus dorantes* - Dorantes Longtail
  one, at fls. *Viguiera* - 04m (gendet)
*Systasea pulverulenta* - Texas Poedered Skipper
  one, at fls. *Viguiera* - 05m
*(Pyrgus) oileus* - Tropical Checkered Skipper
  many, at fls. *Viguiera* -01f
*Atalopedes campestris* - Sachem
  several, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Pompeius verna* - Little Glasy-wing
  one, at fls. *Viguiera* - 02f <<<<<<<<<<<< NEW COUNTY RECORD
*Hylephila phyleus* - Fiery Skipper
  many, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Lerodea eufala* - Eufala Skipper
  one, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Lerema accius* - Clouded Skipper
  one, at fls, *Viguiera* - 09m
*Calephelis nemesis* - Fatal Metalmark
  several, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Calephelis rawsoni* - Rawson's Metalmark
  several, at fls. *Viguiera* - 10f
*Calycopis isobeon* - Dusky Blue Hairstreak
  several, at fls. *Eupatorium havanense* & *Viguiera*
*Strymon melinus* - Gray Hairstreak
  several, at fls, *Viguiera*
*Strymon istapa* - Mallow Hairstreak
  one, at fls. *Viguiera* - 06f
*Asterocampa clyton texana* - Texas Tawny Empress
  one, on leaves in open woodland
*Anaea aidea* - Tropical Leafwing
  one, high over shrubby trail
*Chlosyne lacinia adjutrix* - Bordered patch
  many, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Thessalia theona bolli* - Boll's Checker
  one, at fls. *Viguiera* - 11f
*Anthanassa texana* - Texan Crescent
  several, at fls *Viguiera*
*Phyciodes phaon* - Phaon Crescent
  three, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Phyciodes tharos* - Pearl Crescent
  many, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Agraulis vanillae* - Gulf Fritillary
  one, at fls. *Virgaurea*
*Dryas iulia* - Julia
  many, at fls, *Viguiera* & Frostweed - 03m
*Heliconius charithonia vazquezae* - Zebra
  several, at fls. Frostweed & *Viguiera*
*Mestra amymone* - Handkerchief
  several, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Phoebis sennae marcellina* - Tropical Cloudless Sulphur
  two, in copulo, at fls. *Viguiera* - 07m, 08f
*Abaeis nicippe* - Sleepy Orange
  several, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Pyrisitia lisa* - 'Ti Jaune
  many, at fls. *Viguiera*
*Nathalis iole* - Dainty Sulphur
  one, at fls. *Aster*
*Zerene cesonia* - Dogface
  several, at fls. *Virgaurea* & ovip. on Kidneywood
-------------------------------
Warm, dry, gusty
=================================

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hi Guys,

Visited Austin's Zilker Botanical Gardens this afternoon.

I saw only one Monarch ...a few times, or perhaps two of them.
This one seemed to be watching me!
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

10/17/07
Austin, Texas

Lots of Julias...
Julia Heliconian (Dryas julia)

10/17/07
Austin, Texas

...competing for numbers with the Zebras. A cluster of Queens,
one or two White-striped Longtails, a few  Common Mestras,
Gulf Fritillaries, checkered skippers and a Crimson Patch were
scattered through the butterfly walk.

Crimson Patch (Chlosyne janais)

&

10/17/07
Austin, Texas

I'm going out there earlier tomorrow morning when the Julias won't be so
active over the flora and try to get some better pix.

Can someone identify this skipper also found in the botanical gardens?


10/17/07
Austin, Texas

Many odes out there too if you're into those.
er... please respect my � copyright
Tim
-- 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Subject:  Mystery Hairstreak at Falcon S. P.
To All,
I sent the photos of the Hairstreak many of you saw at Falcon State Park
on Tuesday, October 16.  to Dr. Andrew Warren.  Here is his reply:

"The current bug in question is a female.  I don't know of any way to
separate females of E. hugon and E. joya, other than by genitalic
dissection.  Since hugon has apparently been confirmed at the same site
this season, and since it is evidently a resident of the LRGV (whereas E.
joya is apparently present only as a rare stray in the region), it is by
far safest to consider the female in question to be E. hugon.  It is not
Ziegleria guzanta; wrong ground color below and differs in various
details of pattern."
 
I agree with Dr. Warren and suggest that if those who saw the butterfly
wish to venture an ID you are reasonably safe in marking your lists with
Ruddy Hairstreak.  I will record Electrostrymon sp.  and leave it at
that.  There were several Ruddy Hairstreaks present in the last week that
were clearly orange dorsally and those leave no doubt that they were
Ruddies.  
Thanks to everyone for your patience and indulgence in this matter.
 
For those coming to the Texas Butterfly Festival keep your eyes peeled
for Hairstreaks and get photos whenever possible.  Almost anything can
pop up this time of year.

Happy Butterflying,
Dave Hanson 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Betty has provided regular reports since 2001... Mike Quinn, Austin

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Howell 
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 5:20 PM
To: Mike Quinn

Today, Wednesday, the sky is filled with a major Monarch migration that
covers the area from Camp Wood, Uvalde, Barksdale, and probably Rock
Springs.  They are coming out of the East and are headed South & South
West.
They will spend the night in the Pecan trees along the Nueces River
because
that is what they always do, though how they know to go there is as
mysterious as how they know to go to Mexico.

These Monarchs are larger than the ones that I wrote you about that had
been
coming since the middle of September.

The weatherman Steve on San Antonio 12 says a front will come through on
Sunday night bringing thunderstorms and cool weather in the 50's.  I
hope
the Monarchs beat the front.

Betty

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Actually White-tipped Blacks (Melanchoia chephise) are still very abundant
at my place anyway (Kaufman county). I see a dozen or so daily flying
through or stopping briefly to nectar. Not like a month ago when I was
seeing 50+ daily of Baccharus salicifolia), but still common. The Golden Rod
is starting to let up but still a reliable plant to check for these guys.

~James McDermott
 Kaufman, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Wonder why were aren't getting more reports from North Texas....
http://texasento.net/Melanchroia.htm

Mike Quinn, Austin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Fisher 
Date: Oct 17, 2007 4:54 PM
Subject: [okleps] White-tipped Black Moth
To: OKLeps 

Just got another report of a White-tipped Black Moth from Rogers County.  So
far this year we've received reports from Tulsa, Osage, Rogers, Adair,
LeFlore, Love, & Kingfisher Counties where previously we only had a single
record from Grady County.  Join the crowd and find one in your county this
weekend.  Since this little bug is so rare in Oklahoma, please report all
sightings even if it's not a record.

Good hunting!

John

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/okleps/

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Greetings,
 Derek M paused on his way to the Butterfly Festival to spend most of today in 
the Falcon garden. Several other festival goers stopped, as well. No Telea 
today, but Derek did find a Potrillo Skipper, Julia Heliconian, and 
Brown-Banded Skipper to add to the garden list, bringing it to 96. Hopefully, 
Charlie Sessine's group will take us over 100 species tomorrow! 

   
 Before the group left, we decided to take Berry Nall up on his invitation to 
go to his house to look for some of his special bugs. We found an Evan's 
Skipper, which posed for all of us. Too bad Berry was at school. Hope he's 
still there when you get home, Berry, and thanks for letting us invade your 
yard. 

   
  Fran Bartle
  Volunteer Park Naturalist
  Falcon State Park

 __________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hi, Butterfliers.

For another not-unexpected first for the Refuge, I found two Sickle-winged
Skippers (one male, one female; Achylodes thraso or Eantis tamenund, your
pick) nectaring on Plateau goldeneye (Viguiera dentata) at midday today on
our Lyda North tract (Travis County) along Cow Creek Road.  Photographed.
I figured this would be the year to add this species.  In a 45-minute amble
through about  1 acre of goldeneye, I tallied 31 species.  Other nice finds
were an Urbanus sp. skipper (not seen well) and handfuls of Common Mestras.

Monarchs mostly continue to elude us.  Only about 3 seen today.

Chuck Sexton, Ph.D., Wildlife Biologist
Balcones Canyonlands NWR

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Slightly perturbed that I am spending the day at home doing last minute 
Festival stuff and not chasing the rarities friends keep calling us about, I 
went outside and found an Erichson's White-Skipper--Heliopyrgus domicella in 
the yard.  This is a new one for the yard, bringing the yard list to #141! 
Photos of this great butterfly may be viewed at 
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/540330134EjHYsB?start=48 or in my "Newest 
Photos 10/17/07" album, via my web page.

Jan Dauphin
Mission, TX
To view my photos or for Valley wildlife info.,
go to http://www.thedauphins.net

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Dear all,
I've posted images of some of the fabulous butterflies seen on October 16 2007:
http://www.martinreid.com/Butterfly%20website/buttind.html
all with " added October 17" dates.

In response to Dave Hansen's submission about the Ruddy/Muted 
Hairstreak/Orange-crescent Groundstreak that I found that day, I have 
posted my photos of the beast, along with some suggested tentative ID 
features to separate the Groundstreak (Zeigleria guzanta) from the 
Electrostrymon pair:
http://www.martinreid.com/Butterfly%20website/leps132.html
  - I have a pitifully small sample (photos) size, so I expect to be 
wrong on some/many of the ideas therein, but I'd really appreciate 
getting feedback from those with appropriate experience or access to 
a good sample of specimen material - thank you.

Even assuming for the moment that I'm right and this bug is 
Electrostrymon, which taxon is it?  I acknowledge that they are not 
IDable from a ventral look, but are there any good features on the 
upperside of females that would allow this individual to be 
identified (given that Dave has upperpart photos)?

Thanks in advance,
Martin

-- 
>Martin Reid
>San Antonio, Texas
>mailto:upupa AT airmail.net
>http://www.martinreid.com

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

FYI, Mike Quinn, Austin

Tulsa County, OK
http://tinyurl.com/34duq5

White-tipped Black - Melanchroia chephise
http://www.texasento.net/Melanchroia.htm

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sandra Schwinn 
Date: Oct 14, 2007 4:09 PM
Subject: [okleps] Invasion of the White-tipped Black Moths
To: okleps AT yahoogroups.com

Today my yard was invaded by the WTBMs.  There were a dozen or more.
I couldn't keep count as I would see them one place,  then another,
and another.  It was quite a show from a little moth that has played
"catch me if you can" for over 2 weeks.  Yesterday I got my first
picture.  Today I took so many pictures.  They weren't the least
intimidated by me taking pictures of them.

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

  Support Conservation Research by Naming This New Butterfly!


The McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity will offer the public a 
unique opportunity to name this spectacular new species of Owl Butterfly 

   
                                              Images here: 

          http://mariposasmexicanas.com/opsiphanes_sp_undescribed.htm
                                                and here:

                                http://news.ufl.edu/image/583/


 University of Florida scientists have discovered a new species of owl 
butterfly from Mexico, the first from this group to be described in more than 
100 years, and UF's Florida Museum of Natural History will auction the naming 
rights for this species online to raise money for Lepidoptera research. 

   
 As a symbol of tropical America, Owl Butterflies have captured the imagination 
of naturalists and scientists for centuries. Because of their large size and 
the conspicuous eyespots on their wings below, Owl Butterflies are also some of 
the most familiar and best-known butterflies; one of the largest Owl Butterfly 
groups is known to science as Opsiphanes. The new species, with a wingspan of 
about 4 inches and a beautiful orange color, lives in the Sonoran Desert in 
northwestern Mexico. 

   
 Since very few large and spectacular butterflies remain to be discovered, it 
was surprising that a striking new species of Opsiphanes was encountered during 
2007 in the collections of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, 
Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 
by staff researchers George T. Austin and Dr. Andrew D. Warren. �It is 
extraordinarily uncommon for such a large, showy butterfly to have escaped 
detection until now," said Warren, a post-doctoral associate at the McGuire 
Center. "This likely will be one of the last times such a large and beautiful 
butterfly is named. The auction represents a unique opportunity for someone to 
leave behind a lasting legacy and support continued butterfly research in 
threatened habitats in Mexico." 

   
 In order to raise money to support continued research on Mexican butterflies 
at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, in partnership with 
researchers at the Alfonso L. Herrera Zoology Museum at the National Autonomous 
University of Mexico, rights to name this new species of Opsiphanes will be 
auctioned online between October 22nd and November 2nd, 2007, on iGAVEL 
(www.iGAVEL.com). 

   
 The winning bidder will have the name of his or her choice applied to the new 
species in the original publication of its formal description, following the 
rules of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. This name 
will then be the name used for this species in all future scientific 
publications, field guides, and any other communication that mentions the 
species. Color illustration copies of the original journal publication will be 
given to the winning bidder by the end of November 2007 for distribution, as 
well as framed photos of the species. Proceeds from this auction qualify as a 
charitable contribution, deductible subject to IRS limitations and will go 
directly to supporting research on Mexican butterflies at the McGuire Center 
for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, in collaboration with the Alfonso L. Herrera 
Zoology Museum at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. 

   
 For more information on the auction go to www.flmnh.ufl.edu or contact Beverly 
Sensbach, Director of Development, at , ext. 205 or 
sensbach AT flmnh.ufl.edu. 

 For more information on current research on Mexican butterflies, go to 
www.mariposasmexicanas.com 




Additonal information on this event, including images of the new species, can 
be found at the following sites (as expected from the press, not all quotes are 
entirely accurate): 



  
  
http://news.ufl.edu/2007/10/15/butterfly-auction/


    http://www.physorg.com/news111758158.html

    http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/10/15/3016593.htm


      http://www.alligator.org/articles/2007/10/16/news/campus/butterflies.txt


 http://www.postchronicle.com/news/science/article_212109502.shtml

 
 http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/125442.html


 
http://www.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=&time=14%2001%20PDT&year=2007&public=1 

   
Please let me know if you have any questions, complaints, or ideas!



Thanks!


Best,
Andy


Andrew D. Warren, Ph.D.
McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity
Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida
P.O. Box 112710
Gainesville, Florida 


Museo de Zoologia "Alfonso L. Herrera"
Departamento de Biologia Evolutiva
Facultad de Ciencias
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Apdo. Postal 70-399
Mexico, D.F. 04510 MEXICO


  

  
 __________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Taxonomic recap here:

Date:         Wed, 3 Nov 2004
Sender:       Butterfly and Lepidoptery for the state of Texas
From:         Andy Warren
Subject:      taxonomic recap of E-MX White-Skippers

http://listserv.uh.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0411&L=tx-butterfly&P=4153


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


U.S. record recap here:

Pix of first U.S. records here:
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/EastMex.html

and here:
http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/heliopyrgus_sublinea.htm

Note, both NABA and Mariposas Mexicanas use the same English name...


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


I suspect the "Huastecan" moniker came from Garwood & Lehman's
Butterflies of NE Mexico guides.

Mike Quinn, Austin

-- 
________________
Texas Entomology
http://texasento.net

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Nice report, Dave.? But you aint seen nuthin' yet out at FSP.? Like I said get 
the record books ready because this is just the beginning of alot of new 
records coming out of this garden.? 


Fran:? You rock!!!!? And you need a raise.

Charlie



-----Original Message-----
From: David J Hanson 
To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 8:46 pm
Subject: Falcon State Park 10/16/2007 WOW!



(Falcon State Park, Falcon Heights, Starr Co., TX!  10/16/2007)

TX Butterfliers and NABA Chatters,
What an amazing day at Falcon State Park.
First on the menu was a very nice EAST MEXICAN (Huastecan) WHITE seen and
photographed by all.

Next, a really neat fall form female LACEY'S SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK  (Thanks to
Texas Lepidoptera Survey for ID photo)  and that's just for starters.

The TELEA HAIRSTREAK made a 20 minute cameo appearance for everyone
there.  Many photos were taken by all present.

Then what I first thought was a Rekoa sp. turned out to be a STROPHIUS
HAIRSTREAK (Allosmaitia strophius) also heavily photographed.

A RUDDY HAIRSTREAK  (Electrostrymon sangala)*  was then seen by all.

Finally, late in the afternoon I spotted another "Ruddy" that seemed
different from the first one and also from the ones photographed a few
days ago.  Cat Traylor and I were able to get good looks and photos of
the upper side and our "Ruddy" turned out to be a MUTED HAIRSTREAK
(Electrosrtymon joya) 
This is a pretty rare bug and anyone who can report on sightings of it in
the U.S. please do so.

In all we had 61 species including 12 Hairstreaks.  
I have never seen this many Hairstreaks in one place at the same time.
Here they are:

Gray Hairstreak
Silver-banded Hairstreak
Great Purple Hairstreak
Dusky Blue Groundstreak
Clytie Ministreak
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak
Lacey's Scrub Hairstreak
Strophius Hairstreak
Telea Hairstreak
Ruddy Hairstreak  *(Now referred to by some as E. hugon)
Muted Hairstreak

Some of Falcon's other joys today were:
Malachite
Dorantes Longtail
Zilpa Longtail
Brown-banded Skipper
Two-barred Flasher
Coyote Cloudywing
Desert Checkered Skipper
Erichson's White Skipper
Fawn-spotted Skipper
Purple-washed Skipper

A few of the many people present today were:  Ro and Betty Wauer, Tom
Pendleton, Cat Traylor, Larry Ditto, Martin Reid, and Fran Bartles.  
Many folks will arrive tomorrow, and in the next few days, for the TEXAS
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL in Mission.  I hope all of them will have a day like
we had today.

I will post some photos on my web site  (MISC.)  later tonight or early
tomorrow.
www.k9zvz.com

Happy Butterflying,
Dave Hanson
Mission, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 


________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - 
http://mail.aol.com 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Hi David,
 
I made a mistake.  Try this link:
 
http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/Bfly_Names.htm
 
Oops!  Sorry about the gaffe.  There is one extra capitalized letter in my
link above...
 
Life is Good... Kim Davis
http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/
http://mariposasmexicanas.com/ 
 

Kim,
This link failed.  Could be you are using the server at this time.
http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/Bfly_names.htm 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

All,
I have posted photos of East-Mexican White Skipper, Strophius Hairstreak,
and a maybe Muted Hairstreak at:
http://www.k9zvz.com/6.html

Some further info:
1. East-Mexican White Skipper's scientific name is now listed on
http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/heliopyrgus_sublinea.htm 
as Heliopyrgus sublinea rather than Heliopetes sublinea.

2. Comparison photos show that the Ruddy Hairstreak many of you saw
earlier today at Falcon S. P. is the SAME one that Cat, Martin, Tom, and
I saw later and think to be a different species.  The two possibilities
are Muted Hairstreak, Electrostrymon joya, and Orange-Crescent (Mountain)
Groundstreak, Zieglieria guzanta.   If this can be confirmed those who
saw and photographed it will have to change their sighting records.  Cat
Traylor and I DO have upperside photos that seem to be consistent with
joya.  However the faint little crescents on the lower hindwing's sub
marginal band could possibly be indicative of guzanta and I would solicit
an expert opinion on this.  Check your own photos and stay tuned.  Either
way it is a great species for Falcon State Park and your life list too.
Any help with this ID is welcome.  An upper side photo is available to
anyone who wishes to assist with this effort.

3. Upon inspecting the photos this evening, the  butterfly I thought
might be a Rekoa sp.  turns out to be a Strophius Hairstreak, Allosmaitia
strophius.  A photo is posted on my web site: 
http://www.k9zvz.com/6.html

4. The small Lacey's Scrub-Hairstreak that many of us saw today is a fall
season female according to the photo in the Illustrated Checklist of
Lepidoptera of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.  (Thanks Charles and Ed.)   I
have not posted this photo but if anyone would like it e-mail me.

Thanks for being patient and,
Happy Butterflying,
Dave Hanson
Mission, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

I've never seen so many, either.  For the last 10 days at the security 
gate entrance to the Gary Job Corps Center near San Marcos, Hays/Caldwell 
Co. line, the White-stripes and, to a lesser extent, Urbanus proteus, are 
so numerous at noon, they look like clouds as they fight and mate over a 
few sad, short lantana bushes.  More encouragingly, many are fresh, fat, 
and obviously egg-laden.  http://www.pteratory.com/new_images.htm 
- Ron Votaw

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

David,

Thank you for the addition of the scientific name.  The scientific name we
found on the Mariposas Mexicanas website is Heliopyrgus sublinea.  See
photos here:

http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/heliopyrgus_sublinea.htm

We consider Andy Warren the world's expert on skippers, especially the
Mexican skippers.  He has done a taxonomic reorginazation of butterflies
recently and has published an updated list of the relationships.  See it
here:

http://www.mariposasmexicanas.com/Bfly_names.htm

Thanks!

Life is Good... Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland
http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/
http://mariposasmexicanas.com/ 


> I inadvertently omitted the scientific name for the White 
> Skipper I posted earlier.
> It is Heliopetes sublinea.  Possibly 3rd or 4th U.S. record.

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

I didn't get to see all the hairstreaks at the state park today, but I did 
have a beautiful new butterfly waiting for me at my house: a fresh-looking 
Banded Patch, *Chlosyne endeis*. Pix at

http://leps.thenalls.net/bandedp/cendeis.htm

Falcon Heights (Starr Co), TX
Berry

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

All,
I inadvertently omitted the scientific name for the White Skipper I
posted earlier.
It is Heliopetes sublinea.  Possibly 3rd or 4th U.S. record.
Dave Hanson

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

David,

Thanks for posting data and photos about all the great finds in south Texas
right now!  Mike and I are not sure what the East Mexican (Huastecan) White
is.  Can you give us the scientific name?

Thanks,

Life is Good... Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland
http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/
http://mariposasmexicanas.com/  


> First on the menu was a very nice EAST MEXICAN (Huastecan) 
> WHITE seen and photographed by all.

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

(Falcon State Park, Falcon Heights, Starr Co., TX!  10/16/2007)

TX Butterfliers and NABA Chatters,
What an amazing day at Falcon State Park.
First on the menu was a very nice EAST MEXICAN (Huastecan) WHITE seen and
photographed by all.

Next, a really neat fall form female LACEY'S SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK  (Thanks to
Texas Lepidoptera Survey for ID photo)  and that's just for starters.

The TELEA HAIRSTREAK made a 20 minute cameo appearance for everyone
there.  Many photos were taken by all present.

Then what I first thought was a Rekoa sp. turned out to be a STROPHIUS
HAIRSTREAK (Allosmaitia strophius) also heavily photographed.

A RUDDY HAIRSTREAK  (Electrostrymon sangala)*  was then seen by all.

Finally, late in the afternoon I spotted another "Ruddy" that seemed
different from the first one and also from the ones photographed a few
days ago.  Cat Traylor and I were able to get good looks and photos of
the upper side and our "Ruddy" turned out to be a MUTED HAIRSTREAK
(Electrosrtymon joya) 
This is a pretty rare bug and anyone who can report on sightings of it in
the U.S. please do so.

In all we had 61 species including 12 Hairstreaks.  
I have never seen this many Hairstreaks in one place at the same time.
Here they are:

Gray Hairstreak
Silver-banded Hairstreak
Great Purple Hairstreak
Dusky Blue Groundstreak
Clytie Ministreak
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak
Lacey's Scrub Hairstreak
Strophius Hairstreak
Telea Hairstreak
Ruddy Hairstreak  *(Now referred to by some as E. hugon)
Muted Hairstreak

Some of Falcon's other joys today were:
Malachite
Dorantes Longtail
Zilpa Longtail
Brown-banded Skipper
Two-barred Flasher
Coyote Cloudywing
Desert Checkered Skipper
Erichson's White Skipper
Fawn-spotted Skipper
Purple-washed Skipper

A few of the many people present today were:  Ro and Betty Wauer, Tom
Pendleton, Cat Traylor, Larry Ditto, Martin Reid, and Fran Bartles.  
Many folks will arrive tomorrow, and in the next few days, for the TEXAS
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL in Mission.  I hope all of them will have a day like
we had today.

I will post some photos on my web site  (MISC.)  later tonight or early
tomorrow.
www.k9zvz.com

Happy Butterflying,
Dave Hanson
Mission, TX

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Spotted a fresh Ruby-spotted Swallowtail (Heraclides anchisiades)
nectaring on Blue Plumbago while walking though the UT-Pan American
campus around noon today.
 
Javier de Leon
Interpretive Naturalist
Edinburg World Birding Center
714 Raul Longoria Rd.
P.O. Box 1079
Edinburg, TX 78540

 
 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Dave is a TPW diversity biologist based in Alpine Texas... Mike Quinn,
Austin

________________________________

From: Dave Holdermann 
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:22 PM
To: Mike Quinn
Subject: An "Orange Spot" Year!

Mike,
 
I have been meaning to tell you, since receiving your Monarch news, that
it has been a particular good year for the "Orange Spot"/California
Sisters (Adelpha bredowii) in these parts.  I first noticed their
emergence in mid-July in the Glass Mountains, then in the Guadalupe
Mountains in September & October, and most recently still strong (10
October) in the Davis Mountains.
 
I think they're my favorite butterfly.
 
        DH 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

Here are photos I took of the Teleas yesterday and today. Maybe someone can 
tell if they are different from the earlier 2 Berry , Dave, David and Jan 
found. 

   
  Fran Bartle
  FSP
  volunteer Naturalist

       
---------------------------------
Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

A two-barred flasher made a brief visit today to our backyard here in south
Del Rio, Val Verde County.  It was too fast to get a photo- sorry!

 

Eric Finkelstein

Del Rio


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

We have had a great butterflying day at Falcon. Dave Hanson , Ro Wauer, and 
Martin Reid found 10 Hairstreaks, including a Telea. We had a Malachite, and 
maybe a Recoa, too. 

   
 Ro Wauer found a bug we think might be a Huastecan. If so, this might be the 
3rd US sighting? Please help us ID it. Ro had no way to post, so I am doing it 
for him. 

   
  Fran Bartle
  Volunteer Park Naturalist
  FSP

       
---------------------------------
Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV. Watch previews, get listings, 
and more! 


======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tony gallucci" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: Possible telea host, Sterculiaceae - Cacao family per HOSTS


With regards to the Telea Hairstreak, there is also an uncommon but 
commercially available Sterculiaceous non-native tree planted because of 
it's fast-growing nature -- Chinese Parasol Tree or Varnish Tree, Firminia 
simplex. Just FYI -- no idea of its value as a hostplant.


Date:         Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:15:
Reply-To:     Mike Quinn <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Butterfly and Lepidoptery for the state of Texas
              <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Mike Quinn <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Possible telea host, Sterculiaceae - Cacao family per HOSTS 
db...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

There are two records (of unknown origin or authenticity) in the HOSTS
database listing the family Sterculiaceae as a host for Chlorostrymon
telea in the Neotropical region...

British Museum Natural History
HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants

Search Results
Search criteria: Lepidoptera Genus: starts with Chlorostrymon
Records 1 - 12 of 12
http://tinyurl.com/22tuoq

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

Here's a list of all the Cacao family members along the lower Rio
Grande:

Family Sterculiaceae - Cacao family

Ayenia limitaris Cristobal - Rio Grande ayenia
http://tinyurl.com/2bby6z

Ayenia pilosa Cristobal - hairy ayenia
http://tinyurl.com/2yfh2c

Hermannia texana Gray - Texas burstwort
http://tinyurl.com/2x4oor

Melochia pyramidata L. - pyramidflower
http://tinyurl.com/ytyqea

Melochia tomentosa L. - teabush
http://tinyurl.com/28st68

Waltheria indica L. - uhaloa
http://tinyurl.com/ywqqm6

Plants of the Rio Grande Delta
Alfred Richardson. .
Univ. of Texas Press, Austin. x + 332 pp, 94 plates.
http://www.utexas.edu/utpress/books/ricpla.html

Mike Quinn, Austin

tony gallucci
milk river film
guadalupe stage quartet
ingram, kerr county, texas
hurricanetg AT hotmail.com
http://milkriver.blogspot.com
http://youtube.com/milkriverfilm
_________________________________________________________________
Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You!
http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us
======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: 

======================================
To unsubscribe, send the message SIGNOFF TX-BUTTERFLY to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
To change to the daily digest, send the message SET TX-BUTTERFLY DIGEST to
LISTSERV AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU
TX-BUTTERFLY archives: