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9 Feb Which Monarch sanctuaries are open now in MX [ruth and peter ] 8 Feb Re: favorable report from Sierra Chincua monarch colony [Paul Cherubini ] 8 Feb favorable report from Sierra Chincua monarch colony [Mike Quinn ] 7 Feb Monarchs are OK at one of the Monarch Sanctuaries in Mexico [Paul Cherubini ] 7 Feb flying in Austin TX 6:ii:10 [] 6 Feb Fwd: Conditions in Angangueo and the MBBR - Feb 5-6 [Mike Quinn ] 6 Feb Fwd: videos of the damage in Angangueo and Tuxpan [Mike Quinn ] 6 Feb Fwd: Report from pilot of monarch ultralight [Mike Quinn ] 5 Feb Official message on the temporary closure of El Rosario and Chincua Sanctuaries [Mike Quinn ] 5 Feb Fwd: The Phantom of the catastrophe of the 1953 mine collapse in Angangueo [Mike Quinn ] 5 Feb 36 hrs of continuous rain in Michoacan - Feb 2010 [Mike Quinn ] 4 Feb January 2010, Medina County Moths - Correction! [Maury Heiman ] 4 Feb January 2010, Medina County Moths [Maury Heiman ] 3 Feb Re: Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca [Mary Beth Stowe ] 31 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" [Brush Freeman ] 31 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" [TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY ] 31 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" [Mike Quinn ] 31 Jan Big Freeze/Monarch left in TX [the Aschens ] 30 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co [Brush Freeman ] 30 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co [Brush Freeman ] 30 Jan Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co [TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY ] 30 Jan Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co [Brush Freeman ] 30 Jan new life histories [Berry Nall ] 30 Jan Re: Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca [Mike Quinn ] 29 Jan Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca [Rick Snider ] 27 Jan Mystery Grass Skipper @ Brownsville Fisheries [Mary Beth Stowe ] 26 Jan emerging Monarch photos [Melody Lytle ] 26 Jan flying in Austin TX 26:i:10 [] 23 Jan Re: Butterflies from today [] 22 Jan Flying at Estero [John Yochum ] 22 Jan Frontera Butterflies, 22 January 2010 [Mike Rickard ] 21 Jan Hidalgo Pumphouse Butterflies [Mike Rickard ] 21 Jan flying in Austin 21:i:2010 [] 19 Jan Re: RFI Scabiosa columbaria [Roger Sanderson ] 18 Jan Austin Butterfly Forum January Meeting, Monday, Jan. 25 [ABF Announce ] 16 Jan RFI Scabiosa columbaria [Anthony Flyd ] 12 Jan flying in Austin 12:i:2010 [] 9 Jan 2 More New TX Records [TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY ] 5 Jan Lepidoptera research in the Chihuahuan Desert [Cathryn Hoyt ] 4 Jan POCO Buckmoths... [Brush Freeman ] 3 Jan 4 new life histories [Berry Nall ] 31 Dec Common Streaky-skipper at Mission, Hidalgo Co. ["David T. Dauphin" ] 31 Dec Yellow-angled sulphur @ Estero Llano Grande SP in Weslaco [Frances Bartle ] 31 Dec Butterflies of America year end report [Kim Davis ] 30 Dec Bentsen SP Butterflies, 30 December 2009 [Mike Rickard ] 28 Dec What's New in Texas [TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY ] 24 Dec Bentsen SP Butterflies, 23 December 2009 [Mike Rickard ] 23 Dec Blomfild's Beauty still at Estero [John Yochum ] 21 Dec South Texas Prep academy studying butterflies in space [Mike Quinn ] 21 Dec Falcon SP butterflies [Frances Bartle ] 20 Dec Flying in Austin, TX December 20, 2009 ["[Bill Dempwolf]" ] 19 Dec Buckmoth update for Port O'Connor [Brush Freeman ] 19 Dec Bycid described from Bentsen [Mike Quinn ] 18 Dec Blomfild's Beauty at Estero Llano Grande State Park [Frances Bartle ] 18 Dec Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Brush Freeman ] 19 Dec Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [James Adams ] 18 Dec Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Michael D Van Buskirk ] 18 Dec Re: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Brush Freeman ] 18 Dec Re: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY ] 18 Dec Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Brush Freeman ] 18 Dec Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Michael D Van Buskirk ] 18 Dec Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor [Brush Freeman ] 17 Dec Beetles of Monahans Sandhills State Park [Mike Quinn ] 17 Dec New Academia.edu feature for TX-Butterfly [Richard Price ] 15 Dec Congratulations Andy Warren! [Kim Davis ] 15 Dec Flying in Estero Llano Grande State Park [Frances Bartle ] 13 Dec Texas Longhorn Beetles - thumbnails [Mike Quinn ] 10 Dec Bentsen SP Butterflies, 9 December 2009 [Mike Rickard ] 9 Dec Flying at Estero [John Yochum ] 8 Dec Hidalgo Pumphouse Butterflies, 8 December 2009 [Mike Rickard ] 8 Dec Heard Museum Petition to save our prairies [Roger Sanderson ] 7 Dec Lower Valley leps: 11/20 - 29 [Jim Hengeveld ] 7 Dec Frontera Butterflies 6 December 2009 [Mike Rickard ] 7 Dec Any Botanists Out There? ["[Bill Dempwolf]" ] 6 Dec Re: Buck Moth sp. nr. Ft. Hood - Nov 28 [Brush Freeman ] 6 Dec more Hemileuca spp. needing dets... [Mike Quinn ] Subject: Which Monarch sanctuaries are open now in MX From: ruth and peter <theruleof80 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 04:50:03 -0800 Hi,   I have been following the stories of the flooding in Michoacan near the monarch sancuarios.   I am scheduled to go on a tour of a migratory area on Tuesday, Feb. 16th.  The tour originates from our home in Ajijic, Mexico.  In checking with the tour company, they say that at least one of the areas is open to the public.  The tour group will be staying in Morelia, with a day trip to the monarch area.   Can anyone confirm which monarch viewing areas are open to the public?   Is it safe to travel to that area at this time (actually a week from today)?   Thank you and if there is anything I can do, or any info you would like me to gather, or share, please let me know, assuming I make the trip.   Ruth Donnalley Ajijic, MX ====================================== 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: Re: favorable report from Sierra Chincua monarch colony From: Paul Cherubini <monarch AT SABER.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:25:08 -0800 Mike Quinn wrote: > Short (21 sec) video showing some of the damage to Angangueo > (the town below the Sierra Chincua and El Rosario monarch colonies). > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA7U33C7B8k The city of Angangueo, Michoacan is located in a narrow valley surrounded by towering mountains: http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu87/4ALC/angan.jpg So it's not hard to understand why the Angangueo is vulnerable raging floodwater during torrential rain events. Paul Cherubini ====================================== 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: favorable report from Sierra Chincua monarch colony From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:03:53 -0600 Jose Luis Alvarez reports that the monarchs at Sierra Chincua are "doing well". The town below is not fairing as well... Short (21 sec) video showing some of the damage to Angangueo (the town below the Sierra Chincua and El Rosario monarch colonies). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA7U33C7B8k Mike Quinn, Austin *From:* jose luis alvarez *To:* Donald Davis *Sent:* Sun, February 7, 2010 9:16:32 AM *Subject:* Re: [DPLEX-L:38438] News update from Michoacan Dear Don, as of this morning the news is rather encouraging it is a beautiful sunny day and as I said before a new beginning for all ,you can now drive into the Hotels Don Bruno and Las Margaritas, the road to Chincua is only partially damage it will be fixed this week .The Ejidatarios from Cerro Prieto who own and run the the monarchs overwintering sites at Chincua are all doing well and so are the Butterflies, no damage to there community at all, there are no home less, all the people that lost there homes on the way out of town the area is call Catingon are in shelters and have food and beds and are warm etc. As far as I know as of today all the schools are in working conditions and none have been destroyed by the rain or mud slides. Chincua will be Open to the public on Monday. the Mexican Army is fixing the roads and helping people that need help retrieving things from there homes , things are very well organized the Governor of Michoacan was there and the President of Mexico. they have sent in the Army to clear up the roads and to repave . Also to help the locals in what ever is necessary. I spoke to Carmelo this morning he is the Comisariado at Chincua he said that all is going well and that the Army is also working at El Rosario that heavy equipment to fix the road is coming in at this very moment , they plan on reopening El Rosario at the end of next week if the road is fixed. The Mexican TV stations are there today and will give Info to all on how things are coming along . So there will be no more miss information on the the actual situation. What is being done the progress on roads and homes Also how the butterflies are and what if need must be done to bring things back to normal. I hope I was clear and did not forget any thing or any one as to give a clear picture of what is going on at this very moment. Be well,and my best to all, JL ====================================== 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: Monarchs are OK at one of the Monarch Sanctuaries in Mexico From: Paul Cherubini <monarch AT SABER.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:53:32 -0800 From: jose luis alvarez To: Donald Davis Sent: Sun, February 7, 2010 9:16:32 AM Subject: Re: [DPLEX-L:38438] News update from Michoacan Excerpts: "The Ejidatarios from Cerro Prieto who own and run the the monarchs overwintering sites at Chincua are all doing well and so are the Butterflies, Chincua will be Open to the public on Monday." "I spoke to Carmelo this morning he is the Comisariado at Chincua he said that all is going well and that the Army is also working at El Rosario that heavy equipment to fix the road is coming in at this very moment, they plan on reopening El Rosario at the end of next week if the road is fixed." ====================================== 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: flying in Austin TX 6:ii:10 From: drdn AT MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:19:38 -0600 TX.Travis.036 Austin, E fk Johnson Creek DurdenCJ 10037A -------------------- *Libytheana (carinenta) larvata* - Southwestern Snout one (male, not fresh) flying from bush to bush and basking in sunlight -------------------- 63 dF sunny ===================== ====================================== 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: Fwd: Conditions in Angangueo and the MBBR - Feb 5-6 From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:18:03 -0600 *A little background to Chip's note attached below.A hgh percentage of the overwintering monarchs routinely handle temperatures that briefly dip into the upper 20F's when they are dry and somewhat protected by the warmth of the forest, but mortality starts to kick in at 31F when they are wet, particularly if they are soaked. Chip mentions the "weather service algorithm" because the weather service doesn't have a thermometer that they monitor at Angangueo, instead they use an algorithm calculated from thermometers in surrounding cites to estimate the temp for Angangueo. Angangueo is at roughly 2600 meters (~ 8500 feet). The monarchs are in the mountains above at very roughly 3200 meters (~ 10500 feet) so ostensibly (depending on the amount of forest cover, etc.) they experience even colder temperatures. Map showing location and elevation of Angangueo and the approx. loc./elev. of the various colonies http://bit.ly/cnUxyq ** MBBR = Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve * Mike Quinn, Austin ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Chip Taylor Date: Sat, Feb 6, 2010 at 12:26 PM Subject: [DPLEX-L:38434] Conditions in Angangueo and the MBBR To: dplex-l AT listproc.cc.ku.edu The temperature at 10:45AM was 50F, the skies were clear with winds of 3mph from the SSE. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny followed by two partly cloudy days and then rain in the form of showers from Wednesday through Satruday. High temperatures are expected to be in the 60s with lows in the mid to upper 30s through a week from Monday. The even longer range forecast includes the possibility of additional rain a few days after the next system pass through. The projected overnight low for last night was 27F. The weather service algorithm projects ambient temperatures for open areas. I'm not sure whether it accounts for the cold air drainage that Angangueo experiences, or at what elevation in this town (it spans a thousand feet) this temperature is supposed to represent, but early morning temperatures of 27-29F are common under clear skies for this location. Butterflies above ground level in forest patches with good canopy seem to be protected even though sub freezing temperatures are given for Angangueo. Last night's record. 9:45 41F calm 11:45 37F calm 12:45 36F calm 2:45 32F calm 3:45 32F calm 5:45 28F calm 6:45 27F calm 7:45 28F -- Monarch Watch monarch AT ku.edu http://www.MonarchWatch.org/ Dplex-L: send message "info Dplex-L" to Listproc AT ku.edu 1-888-TAGGING (toll-free!) -or- 1-785-864 4441 University of Kansas 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence, KS 66045-7534 Create, Conserve and Protect Monarch Habitats ====================================== 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: Fwd: videos of the damage in Angangueo and Tuxpan From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:25:08 -0600 From Chip Taylor, the director of Monarch Watch ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Chip Taylor Date: Sat, Feb 6, 2010 at 11:50 AM Subject: [DPLEX-L:38433] videos of the damage in Angangueo and Tuxpan To: dplex-l AT listproc.cc.ku.edu Janis Lentz has found urls for four video clips of the damage in Angangueo and Tuxpan. Angangueo lies between El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, the monarch sanctuaries most visited by the public. For those of you who are not familiar with Angangueo, it lies in an extremely narrow valley of about 3 miles in length with a fall in elevation of about 1000 ft. Houses and businesses line the valley for nearly its entire length, with some backed up to the small stream that runs through the valley floor. The extreme rainfall that occurred from Tuesday through Thursday (measured as fifteen inches near Zitacuaro) turned this small stream into a raging torrent accompanied by sounds, rumblings and vibrations that frightened the residents. Lives were lost due to the landslides and flooding and there are still many people who are missing (in nearby communities) and the property and infrastructure damage is extensive. The recovery will be long. Those of you familiar with Angangueo will recognize images taken from in front of Los Arcos (a restaurant) and the steps of the church to the left of Los Arcos as you face the town square. It is hard to believe this area was flooded. Note also a street full of boulders and the massive landslide. I still don't know the site of the slide - looks familiar but I can't be sure. A report from Isabel Ramirez indicates that many of the houses in the small communities of Dolores and Catingo that line the road to Chincua (just up the hill from the center of Angangueo) were washed away. As some may recall, many of these houses were decorated with an abundance of potted flowering plants. The road to Chincua is said to have been destroyed. Other landslides are feared both in Angangueo - e.g. in the vicinity of hotel La Margarita and at El Rosario. A large portion of the people of Angangueo appear to have been evacuated to nearby communities. The last video deals with the landslide along the road to El Rosario. Again, I'm not sure of the location of this slide - perhaps someone will recognize a landmark and help us out. http://www.hechos.tv/estados/confirman-6-muertos-por-lluvias-en-michoacan/v/17714 http://www.hechos.tv/seguridad-y-justicia/provocan-lluvias-en-michoacan-cuantiosos-desastres/v/17698 Video of Angangueo including downtown after 2 minutes of Tuxpan footage. ------------------ Check out the flooded streets. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIrAEjms70g ------ photos/video of landslide in sanctuario el rosario http://www.mimorelia.com/Cuasar/NoticieroCuasar.php?id=4173 -- Monarch Watch monarch AT ku.edu http://www.MonarchWatch.org/ Dplex-L: send message "info Dplex-L" to Listproc AT ku.edu 1-888-TAGGING (toll-free!) -or- 1-785-864 4441 University of Kansas 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence, KS 66045-7534 Create, Conserve and Protect Monarch Habitats ====================================== 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: Fwd: Report from pilot of monarch ultralight From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:47:09 -0600 FYI, Vico Gutiérrez landed his monarch motif ultralight in 2005 at several locations across Texas the year he followed the monarchs from Ontario to Michoacan. Google map showing Valle de Bravo and southeastern monarch colonies http://bit.ly/cx968m Mike Quinn, Austin ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Donald Davis Date: Sat, Feb 6, 2010 at 8:57 AM Subject: [DPLEX-L:38428] Report from Corral de Piedra Monarch Site To: dplex-L AT ku.edu Some of you may recall Francisco "Vico" Gutierrez, who in 2005 flew an ultralight aircraft, bearing a monarch logo on the wings, from Montreal to Chincua to promote monarch conservation (http://www.papalotzin.typepad.com): Hi Donald, Yes we have an extraordinary cold front that strikes all the area, I visited Corral de Piedra which is the southest Monarch Refuge near Valle de Bravo, and since I fly hang gliders in 1979 (31 years) I never saw a thunderstorm so strong, we keep some ice balls in the frige because they won´t believe the size, Lots of Monarch Butterfies died in Corral de Piedra I send you my best to you and anything info you need I can help let me know Vico Donald A. Davis, U.E. Life Member Ontario Nature Friends of Presqu'ile Park Member Toronto Entomologists' Association Willow Beach Field Naturalists Board of Directors Monarch Butterfly Fund ====================================== 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: Official message on the temporary closure of El Rosario and Chincua Sanctuaries From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 22:21:44 -0600 FYI, Mike Quinn, Austin ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Donald Davis Date: Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 9:04 PM Subject: [DPLEX-L:38427] Re: El Rosario and Chincua Sanctuaries Closed Two Days ILa Jornada) To: dplex-l AT listproc.cc.ku.edu See also below: Feb. 5/10 Por seguridad cierran los santuarios de la mariposa Monarca en Angangueo y Ocampo. For security closed the sanctuaries of the Monarch butterfly in Angangueo and Ocampo. See original in Spanish: http://www.mimorelia.com/noticias/47844 Technicians of the Biosphere Reserve of the Monarch run through the core area to assess impacts, Authorities of the various spheres of government determined to close for safety during the coming days Chincua shrines and El Rosario Monarch butterfly, located in the municipalities of Ocampo and Angangueo in the Oriente region of Michoacan. Given the climatic phenomena and the contingency that is recorded in these sites, and other surrounding the management of the Biosphere Reserve of the Monarch, made an earnest call to the general public to refrain from visiting these places of tourist attraction. The head of the Secretariat of Urbanism and Environment, Catalina Rosas Monge said the State will contribute the maximum authority in the site assessment to determine if there is any damage to the colonies of the butterfly. He said that at this time we join the preventive and safety for the citizenry, hence the determination of partial closure of these places, which undoubtedly represent a great showcase for the state, he said. Finally, the owner of SUMA, said that as far as weather conditions improve intensify qualified personnel evaluation studies will determine whether there were any alterations to the areas of insect hibernation Donald A. Davis, U.E. Life Member Ontario Nature Friends of Presqu'ile Park Member Toronto Entomologists' Association Willow Beach Field Naturalists Board of Directors Monarch Butterfly Fund ====================================== 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: Fwd: The Phantom of the catastrophe of the 1953 mine collapse in Angangueo From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:55:41 -0600 Article mentions the worst prior catastrophe to strike the town of Angangueo at the base of the monarch colonies... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Donald Davis Date: Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 5:33 PM Subject: [DPLEX-L:38422] Reforma Report - Includes El Rosario and Tuxpan To: dplex-l AT ku.edu See: http://www.elgolfo.info/elgolfo/nota/14724-Azotan-a-Michoac%C3%A1n-lluvias-y-deslaves-/ ANGANGUEO, Michoacan 4-Feb .- At least seven dead and over 10 thousand victims yesterday stopped the overflowing of rivers and hills breakaway because of heavy rains in Michoacan. The Phantom of the catastrophe of 1953 when the mine collapsed village, killing 25 workers, yesterday was around these streets. "Since the collapse of the mines had not experienced anything like this," said a municipal worker who refused to leave town because they did not know of his sister. In the afternoon, the state government reported the displacement of about one thousand inhabitants. The town was practically deserted. ====================================== 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: 36 hrs of continuous rain in Michoacan - Feb 2010 From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:39:06 -0600 This week, 36 hours of continuous rain fell primarily across the eastern portion of Michoacan, and to a lesser extent throughout much of central Mexico. Heavy rain followed by a freeze killed as much as 80% of the monarch overwintering colonies in Jan/Feb of 2002 and 2004, but those years had the highest monarch populations of the decade. Unfortunately, this winter the monarchs are at their lowest recorded level in the past 15 years. Monarch overwintering population estimates 1995-2010 - Journey North http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/PopulationMexicoAnalyzeGraph.html Lincoln Brower contacted colleagues in Mexico yesterday February 4 and relayed the message that Pablo Span visited the Pelon colony on Tuesday 2 February and said "there were more (presumably dead) monarch butterflies on the ground that he had ever before seen." It will be awhile before a clearer picture emerges as numerous cities across the region experienced severe flooding, landslides and bridges being washed out. Obviously a human as well as a potential biological tragedy has occurred. Mike Quinn, Austin ________________ Texas Entomology http://texasento.net -------------------------------------------------- More than 10 thousand victims, 2 thousand homes damaged, of which 280 collapsed, and four fatalities was the balance of 36 hours of continuous rain in Michoacan, where the river overflowed Taximaroa or Tuxpan. Gov. Leonel Godoy Rangel asked the Interior Department to declare a disaster area and the towns of Tuxpan Angangueo, in order to obtain resources from the Disaster Fund. The Directorate for Civil Protection reported that the center of Tuxpan is flooded and some shops and the main square, the water rises five feet tall. full text in Spanish: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2010/02/05/index.php?section=estados&article=028n1est ====================================== 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: January 2010, Medina County Moths - Correction! From: Maury Heiman <MauryHeiman AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 23:27:43 EST Not sure how I did that but Palpita atrisquamalis is really Palpita gracialis ! Maury Heiman ====================================== 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: January 2010, Medina County Moths From: Maury Heiman <MauryHeiman AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:45:26 EST January 2010, Medina County Moths Moth species and numbers at the mercury vapor/black light setup were down considerably from January 2009 with this years much cooler weather. Lineodes integra Lineodes interrupta Nomophila nearctica Hymenia perspectalis Palpita atrisquamalis plume moth to id Isturgia dislocaria Hypena scabra Iridopsis defectaria Chloraspilates bicoloraria Pero sp Lobocleta ossularia ? Orthonama obstipata Eupithecia sp probably miserulata Hypena minualis Caenurgina erechtea Spodoptera ornithogalli Elaphria chalcedonia Galgula partita Copivaleria grotei Mythimna unipuncta Agrotis malefida Feltia subterranea Anicla infecta Cucullia sp Peridroma saucia Maury Heiman Medina County, TX. _Moths of Medina County_ (http://picasaweb.google.com/maury.heiman) _Bug Guide_ (http://bugguide.net/user/view/7334) _Flickr Photos _ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/maury3/) ====================================== 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: Re: Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca From: Mary Beth Stowe <MiriamEagl AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:45:29 EST Hi, all! This is from Martin Hagne in response to the thread referred to above. MB In a message dated 2/3/2010 7:42:44 A.M. Central Standard Time, martinhagne AT sbcglobal.net writes: Morning Mary Beth, You may post this if you wish to do so. I'm not on TxButterflies. Gochnatia, or Chomonque, is found naturally in the western RGV, mainly on gravely, caliche type soils in the ranch country and on some USFW LRGV tracts. It blooms profusely after rain in the cooler months. However, it is not an easy plant to propagate from seed. It is fairly easy to grow from cuttings in warmer months. The VNC has sold this species at times in the past, but it's hard to find for sale anywhere. So it's not a widely used plants in butterfly gardens due to these facts. It should be, and hopefully will be in the future. It's a great looking landscaping plant, and I hope used to re-veg in habitats out west. Martin Hagne Executive Director Valley Nature Center 301 S Border Ave PO Box 8125 Weslaco, TX 78599 956-969-2475 956-330-4630 cell info AT valleynaturecenter.org www.valleynaturecenter.org "In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we created, but by what we refused to destroy." -John Sawhill Mary Beth Stowe McAllen, TX _www.miriameaglemon.com_ (http://www.miriameaglemon.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: Subject: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:22:46 -0600 Whatever the hell it is the Hockey's found one down there and I guess you guys will have to clear it up with them! Cause I damn sure do not know. Brush On 1/31/10, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY wrote: > > Thanks, Mike. However, those specimens are not females. Note the costal > bulla on the FW. Only the males have that "bulge." > > > Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC > Texas Lepidoptera Survey > 8517 Burkhart Rd. > Houston, TX 77055 > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Mike Quinn > > To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU > > Sent: Sun, January 31, 2010 11:31:45 AM > Subject: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate > Forester" > > > See: > "Disparate Forester" (*Androloma disparata*) > http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/octomaculata.html > Mike Quinn, Austin > ________________ > Texas Entomology > http://texasento.net > > > On Sat, Jan 30, 2010 at 8:41 PM, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY < > texaslepsurvey AT sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > > The reason it's not marked is because it doesn't occur there. The moth > > down there is Androloma disparata, which is superficially similar, and > > fairly common. The larval host is Ampelopsis. > > > > Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC > > Texas Lepidoptera Survey > > 8517 Burkhart Rd. > > Houston, TX 77055 > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Brush Freeman > > To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU > > Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 6:29:59 PM > > Subject: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co > > > > Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue > > > > > > > > we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out > to > > be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for > the > > forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that > > because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? > I > > remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is > also > > not marked on the map. > > Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? > > > > -- > > Brush Freeman > > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > > > > > ====================================== > 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: > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" From: TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY <texaslepsurvey AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:10:51 -0800 Thanks, Mike.  However, those specimens are not females.  Note the costal bulla on the FW.  Only the males have that "bulge."   Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC Texas Lepidoptera Survey 8517 Burkhart Rd. Houston, TX  77055 ________________________________ From: Mike Quinn To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Sent: Sun, January 31, 2010 11:31:45 AM Subject: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" See: "Disparate Forester" (*Androloma disparata*) http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/octomaculata.html Mike Quinn, Austin ________________ Texas Entomology http://texasento.net On Sat, Jan 30, 2010 at 8:41 PM, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY < texaslepsurvey AT sbcglobal.net> wrote: > The reason it's not marked is because it doesn't occur there.  The moth > down there is Androloma disparata, which is superficially similar, and > fairly common.  The larval host is Ampelopsis. > > Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC > Texas Lepidoptera Survey > 8517 Burkhart Rd. > Houston, TX  77055 > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Brush Freeman > To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU > Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 6:29:59 PM > Subject: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co > >  Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue > > > > we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out to > be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for the > forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that > because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I > remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also > not marked on the map. > Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== 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: Subject: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hidalgo Co - Actually "Disparate Forester" From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:31:45 -0600 See: "Disparate Forester" (*Androloma disparata*) http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/octomaculata.html Mike Quinn, Austin ________________ Texas Entomology http://texasento.net On Sat, Jan 30, 2010 at 8:41 PM, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY < texaslepsurvey AT sbcglobal.net> wrote: > The reason it's not marked is because it doesn't occur there. The moth > down there is Androloma disparata, which is superficially similar, and > fairly common. The larval host is Ampelopsis. > > Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC > Texas Lepidoptera Survey > 8517 Burkhart Rd. > Houston, TX 77055 > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Brush Freeman > To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU > Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 6:29:59 PM > Subject: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co > > Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue > > > > we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out to > be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for the > forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that > because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I > remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also > not marked on the map. > Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== 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: Big Freeze/Monarch left in TX From: the Aschens <heaa AT TISD.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:06:22 -0600 Texas Butterfliers, After the big freeze in early January none of the Monarch Watchers that I normally communicate with in Texas have seen a single Monarch, esp in the coastal areas and the the southern parts of TX. Have any of you seen seen Monarchs the last week or so? Altus and I would appreciate this information. As we begin our search for early sprouting milkweeds for Journey North and see Monarchs in mid February we might consider them as early remigrants from Mexico if no one is seeing any that overwintered. Thank for any help with your reports one way or the other. Harlen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Harlen E. and Altus Aschen mailto:heaa AT tisd.net Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 midcoast of TX 28.61N 96.62W Photos of some Texas milkweeds: http://asclepias.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: Subject: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:01:40 -0600 mean that for Petra not you...i have not seen the pic.s no time here. On 1/30/10, Brush Freeman wrote: > > Better cough up the photos then..I can not deal with this stuff rght now. > > > On 1/30/10, Brush Freeman wrote: >> >> Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue >> >> >> >> we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out >> to be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for >> the forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that >> because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I >> remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also >> not marked on the map. >> Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? >> >> -- >> Brush Freeman >> Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > > > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:00:27 -0600 Better cough up the photos then..I can not deal with this stuff rght now. On 1/30/10, Brush Freeman wrote: > > Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue > > > > we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out to > be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for the > forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that > because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I > remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also > not marked on the map. > Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co From: TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY <texaslepsurvey AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:41:16 -0800 The reason it's not marked is because it doesn't occur there.  The moth down there is Androloma disparata, which is superficially similar, and fairly common.  The larval host is Ampelopsis.   Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC Texas Lepidoptera Survey 8517 Burkhart Rd. Houston, TX  77055 ________________________________ From: Brush Freeman To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 6:29:59 PM Subject: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co   Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out to be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for the forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also not marked on the map. Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Subject: Eight-spotted Forester, Hilalgo Co From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:29:59 -0600 Got this from Ladd and Petra ....Pls answer as I have no clue we photographed a very pretty moth today that we now finally figured out to be an Eight-spotted Forester. Hidalgo Co. is not marked on the map for the forester at the Butterflies and Moths of North America website. Is that because the map is out of date or has it really not been recorded there? I remember we saw it a couple of years ago in POC but Calhoun County is also not marked on the map. Do we have to report this somewhere or is it old hat? -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: new life histories From: Berry Nall <lb AT THENALLS.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:11:26 -0600 Hi, I have posted several more life histories, including these: Erichson's White-Skipper (*H. domicella*, partial) Common Streaky-Skipper (*C. nessus*, partial) Mimosa Yellow (*P. nise*) Sleepy Orange (*A. nicippe*) Western Pygmy-Blue (*B. exile*) Go to my home page (http://leps.thenalls.net/index.php) for the links to the life histories. Also, I have added several pictures of Tiny Checkerspots (*D. dymas*). Some of these show that the VHW marginal band can be orange (contra the Brock and Kaufman guide); therefore, while the band is helpful, it should not be used as an exclusive mark to distinguish dymas from Elada Checkerspot (*T. elada*). http://leps.thenalls.net/speciesnum.php?lep=73 Enjoy Berry Nall Falcon Heights, Starr Co, 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: Subject: Re: Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:52:09 -0600 Rick, I don't think I'm familiar with your plant, but it sounds like a winner. It's native range is fairly restricted to the western end of the Valley and it only blooms in the winter. Probably, Mike Heep is the only person that has it in cultivation. Perhaps the Valley Nature Center could be a supply in to share with others... Mike ---------------------------------- Gochnatia hypoleuca (DC.) A. Gray - shrubby bullseye http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=GOHY or: http://bit.ly/dyRB79 -------------------------- http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/gochnatiahypole.htm or: http://bit.ly/cLp8Fx Chomonque, Ocote Gochnatia hypoleuca Asteraceae (Compositae) An attractive, little-known shrub native to extreme South Texas, Chomonque flowers in the winter and has striking bi-colored leaves, very dark green on top and white and feltish underneath. The white flowers that appear from November to February are weakly fragrant and attract bees and many species of butterflies. It grows on gravel and caliche in South Texas shrub lands, and is extremely drought and heat tolerant. A speciman at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens has proved cold hardy and evergreen, but its cold-hardiness farther north is untested. ------------------------------ Chomonque Is a Butterfly-Attracting Shrub Christina Mild RIO DELTA WILD Publication Date: May 8, 2004 http://www.riodeltawild.com/JanJune2004/Gochnatia%20hypoleuca.pdf or: http://bit.ly/9ee9mv --------------------------------- Mike Quinn, Austin ________________ Texas Entomology http://texasento.net On Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 9:19 PM, Rick Snider wrote: > > Brrrrr. Our Jan butterfly walks have yielded only 8 to 15 species and our > total Jan list for Bentsen so far is just 36 species. > > A big surprise is how many butterflies are attracted to Ocote, Gochnatia > hypoleuca. This includes Red-bordered Pixie(today), Olive-clouded Skipper, > Common Sootywing, and many more. This is our main butterfly shrub at the > moment. It is a great nectar plant, a native species, winter bloomer, > unaffected by 28F, and very attractive as well. I haven't noticed it in any > butterfly gardens. It bloomed last year but I don't recall the same > attraction as this year. Maybe it is just because it is the only plant in > bloom at the moment although Foresteria is in peak bloom but not attracting > many butterflies.  Does anyone have experience with this plant? > > Rick Snider > Host Volunteer > Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park > ====================================== 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: Bentsen butterflies attracted to Gochnatia hypoleuca From: Rick Snider <ricksnid AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:19:38 -0600 Brrrrr. Our Jan butterfly walks have yielded only 8 to 15 species and our total Jan list for Bentsen so far is just 36 species. A big surprise is how many butterflies are attracted to Ocote, Gochnatia hypoleuca. This includes Red-bordered Pixie(today), Olive-clouded Skipper, Common Sootywing, and many more. This is our main butterfly shrub at the moment. It is a great nectar plant, a native species, winter bloomer, unaffected by 28F, and very attractive as well. I haven't noticed it in any butterfly gardens. It bloomed last year but I don't recall the same attraction as this year. Maybe it is just because it is the only plant in bloom at the moment although Foresteria is in peak bloom but not attracting many butterflies. Does anyone have experience with this plant? Rick Snider Host Volunteer Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park ====================================== 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 Grass Skipper @ Brownsville Fisheries From: Mary Beth Stowe <MiriamEagl AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:17:40 EST Hi, all! This may just be an oddly-marked Clouded, but the pattern and glassy wing spots kinda threw me. Any ideas? Here's the first pic: _http://www.pbase.com/miriameaglemon/image/121453836_ (http://www.pbase.com/miriameaglemon/image/121453836) Then hit "next" for the second shot. Thanks! MB Mary Beth Stowe McAllen, TX _www.miriameaglemon.com_ (http://www.miriameaglemon.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: Subject: emerging Monarch photos From: Melody Lytle <mlytle AT AUSTIN.RR.COM> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:33:35 -0600 http://www.karenmelody.com/nufotoz/emerg001.htm begins a series of 19 photos of an emerging Monarch shot in December in Austin. This is a set up using a chrysalis inside the house. Melody Lytle, Austin ====================================== 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: flying in Austin TX 26:i:10 From: drdn AT MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:57:28 -0600 TX.Travis.029 Austin, lower Barton Creek DurdenCJ 10026A ------------------------- *Echinargus isola* - 01m (dark f.) *Libytheana (carinenta) larvata* - several *Anaea aidea* - one *Vanessa atalanta* - one *Euptoieta claudia* - 02f (diminutive) *Agraulis vanillae* - many *Abaeis nicippe* - several *Colias eurytheme* f. amphidusa - one ------------------------- Sunny, 66 dF ========================= ====================================== 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: Re: Butterflies from today From: drdn AT MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:48:09 -0600 Eric, The three you note are indeed additions to the time interval 20th to 29th for the year. Over the last 42 years in Travis Co., the following have now been reported for Jan 20 to 29th: *Systasea pulverulenta* *Pyrgus communis* *Heliopetes laviana* *Lerema accius* *Atlides halesus* *Strymon melinus* *Libytheana (carinenta) bachmanii* *Libytheana (carinenta) larvata* *Anaea aidea* *Anaea andria* *Anthanassa texana* *Polygonia interrogationis* *Vanessa atalanta* *Vanessa cardui* *Euptoieta claudia* *Agraulis vanillae* *Pontia protodice* *Phoebis (eubule) sennae* *Phoebis (eubule) marcellina* *Abaeis nicippe* *Pyrisitia lisa* *Nathalis iole* *Colias eurytheme* *Zerene cesonia* Thanks for the records. -------------Chris Durden Quoting Eric Isley : > Chris > > January 23 2010 > > I was out at the local park today and had some of what I think might > be early species of butterflies for travis county > > 1 great purple hairstreak > 3 Question marks > 3 painted ladies > > Others > > more then 10 Common Gray hairstreak > 1 Variegated Fritillary > several small sulphurs but couldn't get ID on them but larger then > dainty and smaller then a southern dogface, they were not landing > 1 Goatweed leafwing > > > ====================================== 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: Flying at Estero From: John Yochum <petsbirdsnature AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:41:06 -0800 EIGHTY-TWO DEGREES and SUNNY so it was a total delight to be on the Butterfly Walk today at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, as Mike Rickard has already noted in his post.  A White-Tipped Moth evidently escaped death by freezing, as did more butterflies than I expected, as if just enjoying the company of friends was not enough!:   Brown Longtail (Urbanus procne) White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Mazan’s Scallopwing (Staphylus mazans)   Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) White Angled-Sulphur (Anteos clorinde) Yellow Angled-Sulphur (Anteos maerula)   Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) Dusky-Blue Groundstreak (Calycopis isobeon)   Reakirt’s Blue (Hemiargus isola) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia ethusa) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)   White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) Hermes Satyr (Hermeuptychia hermes) John Yochum Harlingen 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: Subject: Frontera Butterflies, 22 January 2010 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:40:23 -0800 We spent some time today at Frontera Audubon in Weslaco, our first visit in over a month. We found 19 species flying, mostly on Azureums that were just starting to bloom. The best bug was a fresh Texan Crescent (Anthanassa texana), and John Yochum reported a Pale-bordered Crescent (Anthanassa tulcis). Both species were found in lower numbers than usual last year, so they were nice finds. After lunch we joined John on the Estero Llano Grande butterfly walk and added another 15 or so species to our viewing pleasure, and with near-perfect weather, it was a great post-freeze day. Mike Rickard Mission, TX Frontera Species White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) Turk's-cap White-Skipper (Heliopetes macaira) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Pale-banded Crescent (Anthanassa tulcis) Texan Crescent (Anthanassa texana) ====================================== 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: Hidalgo Pumphouse Butterflies From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:16 -0800 The Lower Rio Grande Valley has this month seen near-record cold and now this week near-record hot. Today we had a Yellow-Angled Sulphur (Anteos maerula) in our yard, and I later visited the Hidalgo Pumphouse, where I found 25 species, all visiting the purple or yellow lantanas which survived the freeze. It was nice to find so many species as a result of the 80 degree temperatures, and the skippers especially were numerous. It will be interesting to see the short-term effect upon the butterflies of the shortages of nectar and viable hostplants. The Pumphouse species list follows. Mike Rickard Mission, TX White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Turk's-cap White-Skipper (Heliopetes macaira) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia) Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Southern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia otho) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Dusky-blue Groundstreak (Calycopis isobeon) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Vesta Crescent (Phyciodes graphica) ====================================== 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: flying in Austin 21:i:2010 From: drdn AT MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:06:05 -0600 TX.Travis.029 Austin, lower Barton Cr. DurdenCJ 10021A --------------------- *Strymon melinus* - 01f *Libytheana (carinenta) larvata* - 05f *Vanessa atalanta* - 3 seen *Agraulis vanillae* - 02m (FW=23.9mm) *Abaeis nicippe* - 03m, 07f (FW=15.7mm) *Zerene cesonia* - 04m *Colias eurytheme* f. amphidusa - 06m (FW=19.0mm) --------------------- sunny, 74 dF ===================== ====================================== 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: Re: RFI Scabiosa columbaria From: Roger Sanderson <rsanderson AT HEARDMUSEUM.ORG> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:05:26 -0600 Anthony, Scabiosa columbaria does indeed provide nectar and I do not know if it is a food plant. However, I have been reluctant to promote it due to the severe invasiveness of Scabiosa atropurpurea. If you haven't experienced it in your area, it has been devastating here in North Texas. It is completely blanketing all the roadsides and fields in this area and is outcompeting all the normal native wildflowers. I'm not sure if S. columbaria would be as invasive, but it does make me leery! Roger Roger Sanderson Director of Botanic Gardens & Wildlife Biologist Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Nature Place McKinney, Texas 75069 972-562-5566 ext.273 972-548-9119 FAX rsanderson AT heardmuseum.org Teaching about nature, like fishing and birdwatching, is an eternal series of occasions for hope! -----Original Message----- From: Butterfly and Lepidoptery for the state of Texas [mailto:TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU] On Behalf Of Anthony Flyd Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 5:22 PM To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Subject: RFI Scabiosa columbaria Greetings All: I have located a perennial that grows well in Lubbock, blooms almost the entire year (for instance, it bloomed right up until 12/23/09 - survived the ice/snow - and is just putting on fresh blossoms now) , and attracts 'hordes' of nectaring butterflies. It is called Pincushion Plant at the local nursery and, more formally, goes by Scabiosa culumbaria. Does anybody out there know if it actually serves as a food plant for any butterfly caterpillars? Anthony Hewetson; Lubbock ====================================== 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: Subject: Austin Butterfly Forum January Meeting, Monday, Jan. 25 From: ABF Announce <abfannounce AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:15:14 -0600 *Austin Butterfly Forum Club Meeting: Monday January 25, 2010.* *Austin Butterfly Forum meets monthly at Zilker Botanical Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. 7:00 p.m.* *Monday, Jan. 25 - Club Meeting: **George Winkler:** “Assassin Bug Problems* *”**.* The first part of the program will deal with George’s experience with being bitten twice by African Assassin bugs. According to George, this can potentially result in death! The second part of the program will cover Assassin Bugs and their relationship to Chaga’s disease, a tropical disease that is spreading into the southern United States. George has a BA degree in Zoology from the University of Missouri and an MS degree from St. Louis University with research in Entomology (Insect Physiology). He taught various biology courses in both high school and college and worked as the St. Louis Zoo's Entomologist for a little over six years before retiring. George collected insects for over 40 years and donated a collection to the zoo of over 1000 different species. Zilker Botanical Garden Center , 7:00pm. *Upcoming events:* * * *Mon Feb. 22 - **Phyllis Dolich* will speak on landscaping attitudes. More information to follow *Mon. March 29-TBA* * * For details on these events and upcoming meetings and field trips, see http://www.austinbutterflies.org/Calendar. Peg Wallace ABF Publicity ====================================== 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: RFI Scabiosa columbaria From: Anthony Flyd <terrverts AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:22:27 -0800 Greetings All: I have located a perennial that grows well in Lubbock, blooms almost the entire year (for instance, it bloomed right up until 12/23/09 - survived the ice/snow - and is just putting on fresh blossoms now) , and attracts 'hordes' of nectaring butterflies. It is called Pincushion Plant at the local nursery and, more formally, goes by Scabiosa culumbaria. Does anybody out there know if it actually serves as a food plant for any butterfly caterpillars? Anthony Hewetson; Lubbock ====================================== 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: flying in Austin 12:i:2010 From: drdn AT MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:10:38 -0600 TX.Travis.033 Austin, E Johnson Cr. DurdenCJ 10012A --------------------- *Libytheana (carinenta) larvata - 1 f not fresh, flying around frost-blackened shrimp plant --------------------- A second individual, quite worn, was seen downtown on lower Bouldin Creek. ====================================== 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: 2 More New TX Records From: TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY <texaslepsurvey AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 14:24:50 -0800 We had 2 more new species just determined by Lafontaine that will appear in the 2009 Season Summary, both Noctuids: Cecharismena jalapena  HIDALGO  2008  B/K  US RECORD Acontia chea  UVALDE  1992  B/K  STATE RECORD This will make a total of 6 US RECORDS posted, and 13 STATE RECORDS.  (A total of 19 state records for the checklist.)   Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC Texas Lepidoptera Survey 8517 Burkhart Rd. Houston, TX  77055 ====================================== 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: Lepidoptera research in the Chihuahuan Desert From: Cathryn Hoyt <choyt AT CDRI.ORG> Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 09:09:19 -0600 I am putting together a list of researchers currently studying lepidoptera in the the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas, southern New Mexico, far eastern Arizona, and northern Mexico. If you, or someone you know, should be included in this list, would you please drop me a note at choyt AT cdri.org. Right now, the list is for internal use. I'm interested in finding out who is working in the area and hope to eventually invite researchers to submit short articles for a special issue of our newsmagazine The Chihuahuan Desert Discovery. We're also hosting the 7th Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Region in November, 2010, and I would really like to see papers and posters presented on lepidoptera research. Thank you for your assistance with this request. Cathryn Hoyt ====================================== 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: POCO Buckmoths... From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 20:57:55 -0600 Other than that one day when I posted prior to Christmas, a complete bust this season and likely due to the drought.....I have not seen a single individual since nor have the folks here, albeit, the weather for the most part has been nasty and not the best for flights.....B -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: 4 new life histories From: Berry Nall <lb AT THENALLS.NET> Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 22:20:42 -0600 Hi, They are: Tiny Checkerspot Theona Checkerspot Fatal Metalmark Dainty Sulphur Links to the new life histories are on the home page, http://leps.thenalls.net/index.php More histories to follow as time permits. I've also had a chance to add a bunch of new photos, and scientific- and common-name indices of butterflies on the site. Enjoy, Berry Nall Falcon Heights, Starr Co, 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: Subject: Common Streaky-skipper at Mission, Hidalgo Co. From: "David T. Dauphin" <dauphins AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:33:06 -0600 We ended the year with a Common Streaky-skipper - Celotes nessus, just south of Mission, Hidalgo Co., today. I was unable to get a photo. 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: Subject: Yellow-angled sulphur @ Estero Llano Grande SP in Weslaco From: Frances Bartle <franzabirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:40:41 -0800 After such cold, rainy weather, I wanted to roam the park this afternoon to see how many butterflies I could find.  Connie Clark, one of our park hosts, joined me as we found 26 species nectaring in the sun.    Mike and Jennie came to check out our butterflies, too, and discovered a Yellow-angled Sulphur and Olive-Clouded Skipper.  Thanks, Mike.   Our list included: Yellow-angled Sulphur Southern Broken-Dash Silver-Banded Hairstreak Olive-clouded Skipper Malachite Mexican Bluewing Sachem Firey Skipper Large Orange Sleepy Orange Tailed Orange Little Yellow Queen Soldier White Checkered Skipper Lyside Sulphur Sicklewinged Skipper Laviana White-Skipper Clouded Skipper Fawn-spotted Skipper Mazan's Scallopwing American Snout Brown Longtail Gulf Fritillary Painted Lady Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak   Join us Friday afternoon at 1:30 for our 1st Butterfly Walk of 2010.  Great way to start off the new year!   Fran Bartle Volunteer Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, 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: Subject: Butterflies of America year end report From: Kim Davis <kim AT KIMANDMIKEONTHEROAD.COM> Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:46:08 -0700 The Butterflies of America website is a great place to learn more about the adult or immature butterflies you have studied, collected or photographed. The content of the website has been carefully scrutinized by scientists to assure that the data and identifications of the figured specimens, live adults and immatures is correct. Errors will inevitably creep in so we appreciate knowing about any errors that need to be investigated. For those of you who are not familiar with Butterflies of America or want to learn more about it, visit the Interactive List of American Butterflies at http://butterfliesofamerica.com/list.htm and you will be able to navigate using several types of links: Click on a link in the Scientific Name column to go to a page of thumbnails for that family, subfamily, tribe, genus, species or subspecies. Each family name is highlighted blue, and clicking that link will load a page of thumbnails for every taxon in that family that we have photos for (not recommended for dial-up users). Click on a highlighted link for the genus to load a page of thumbnails for that entire genus. Click on the species name to load thumbnails for that species and if applicable, for all its subspecies. Click on a subspecies name or author's name to load thumbnails for that subspecies only. Clicking on a species or subspecies common name or any highlighted text in the distribution column will take you to the main species page for that taxon. From the main species page you can visit pages for type specimens, pinned specimens, live adults, immatures, foodplants and habitats photos. If you are interested in making a tax deductible gift to Butterflies of America Foundation, you can do that via PayPal, check or credit card here: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/donate.htm Since it's end of the year report time for Butterflies of America Foundation, you might be interested in seeing how Butterflies of America has progressed during 2009. Here is the year end report for Butterflies of America: To: BOA Advisors and Contributors From: The BOA Staff December 28, 2009 Probably the best word to describe the growth and development of Butterflies of America during 2009 is "Spectacular!" The BOA website went public in May 2008 with 10,000 photos, today we'll post photo number 51,000. The hard work of all the staff members has made this seemingly impossible goal a reality and our future looks very promising. Major events during 2009: 1 Butterflies of America Foundation Dr. Nick Grishin joined our staff as an author and quickly went to work creating Butterflies of America Foundation which became a tax-exempt organization in February 2009. Donations thus far have been $2365, our thanks to all of you who've supported our work. All of the funds received from February through November 2009 were used to pay for website expenses and cover the costs for Mike and Kim to visit museums to photograph their collections. Donations during December will be discussed later in this letter. 2 New Photo Contributors One of BOA's major strengths is the willingness of so many to contribute their photos to build the archive. Many joined us as contributors during 2009, you can read their names and meet some of them here: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/photo_credits.htm 3 Lifetime photo collections All photos we've received are important but several of our contributors are among of the best butterfly photographers in the nation and have donated their entire lifetime collection of images to BOA. These photos created the foundation of the live adult collection and we wish to offer special appreciation to them from the BOA staff. Kim Garwood has been photoing butterflies and collecting images from other photographers for many years and has donated her collection of 35,000 images to BOA. Many are already on the site but we hope to post many more during 2010. Thanks Kim, you're the best. These photographers have also donated their life collections: Jim Brock, Bill Bouton, Jeff Pippen, David Powell, Parker Backstrom, Bill Berthet, Jim Snyder, Mike Stangeland & Kim Davis, Dave Hanson, Hank & Priscilla Brodkin, and Luc Legal. Thanks again, BOA is honored to have your collections. 4 New Advisors During 2009 BOA asked several colleagues to become advisors and were honored that they accepted: -Scientific Advisors: André Victor Lucci Freitas, PhD Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas CP 6109, Campinas, São Paulo CEP 13083-970, Brasil, Tel-55-19-35216310 Prof. Olaf Hermann Hendrik Mielke Departamento de Zoologia, Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal do Parana, Caixa Postal 19020, 81531-980, Curitiba, Parana, Brasil Robert K. Robbins, Ph.D Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, 10th & Constitution NW, Washington, DC 20560-0105 Niklas Wahlberg, PhD Nymphalidae Systematics Group, Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland Keith Willmott, PhD Assistant Curator of Lepidoptera, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Powell Hall on Hull Road, UF Cultural Plaza, PO Box 112710, Gainesville, FL 32611-2710, Tel: (1 352) 273 2012, Fax: (1 352) 392 0479 -Content Advisor: Bernard Hermier 14 lot les Maripas, 97354 REMIRE MONTJOLY, FRANCE (Guyane Française - French Guiana) More about these advisors in our "Future Plans" section below. 5 Website Improvements and Development - Thumbnail photo collections Beyond adding 36,000 new photos, one of the most important improvements has been the thumbnail pages. Nick Grishin wrote a script and used powerful software to create them and they were introduced in May 2009. They quickly became the most popular feature on BOA. We all feel this improvement has made the website much more useful for all the users. Thanks Nick for this wonderful enhancement. - Synonymies A Catalogue of the Butterflies of the United States and Canada BOA author Jonathan P. Pelham spent 20 years writing this important work and has allowed us to post individual synonymies on each main species web page. They were originally posted in 2008 as jpegs which took a lot of bandwidth and were often hard to read. Nick Grishin and Jon Pelham worked hard to find a way to convert the original document to a text document that conserved all the special characters. They were successful and this fall Kim Davis created and uploaded all the now searchable documents. Our thanks to the team for this wonderful improvement. - Webpage Improvements During 2009 Kim Davis converted all pages on BOA to the new format that seperates the photos into related groups: type specimens, pinned specimens, live adults, immatures, habitat and foodplants. This improvement made the page presentations much more usable and attractive. Thanks again, Kim Davis, for your determination and hard work to make this transformation. - Original Descriptions During 2009 we started adding some of them in the Bibligraphy section on the Main Species pages. We plan to continue this into 2010. - Information Accuracy All photos and information on the site had to survive the scrutiny of Dr. Andrew Warren, he's tough. We all wish to thank you ADW for the untold number of hours you've devoted to making sure the highest scientific standards are followed. Andy is the mortar that holds the website together. FUTURE PLANS - South America Because of the success of creating a comprehensive website that figures 95% of all butterfly taxa from Alaska to Panama in just one and a half years the BOA staff has decided to start gathering images and data to bring South America into the collection. Having one website for all the butterflies in the Western Hemisphere will be a daunting and long term project and will require continued long term financial support. Part of the reason we asked the new advisors listed above to join us was our hopes of developing this project. They are all authorities on neotropical butterflies and their help and guidence will be critical as we move forward. We've decided to start the project with the skippers, visiting museums and primarily photoing this group first. Hopefully we can find new volunteers and get the funding needed to progress. - Plans for 2010 We still have 10,000 additional pinned specimens photos to process and post plus about 42,000 live adult, immature, and habitat-foodplant shots to process. This month BOA received generous gifts from Ray Collett and Ken Kertell. These funds will allow Kim and Mike to start visiting all the museums in California, Oregon, and hopefully Washington during the first half of 2010 and start serious work on the neotropical photo collection. Hopefully some of you will be able to take advantage of BOA's tax deductable status and help support this work. Thanks to everyone for making 2009 a fabulous year, The BOA Staff: Andrew D. Warren, Nick V. Grishin, Jonathan P. Pelham, Kim Davis, Mike Stangeland, Jim Brock ====================================== 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: Bentsen SP Butterflies, 30 December 2009 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:05:43 -0800 There were six of us today, led by Volunteer Host Rick Snider, for the butterfly walk at Bentsen SP. We were treated to the surprising sight of clearing skies and warming temperatures, which certainly warmed our temperaments. We found 18 species of butterflies, the most numerous being Clouded Skippers. We had a good time, and looked at some interesting plants and birds as well. Just as after last week's walk, we found a male Vermilion Flycatcher awaiting us in the parking lot at the end of the walk. Mike Rickard Volunteer Naturalist White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) Little Yellow( Pyrisitia lisa) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Reakirt's Blue (Hemiargus isola) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Tropical Leafwing (Anaea aidea) ====================================== 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: What's New in Texas From: TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY <texaslepsurvey AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:04:22 -0800 Hope you are all having a decent holiday.  I arrived in Beaumont a week ago to visit family, and mom had a stroke.  Not because I arrived, but a bad coincidence...  She was moved to rehab today after a week in the hospital, and can't move her right arm or leg.  Anyway, not such a great holiday for me or mom, but we're hoping for the best.  She's in pretty good spirits.  Me?  I may bite, so keep your distance... Nonetheless, the show must go on; and barring some miracle between now and Thursday, I'm posting a list for new lep species REPORTED to me in 2009.  I'm waiting till after 1 Jan to submit my report to JPT.  The actual 2009 season really bit, because of the drought, El Nino, or whatever.  I collected 2 US records, both moths.  One is undescribed, (an Acontia sp.) so it will not appear in the SS until we have a name for it.  Therefore, only one US record will be recorded for the 2009 SEASON; Gonodonta nitidmacula.  James McDermott and I both took a specimen of this about 10 hours apart.  On the other hand, I'll be posting 5 new US records; 4 from previous years, unrecorded till now.  I'll post 12 new STATE records in the SS..  Only 3 are reported as calendar 2009 captures.  The other 9 are historic, that have just been brought to my attention.  For complete details, see the LSSS in Spring 2010. Reporters were: C. Bordelon (CWB) E. Knudson (ECK) J. McDermott (JMC) M. Heiman (MH) Powell & Opler (P/O) Kons & Borth (K/B) D. Clark (DXC) L. Koehn (LK1) A. Warren (ADW) US RECORDS: Noctuidae:  Gonodonta nitidimacula 2009 Hidalgo CWB, JMC Gonodonta fulvangula  2007 Starr  LK1 Crambidae: Pseudopyrausta marginalis Hidalgo, Medina, Brooks (1980 ECK, 2008 MH, CWB) Dichogama colotha (2008 ECK via Bob Patterson) Hesperiidae: Mnasilus allubita  Hidalgo  2008 ADW(via Martin Reid) STATE RECORDS: Noctuidae: Acontia terminimacula  Jefferson  1991  CWB Noctua pronuba  Ward  2009  K/B Catocala dejecta  Wise  2006  DXC Pleuromelloida arizonata  Culberson 1990  ECK Crambidae: Alatuncasia bergii  Hidalgo  2009  ECK Pyralidae: Telethusia ovulalis  Culberson  1991  ECK Heliodinidae: Embola ciccella  Jeff Davis  1980  ECK Neoheliodenes arizonense  Jeff Davis  1989  ECK Neoheliodenes hodgesi  Bexar  1989  ECK Sesiidae: Paranthrene robiniae  El Paso  1950  P/O Saturniidae: Hemileuca hualapai  Presidio  1928  P/O Nymphalidae: Phyciodes pallescens  Hidalgo  2009  JMC I've not yet tallied county records, as I'm still waiting for a late report or two, but it was very poor compared to previous years in this decade.  Please advise if anyone has something to add.  Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC Texas Lepidoptera Survey 8517 Burkhart Rd. Houston, TX  77055 ====================================== 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: Bentsen SP Butterflies, 23 December 2009 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:04:30 -0800 Wednesday's butterfly walk at Bentsen SP was not nearly as exciting as the birding, with numbers of people coming to see the Bare-throated Tiger Heron, a possible US record. In contrast, the butterfly walk turned up less than 30 species, with a lack of nectar sources probably the main contributing factor. However, there were butterflies to see and butterfly watchers to see them. Park Ranger Jose Uribbe was our walk leader, assisted by Volunteer Host Rick Snider and myself, and joined by Tom Pendleton, Ginny and May, the Padelfords from Nebraska, and several other people. We had a great walk on a nice sunny day, re-discovering that all butterflies are creatures of magic and beauty that render species lists and rarity irrelevant. However, there is a species list below anyway. :-) So it was a fine afternoon, and Ginny and I got to see the heron do a flyby, and at the end of the day we were treated to a male Vermilion Flycatcher in the parking lot. Merry Christmas to all, Mike Rickard Volunteer Naturalist White-patched Skipper (Chiomara georgina) White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Little Yellow( Pyrisitia lisa) Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Empress Leilia (Asterocampa leilia) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia ethusa) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) ====================================== 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: Blomfild's Beauty still at Estero From: John Yochum <John.Yochum AT TPWD.STATE.TX.US> Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:50:10 -0600 The Blomfild's Beauty discovered at last Friday's Butterfly Walk is still hanging around Estero Llano Grande State Park, today at Park Hosts Dale and Karan's feeders. It's beautiful, breezy and warm and butterflies are flying- new today was a Question Mark. John Yochum Park Ranger IV Estero Llano Grande State Park Weslaco TX 956-565-3919 Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays: Bird Walks 8:30am Fridays: Butterfly/Dragonfly Walk 1:30pm Full Moon Parties 8-10pm Jan 30, Feb 28, Mar 30every full moon ====================================== 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: South Texas Prep academy studying butterflies in space From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:54:32 -0600 FYI, Mike Quinn, Austin Prep academy studying butterflies in space Jennifer L. Berghom Monitor (McAllen, TX) 2009-12-20 EDINBURG — Seventh-grade students at South Texas Preparatory Academy are all aflutter over their latest science project. For more than a month, students at the South Texas school district’s middle school campus in Edinburg have participated in a pilot program that studies the effect limited gravity has on the life cycle and development of butterflies. Students in science teacher Alfredo Garza’s class said they were mesmerized by how the tiny caterpillars they raised transformed into beautiful butterflies. “They change color,” said Cedar Garcia, a 12-year-old seventh-grade student, about the chrysalis, or cocoon in which the caterpillars transformed into butterflies. “It looks kind of dry-ish.” The National Space Biomedical Research Institute and Baylor College of Medicine are sponsoring the endeavor that includes more than 100 other institutions of higher education and grade schools. The school purchased Painted Lady butterflies — the same species used by other participating institutions — to compare them against ones raised in space. On Nov. 16, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched with butterfly eggs on board to see how they would fare in zero gravity. The academy’s students began their concurrent experiment a few days later. “Once we got the eggs, it got really exciting,” said Garza, a science teacher at the academy who is leading the project there. full: ====================================== 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: Falcon SP butterflies From: Frances Bartle <franzabirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:49:05 -0800 I spent a great day in Falcon State Park yesterday, enjoying the garden with its new paths, and the butterflies still flying there.  Most of the flowers are gone, and frost damage is extensive, but betony is still blooming, along with a few cowpen daisies.    The staff and volunteers are committed to keeping this garden one of the best (along with my new park home in Estero Llano Grande SP, of course!) in south Texas.  They will be adding new plants to fill in the bare spots, and will be using some new native plants to attract an even greater diversity of butterflies.   The Sweet Stem and Blue Boneset have buds and should bloom after Christmas, for all those over-wintering butterflies.  Lazy Daisy, Parralena, and Rose Palafoxia are already showing scattered blooms, with Dainty Sulphurs, Reakirt's and Ceraunus Blues nectaring on them.   The best bug of the day was a Tailed Orange, found on Parralena along the trail behind the Rec Hall.   In spite of the recent rainy, cold weather, Tom Pendleton and I found these species: Lyside Sulphur Gulf Fritillary Reakirt's Blue Ceraunus Blue Variegated Fritillary Phaon Crescent American Snout Tailed Orange Little Yellow Monarch Queen Red Admiral Dainty Sulphur Sleepy Orange Painted Lady American Lady Southern Dogface Checkered Skipper   Thanks to all of you who are taking care of the Butterfly Garden.  You are doing a great job.   Fran Bartle Park Host, Estero Llano Grande State Park Weslaco, 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: Subject: Flying in Austin, TX December 20, 2009 From: "[Bill Dempwolf]" <bdempwolf AT AUSTIN.RR.COM> Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:29:37 -0600 Enticed by seeing two Dainty sulphurs (Nathalis iole) on the way home from lunch I visited Hornsby Bend to see if any butterflies were flying. I saw 8 species ... not great, but not bad for late December. Species seen were: Vanessa atalata (Red admiral) several seen Libytheana carinenta (American snout) 2 seen Abaeis nicippe (Sleepy orange) 3 seen Pyrgus species: 2 seen Pyrsitia lisa (Little yellow) 1 seen Colias eurytheme (Orange sulphur) 1 seen Vanessa cardui (Painted lady) 3 seen Agraulis vanillae (Gulf fritillary) 1 seen Bill Dempwolf ====================================== 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: Buckmoth update for Port O'Connor From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:11:54 -0600 First one seen today in Port O'Connor was at 1:23P with 59F temps and perfectly calm winds......No others seen until ~3:30 (though I was not watching all that well) then between 3:30-5:10 another 11 were seen, all flying headlong toward their demise in the gulf/bay. None landed at all though once or twice a couple explored a tree or bush. They were flying anywhere from 6 to 35 ft.high and all directly south. I could not sex them. Was hoping to see one land but it did not happen. Will not be able to follow-up on them again until after Christmas maybe and weather permitting. All were seen from the Hockey's yard so that number may be indicative of what is going on elsewhere in town. Petra Hockey will report any she might see during her busy schedule to me over the coming days. There were 6-7 Monarchs flirting with the various flowers in the yard today as well. -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Bycid described from Bentsen From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:07:28 -0600 This cerambycid was described from Bentsen-RGV SP. It's still only known from Hidalgo and Starr Counties... Mecas linsleyi Knull - pix http://bugguide.net/node/view/359653 http://bugguide.net/node/view/359654 Info http://bugguide.net/node/view/359629 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: Subject: Blomfild's Beauty at Estero Llano Grande State Park From: Frances Bartle <franzabirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:46:43 -0800 In spite of a cold, dreary morning, 14 people attended our weekly butterfly walk Friday afternoon. Just before the walk began, the clouds parted, nearly blinding us with our first glimpse of sun in several days.  Butterflies quickly headed to the nearest flowers, where they soaked up rays while sipping lunch.    A Guava Skipper was the first "Wow!"  It was followed by Zebra Heliconian, Silver-banded Hairstreak, Malachite, and Mexican Bluewing.  But the star of today's walk was the Blomfild's Beauty, a rare stray into south Texas from Mexico.  Chuck, one of our park hosts, noticed the Blomfild's Beauty high above us on a power pole.  How did you EVER see it, Chuck?   Here is our list: Guava Skipper Large Orange Lyside Sulphur Queen Soldier Monarch Cloudless Skipper Fawn-spotted Skipper Whirlabout Brown Longtail Zebra Longwing Tropical Checkered-Skipper White Checkered-Skipper Blomfild's Beauty Sickle-winged Skipper Laviana White-Skipper Dorantes Longtail Brown Longtail American Snout Julia's Skipper Red Admiral Mazan's Scallopwing Little Yellow Mimosa Yellow Sleepy Orange White Peacock Tawny Emperor Pipevine Swallowtail Painted Lady Eufala Skipper Firey Skipper Gulf Fritillary Phaon Crescent Silver-banded Hairstreak Mexican Bluewing Malachite   Finding such a large number of species after days of cold, rainy weather is very encouraging.    Join us on  Friday afternoons at 1:30 for butterfly walks.   Fran Bartle, Park Host Estero Llano Grande State Park Weslaco, Texas ====================================== 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: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:14:30 -0600 Thanks for that and to all the other replies...The late evening "white lady" came heavily from off or near the ground somewhere to fly up under a balcony that I did not have immediate access to....Seemed all white, but in all other ways it appeared to be typical of the species/morphs here. I will for sure be watching as closely as i can tomorrow. Unfortunately on the next day I have to travel to the north far from the situ here. I might just add that the fairly recent arctic front that brought frost and even hard freezes to most of Texas spared Port O'Connor and much of the running oak country of Calhoun Co., so that even on the lower Delta and POCO there are still green tenders with flowers and plants that would have otherwise froze a few miles inland. Even the banana plants are still looking sharp...May be available to look about for a couple of days post Christmas if you want to day trip down weather permitting but have work scheduled around weather as well. Brush On 12/18/09, James Adams wrote: > > Folks, > > Even in other places, females do appear whiter, even when fresh, as > the bands are broader on the wings. However, I have taken three individuals > here in north GA that are light gray (not black), and not because of wear > and tear on the wings. Occasional individuals come that way -- either a > different color gene or a problem with deposition in the wings. So it is > possible to find unusual very pale individuals in any population I would > presume. John Calhoun in Florida wrote a general note about such an > individual from Florida in theJour of Lep Soc several years back. > > > James > > > ====================================== > 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: > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: James Adams <jadams AT DALTONSTATE.EDU> Date: Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:48:15 +0000 Folks, Even in other places, females do appear whiter, even when fresh, as the bands are broader on the wings. However, I have taken three individuals here in north GA that are light gray (not black), and not because of wear and tear on the wings. Occasional individuals come that way -- either a different color gene or a problem with deposition in the wings. So it is possible to find unusual very pale individuals in any population I would presume. John Calhoun in Florida wrote a general note about such an individual from Florida in theJour of Lep Soc several years back. James ====================================== 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: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Michael D Van Buskirk <mchldvanbuskirk20 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:49:45 -0600 Brush, As cb pointed out, the females would appear more whitish, and perhaps pure white because of the peculiar scaling of this subspecies. Males have more black scaling, however sparse. The heavy abdomen and later flying time would characterize females, who wait for the males for mating from their emergence areas in the late am and early pm. Females are heavier, clumsier fliers, and later in the day fliers. Your "perchers" are females that are (perhaps) just taking a rest. Please advise what you see--you are the "man" for this subspecies! :-) It would be useful at some point to look and see how the larval clutches are dispersed, perhaps in the early instars when they are more obvious. Please share as you can--thank you for your ongoing help and support. Best, Mike in Helotes On Dec 18, 2009, at 7:08 PM, Brush Freeman wrote: > I am sure not to be trusted on telling the sexes apart in flight, but I have > thought that it was the males that fly higher, especially earlier in the day > as you say. I usually just find females, heavy and hanging on something but > that likely means nothing. We never find these animals away from the > running/scrub oak that is here right along the immediate coast in Calhoun > County, though I have seen a few over in very similar coast stuff in SE > Refuge Co., though there is not much that habitat there..Some are present in > eastern Aransas Co. too and in the Rockport area which might be worth a > check. I do not of know of much of this over in SW Matagorda Co as it was > trashed for agriculture decades ago...Perhaps there is some I do not know > about even tough I know the area fairly well....I would say the area between > Indianola, south to the tip at Port O'Connor west to Seadrift right along > the coast the best place to find this morph. Not sure of any drought > impacts as yet and unfortunately I leave here on the 20th not to return > until after Christmas. Thanks for the info...Will post if anything > significant observations are made tomorrow. They are cool critters to be > sure. BTW I have so far found no "perched" ones as yet. > > Brush > > On 12/18/09, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY wrote: >> >> Can you tell males from females in flight, or ever sexed ones washed up on >> shore? I suspect mainly females are dispersing over open water. Males are >> on a targeted course toward females "calling," and not towards ones already >> dispersed offshore, which have probably already mated.. Females should call >> from where they have emerged. Females will naturally disperse in all >> directions to find new breeding grounds. A search of the east side of the >> bay for me a few years ago showed no breeding grounds there as in POC. We >> found males flying earlier in the day, and fertilized females to fly later, >> generally. Females in flight can generally appear larger, slower, and more >> white in appearance. The more whitish appearance would be due to scale loss >> on the wings, especially as the females get heavier, and tend to bump into >> more obstacles while choosing a site to oviposit. Makes sense to me... >> >> Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC >> Texas Lepidoptera Survey >> 8517 Burkhart Rd. >> Houston, TX 77055 >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* Brush Freeman >> *To:* TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU >> *Sent:* Fri, December 18, 2009 5:44:05 PM >> *Subject:* Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor >> >> A couple wrote back on this and I went outside to followup a bit...8 ttl. >> today. About 5:40 I thought I saw another one flying . Exactly the same >> same size and with the heavy flight behavior over on a neighbor's property. >> In every way identical but the animal thru my 8X bins appeared pure white. >> It flew under a balcony and so I went over quickly to see if I could find >> it >> but dipped..Maybe it flew out on the other side of the house. Interesting >> whatever it was. Do these Hemileuca ever come as pure white individuals or >> was I just missing some color so late in the day? >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> From: Brush Freeman >> Date: Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM >> Subject: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor >> To: Michael D Van Buskirk >>> >> >> Mike, I have seen 7 as of 5:17 CTC today. I will be here tomorrow but on >> the 20th I head north and will unfortunately will not be back here until >> after Christmas (27-28th) for sure, so I may well miss the peak and the >> chance to monitor the effects the drought might have had. I have not been >> able to sex any so far as they are on the wing and I am not good enough to >> do that. In the past most have flown in the afternoons after about 1PM but >> it has been so nasty for days that maybe they are now eager to get off >> earlier. Will let you know what tomorrow provide though I will be out of >> "town" for about 3 hours in the morning. >> >> Brush >> >> >> On 12/18/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: >>> >>> Hi Brush, >>> >>> Thank you for the alert on the H. maia ca. "Port O'Connor" emergence--it >>> sounds like the main flight is commencing. Probably will coincide with >> the >>> nice weekend and perhaps beyond. If you can, could you please keep a >> (rough >>> estimate) of how many you see each day? Nothing technical, just a general >>> guess in powers of ten (10-100-1,000, etc.)? Suspect there will be a very >>> regular bell curve of emergence now and continuing for the stretch of >> high >>> pressure and warm clear days. Would also like your opinion about the >> health >>> of the 2009 flight--less than normal, normal, or exceeding normal? Again, >>> your guess is just fine! >>> >>> Couple of more questions--do they fly only in the morning? Are these >> males >>> looking for freshly emerged females? Can you differentiate the females >> later >>> in the day while they look to oviposit? Any data you can provide is >>> welcomed. >>> >>> Thank you for your keen eye and great reporting! >>> >>> Best, >>> Mike in Helotes >>> >>> >>> On Dec 18, 2009, at 11:01 AM, Brush Freeman wrote: >>> >>> Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds >>> sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth >> people >>> are taking big advantage of it. I saw some this morning even as they >> were >>> flying (as always) toward the gulf. The next few days are slated to be >>> nice >>> and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas >>> plus >>> as long as the weather stays that way. >>> >>> -- >>> Brush Freeman >>> Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be >>> >>> ====================================== >>> 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: < >> http://listserv.uh.edu/archives/tx-butterfly.html> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Brush Freeman >> Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be >> >> >> -- >> Brush Freeman >> Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be >> >> ====================================== >> 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: >> > > > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== > 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: Subject: Re: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:08:20 -0600 I am sure not to be trusted on telling the sexes apart in flight, but I have thought that it was the males that fly higher, especially earlier in the day as you say. I usually just find females, heavy and hanging on something but that likely means nothing. We never find these animals away from the running/scrub oak that is here right along the immediate coast in Calhoun County, though I have seen a few over in very similar coast stuff in SE Refuge Co., though there is not much that habitat there..Some are present in eastern Aransas Co. too and in the Rockport area which might be worth a check. I do not of know of much of this over in SW Matagorda Co as it was trashed for agriculture decades ago...Perhaps there is some I do not know about even tough I know the area fairly well....I would say the area between Indianola, south to the tip at Port O'Connor west to Seadrift right along the coast the best place to find this morph. Not sure of any drought impacts as yet and unfortunately I leave here on the 20th not to return until after Christmas. Thanks for the info...Will post if anything significant observations are made tomorrow. They are cool critters to be sure. BTW I have so far found no "perched" ones as yet. Brush On 12/18/09, TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY wrote: > > Can you tell males from females in flight, or ever sexed ones washed up on > shore? I suspect mainly females are dispersing over open water. Males are > on a targeted course toward females "calling," and not towards ones already > dispersed offshore, which have probably already mated.. Females should call > from where they have emerged. Females will naturally disperse in all > directions to find new breeding grounds. A search of the east side of the > bay for me a few years ago showed no breeding grounds there as in POC. We > found males flying earlier in the day, and fertilized females to fly later, > generally. Females in flight can generally appear larger, slower, and more > white in appearance. The more whitish appearance would be due to scale loss > on the wings, especially as the females get heavier, and tend to bump into > more obstacles while choosing a site to oviposit. Makes sense to me... > > Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC > Texas Lepidoptera Survey > 8517 Burkhart Rd. > Houston, TX 77055 > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Brush Freeman > *To:* TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU > *Sent:* Fri, December 18, 2009 5:44:05 PM > *Subject:* Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor > > A couple wrote back on this and I went outside to followup a bit...8 ttl. > today. About 5:40 I thought I saw another one flying . Exactly the same > same size and with the heavy flight behavior over on a neighbor's property. > In every way identical but the animal thru my 8X bins appeared pure white. > It flew under a balcony and so I went over quickly to see if I could find > it > but dipped..Maybe it flew out on the other side of the house. Interesting > whatever it was. Do these Hemileuca ever come as pure white individuals or > was I just missing some color so late in the day? > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Brush Freeman > Date: Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM > Subject: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor > To: Michael D Van Buskirk > > > > Mike, I have seen 7 as of 5:17 CTC today. I will be here tomorrow but on > the 20th I head north and will unfortunately will not be back here until > after Christmas (27-28th) for sure, so I may well miss the peak and the > chance to monitor the effects the drought might have had. I have not been > able to sex any so far as they are on the wing and I am not good enough to > do that. In the past most have flown in the afternoons after about 1PM but > it has been so nasty for days that maybe they are now eager to get off > earlier. Will let you know what tomorrow provide though I will be out of > "town" for about 3 hours in the morning. > > Brush > > > On 12/18/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: > > > > Hi Brush, > > > > Thank you for the alert on the H. maia ca. "Port O'Connor" emergence--it > > sounds like the main flight is commencing. Probably will coincide with > the > > nice weekend and perhaps beyond. If you can, could you please keep a > (rough > > estimate) of how many you see each day? Nothing technical, just a general > > guess in powers of ten (10-100-1,000, etc.)? Suspect there will be a very > > regular bell curve of emergence now and continuing for the stretch of > high > > pressure and warm clear days. Would also like your opinion about the > health > > of the 2009 flight--less than normal, normal, or exceeding normal? Again, > > your guess is just fine! > > > > Couple of more questions--do they fly only in the morning? Are these > males > > looking for freshly emerged females? Can you differentiate the females > later > > in the day while they look to oviposit? Any data you can provide is > > welcomed. > > > > Thank you for your keen eye and great reporting! > > > > Best, > > Mike in Helotes > > > > > > On Dec 18, 2009, at 11:01 AM, Brush Freeman wrote: > > > > Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds > > sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth > people > > are taking big advantage of it. I saw some this morning even as they > were > > flying (as always) toward the gulf. The next few days are slated to be > > nice > > and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas > > plus > > as long as the weather stays that way. > > > > -- > > Brush Freeman > > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > > > ====================================== > > 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: < > http://listserv.uh.edu/archives/tx-butterfly.html> > > > > > > > > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== > 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: > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: TEXAS LEPIDOPTERA SURVEY <texaslepsurvey AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:22:20 -0800 Can you tell males from females in flight, or ever sexed ones washed up on shore?  I suspect mainly females are dispersing over open water.  Males are on a targeted course toward females "calling,"  and not towards ones already dispersed offshore, which have probably already mated..  Females should call from where they have emerged.  Females will naturally disperse in all directions to find new breeding grounds.  A search of the east side of the bay for me a few years ago showed no breeding grounds there as in POC.  We found males flying earlier in the day, and fertilized females to fly later, generally.  Females in flight can generally appear larger, slower, and more white in appearance.  The more whitish appearance would be due to scale loss on the wings, especially as the females get heavier, and tend to bump into more obstacles while choosing a site to oviposit.  Makes sense to me...    Charles Bordelon, VP/EIC Texas Lepidoptera Survey 8517 Burkhart Rd. Houston, TX  77055 ________________________________ From: Brush Freeman To: TX-BUTTERFLY AT LISTSERV.UH.EDU Sent: Fri, December 18, 2009 5:44:05 PM Subject: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor   A couple wrote back on this and I went outside to followup a bit...8 ttl. today..  About 5:40 I thought I saw another one flying .  Exactly the same same size and with the heavy flight behavior over on a neighbor's property. In every way identical but the animal thru my 8X bins appeared pure white. It flew under a balcony and so I went over quickly to see if I could find it but dipped..Maybe it flew out on the other side of the house.  Interesting whatever it was. Do these Hemileuca ever come as pure white individuals or was I just missing some color so late in the day? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brush Freeman Date: Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM Subject: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor To: Michael D Van Buskirk Mike, I have seen 7 as of 5:17 CTC today.  I will be here tomorrow but on the 20th I head north and will unfortunately will not be back here until after Christmas (27-28th) for sure, so I may well miss the peak and the chance to monitor the effects the drought might have had.  I have not been able to sex any so far as they are on the wing and I am not good enough to do that.  In the past most have flown in the afternoons after about 1PM but it has been so nasty for days that maybe they are now eager to get off earlier.  Will let you know what tomorrow provide though I will be out of "town" for about 3 hours in the morning. Brush On 12/18/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: > > Hi Brush, > > Thank you for the alert on the H. maia ca. "Port O'Connor" emergence--it > sounds like the main flight is commencing. Probably will coincide with the > nice weekend and perhaps beyond.  If you can, could you please keep a (rough > estimate) of how many you see each day? Nothing technical, just a general > guess in powers of ten (10-100-1,000, etc.)? Suspect there will be a very > regular bell curve of emergence now and continuing for the stretch of high > pressure and warm clear days.. Would also like your opinion about the health > of the 2009 flight--less than normal, normal, or exceeding normal? Again, > your guess is just fine! > > Couple of more questions--do they fly only in the morning? Are these males > looking for freshly emerged females? Can you differentiate the females later > in the day while they look to oviposit? Any data you can provide is > welcomed. > > Thank you for your keen eye and great reporting! > > Best, > Mike in Helotes > > > On Dec 18, 2009, at 11:01 AM, Brush Freeman wrote: > >  Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds > sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth people > are taking big advantage of it.  I saw some this morning even as they were > flying (as always) toward the gulf.  The next few days are slated to be > nice > and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas > plus > as long as the weather stays that way. > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== > 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: > > > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Subject: Fwd: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:44:05 -0600 A couple wrote back on this and I went outside to followup a bit...8 ttl. today. About 5:40 I thought I saw another one flying . Exactly the same same size and with the heavy flight behavior over on a neighbor's property. In every way identical but the animal thru my 8X bins appeared pure white. It flew under a balcony and so I went over quickly to see if I could find it but dipped..Maybe it flew out on the other side of the house. Interesting whatever it was. Do these Hemileuca ever come as pure white individuals or was I just missing some color so late in the day? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Brush Freeman Date: Dec 18, 2009 5:14 PM Subject: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor To: Michael D Van Buskirk Mike, I have seen 7 as of 5:17 CTC today. I will be here tomorrow but on the 20th I head north and will unfortunately will not be back here until after Christmas (27-28th) for sure, so I may well miss the peak and the chance to monitor the effects the drought might have had. I have not been able to sex any so far as they are on the wing and I am not good enough to do that. In the past most have flown in the afternoons after about 1PM but it has been so nasty for days that maybe they are now eager to get off earlier. Will let you know what tomorrow provide though I will be out of "town" for about 3 hours in the morning. Brush On 12/18/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: > > Hi Brush, > > Thank you for the alert on the H. maia ca. "Port O'Connor" emergence--it > sounds like the main flight is commencing. Probably will coincide with the > nice weekend and perhaps beyond. If you can, could you please keep a (rough > estimate) of how many you see each day? Nothing technical, just a general > guess in powers of ten (10-100-1,000, etc.)? Suspect there will be a very > regular bell curve of emergence now and continuing for the stretch of high > pressure and warm clear days. Would also like your opinion about the health > of the 2009 flight--less than normal, normal, or exceeding normal? Again, > your guess is just fine! > > Couple of more questions--do they fly only in the morning? Are these males > looking for freshly emerged females? Can you differentiate the females later > in the day while they look to oviposit? Any data you can provide is > welcomed. > > Thank you for your keen eye and great reporting! > > Best, > Mike in Helotes > > > On Dec 18, 2009, at 11:01 AM, Brush Freeman wrote: > > Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds > sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth people > are taking big advantage of it. I saw some this morning even as they were > flying (as always) toward the gulf. The next few days are slated to be > nice > and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas > plus > as long as the weather stays that way. > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== > 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: > > > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Re: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Michael D Van Buskirk <mchldvanbuskirk20 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:48:43 -0600 Hi Brush, Thank you for the alert on the H. maia ca. "Port O'Connor" emergence--it sounds like the main flight is commencing. Probably will coincide with the nice weekend and perhaps beyond. If you can, could you please keep a (rough estimate) of how many you see each day? Nothing technical, just a general guess in powers of ten (10-100-1,000, etc.)? Suspect there will be a very regular bell curve of emergence now and continuing for the stretch of high pressure and warm clear days. Would also like your opinion about the health of the 2009 flight--less than normal, normal, or exceeding normal? Again, your guess is just fine! Couple of more questions--do they fly only in the morning? Are these males looking for freshly emerged females? Can you differentiate the females later in the day while they look to oviposit? Any data you can provide is welcomed. Thank you for your keen eye and great reporting! Best, Mike in Helotes On Dec 18, 2009, at 11:01 AM, Brush Freeman wrote: > Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds > sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth people > are taking big advantage of it. I saw some this morning even as they were > flying (as always) toward the gulf. The next few days are slated to be nice > and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas plus > as long as the weather stays that way. > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > ====================================== > 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: Subject: Hemileuca flying in Port O'connor From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:01:59 -0600 Well after a week of gray, wet, foggy cold weather with strong winds sometimes there is finally a clear, warm, calm day and the Buckmoth people are taking big advantage of it. I saw some this morning even as they were flying (as always) toward the gulf. The next few days are slated to be nice and so I can guess the flight will only intensify from now to Christmas plus as long as the weather stays that way. -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: Beetles of Monahans Sandhills State Park From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:40:18 -0600 Here's an abbreviated picture gallery of beetles from Monahans Sandhills SP: http://www.texasento.net/Monahans.html Note, a number of these species are endemic to the area. Burr Williams will be sending me lots of beetle pix from the region shortly. 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: Subject: New Academia.edu feature for TX-Butterfly From: Richard Price <richard.p AT ACADEMIA.EDU> Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:36:38 -0800 Dear TX-Butterfly members, I wanted to tell the list about a new feature on Academia.edu. Academia.edu launched 12 months ago and now helps 300,000 academics a month answer the question 'who's researching what?' There are now 50 people on Academia.edu listing Entomology as their research interest. We have built a dedicated page on Academia.edu for the mailing list: http://lists.academia.edu/See-members-of-TX-Butterfly This page will show you fellow members of TX-Butterfly already on Academia.edu. You can see their papers, research interests, and other information. 8,854 people have already signed up through the mailing list feature. Visit the link below, sign up with Academia.edu, and share your research interests with fellow members of TX-Butterfly. http://lists.academia.edu/See-members-of-TX-Butterfly Richard Dr. Richard Price, post-doc, Philosophy Dept, Oxford University. Founder of Academia.edu ====================================== 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: Congratulations Andy Warren! From: Kim Davis <kim AT KIMANDMIKEONTHEROAD.COM> Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:57:22 -0700 We are happy to announce that Andy Warren has accepted the position of Collections Manager at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity in Gainesville, Florida. As many of you know, George Austin was the Collections Manager at the McGuire Center when he passed away in June 2009. The position came open recently and Andy Warren was selected for an offer which he accepted. We're sure George Austin would be very happy with this selection. The future looks bright for the McGuire Center and for Butterflies of America! Life is Good... Kim Davis & Mike Stangeland http://kimandmikeontheroad.com/ http://butterfliesofamerica.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: Subject: Flying in Estero Llano Grande State Park From: Frances Bartle <franzabirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:44:29 -0800 Frosty mornings and butterflies don't mix, but here in Estero Llano Grande State Park, we have enough protected plantings that both flowers and butterflies are still abundant.   The stars of yesterday's Nature Walk were Brazilian Skipper, Guava Skipper, Orange-Barred Sulphur and Silver-banded Hairstreak (and the Rose- Throated Becard!)  Here are the other butterflies we found:   Pipevine Swallowtail Great Southern White Southern Dogface Cloudless Sulphur Orange-barred Sulphur Large Orange Sulphur Lyside Sulphur Little Yellow Dainty Sulphur Silver-Banded Hairsteak Ceraunus Blue Fatal Metalmark American Snout Bordered Patch Painted Lady Red Admiral White Peacock Mexican Bluewiing Empress Leilia Monarch Queen Soldier Guava Skipper Dorantes Longtail Brown Longtail Sickle-winged Skipper Funereal Duskywing Common Checkered-Skipper Tropical Checkered-Skipper Laviana White Skipper Clouded Skipper Fiery Skipper Sachem Common Mellana Brazilian Skipper   Join me on Friday at 1:30 for a Butterfly Walk through the park.  We can even check out the site of our future butterfly garden.  Planting will begin soon!   Fran Bartle, Volunteer Estero Llano Grande State Park Weslaco, Texas   ====================================== 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: Texas Longhorn Beetles - thumbnails From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:49:56 -0600 Here's a page I'm working on: Longhorn Beetles of Texas - Family Cerambycidae http://www.texasento.net/TXBycidPix.html 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: Subject: Bentsen SP Butterflies, 9 December 2009 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:22:57 -0800 Cool and breezy weather, combined with the loss of nectar sources due to the recent freeze, did not indicate a large turnout of butterflies or watchers for yesterday's butterfly walk at Bentsen SP. However, Ranger Jose Uribe, Volunteer Host Rick Snider, Tom Pendleton, and Ginny and myself were joined by several other people for a very enjoyable walk. The butterflies did not disappoint, either. While the number of species and individuals were certainly down, we were treated to excellent views of a fresh Mexican Silverspot (Dione moneta) and an equally fresh Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana) and Purple-washed Skipper (Panoquina lucas). Thanks to everyone who attended and helped us find the 41 species listed below. Mike Rickard Volunteer Naturalist Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes) Brown Longtail (Urbanus procne) White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) Purple-washed Skipper (Panoquina lucas) Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Olive-clouded Skipper (Lerodea arabus) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Southern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia otho) Sachem (Atalopedes campestris) Common Mellana (Quasimellana eulogius) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Mimosa Yellow (Pyrisitia nise) Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) Clytie Ministreak (Ministrymon clytie) Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis) Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola) Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) Rounded Metalmark (Calephelis perditalis) Red-bordered Metalmark (Caria ino) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Mexican Silverspot (Dione moneta) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) Tropical Leafwing (Anaea aidea) ====================================== 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: Flying at Estero From: John Yochum <John.Yochum AT TPWD.STATE.TX.US> Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 08:42:06 -0600 We had to cancel Friday's regularly scheduled Butterfly Walk, so I sneaked away from my desk Tuesday (Dec 8) for a quick run through the gardens, curious about what had survived the frost. Not horrible: 2 Guava Skippers (Phocides polybius) 1 Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus) 19 Brown Longtails (Urbanus procne) 1 Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator azul) 1 White-patched Skipper (Chiomara georgina) 4 Sickle-winged Skippers (Eantis tamenund) 90 White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) 2 Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) 23 Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) 2 Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) 1 Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) 1 Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) 2 Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) 7 Eufala Skippers (Lerodea eufala) 67 Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) 9 Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) 1 Whirlabout (Polites vibex) 3 Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) 62 Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) 9 Dainty Sulphurs (Nathalis iole) 29 Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) 2 Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) -a male and a female 2 Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) 7 Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) 18 Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) 1 Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) 1 Checkered White (Pontia protodice) 1 Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) 3 Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) 9 American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) 4 Monarch (Danaus plexippus) 84 Queen (Danaus gilippus) 5 Soldier (Danaus eresimus) 6 Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) 1 Variegated Fritillary (Eupteoieta claudia) 4 Mexican Bluewings (Myscelia ethusa) 38 White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) 2 Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) John Yochum Park Ranger IV Estero Llano Grande State Park Weslaco TX 956-565-3919 Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays: Bird Walks 8:30am Fridays: Butterfly/Dragonfly Walk 1:30pm Full Moon Parties 8-10pm Jan 28... every full moon Breakfast with the Birds AND SANTA, Dec 19 8am ====================================== 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: Hidalgo Pumphouse Butterflies, 8 December 2009 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 18:29:31 -0800 I visited the Hidalgo Pumphouse today as per my weekly butterfly survey/walk. I found the freeze damage to be less than I had expected. The exposed areas such as the back plaza were hard hit, but in many places the various Lantanas were generally unharmed. Crucita and other mist-flowers fared well, but much of the crucita had shown no signs of blooming this year, and that is still the case. As for the butterflies, there was nothing much exciting beyond a couple of Red-bordered Pixes and some Clytie Ministreaks, but there were 47 species on the wing, enough to hold one's interest and provide an enjoyable afternoon. Mike Rickard Docent, Old Hidalgo Pumphouse ====================================== 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: Heard Museum Petition to save our prairies From: Roger Sanderson <rsanderson AT HEARDMUSEUM.ORG> Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 17:29:25 -0600 I'm not sure if this falls under the Butterfly Listserve guidelines, but we are asking anyone interested in saving some nature to please help us do so by signing our petition. We urge you to take action on preserving the 289-acre wildlife sanctuary for wildlife, you, your family, and future generations at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas. The North Texas Municipal Water district wants to put a 3,500 foot long, 42 inch diameter sewage line through the sanctuary prairie land and underneath the wetlands. Please click here to read more about it and sign the petition: http://www.heardmuseum.org/theheard/petition.asp Thank you for your consideration Roger Sanderson Director of Botanic Gardens & Wildlife Biologist Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Nature Place McKinney, Texas 75069 972-562-5566 ext.273 972-548-9119 FAX rsanderson AT heardmuseum.org Teaching about nature, like fishing and birdwatching, is an eternal series of occasions for hope! ====================================== 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: Lower Valley leps: 11/20 - 29 From: Jim Hengeveld <jhengeve AT INDIANA.EDU> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 21:57:07 -0500 From November 20 - 29, Susan & I and Phil & Jo Kelly were down in the Lower Rio Grande Valley looking for birds and butterflies (mostly butterflies) on our annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage there. Phil & Jo were also there the previous week. During our time there, we tallied 119 butterfly species (Phil & Jo added another 8 or 9) as listed below. Sites visited included Bentsen St. Park (BSP), NABA butterfly park (NABA), Bentsen Palm Village (BPV), Hidalgo Pumphouse (HP), Frontera Audubon (FA), Estero Llano Grande St. Park (ELG), Resaca de la Palma (RDLP), Falcon St. Park (FSP), and Berry & Laura's. Some of Susan's butterfly photos are posted at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shengeve/sets/72157622826522217/ Thanks to David & Jan, Dave Hansen, Linda & Buck Cooper, Mike & Ginny, Rick & Mae, Berry & Laura, Ben Basham, and others for help in this cooperative effort and for sharing a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with us. Our list: Swallowtails (Papilionidae) Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) Whites and Sulphurs (Family Pieridae) Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) Giant White (Ganyra josephina) - only 1 (BSP) Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) - several Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) YELLOW-ANGLED SULPHUR (Anteos maerula) - 1 at FSP 11/25 -- see Susan's photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shengeve/sets/72157622826522217/ Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana) - 1 at BSP 11/29 Boisduval's Yellow (Eurema boisduvaliana) - many at RDLP 11/22 -- see photos Tailed Orange (Pyrisitia proterpia) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Mimosa Yellow (Pyrisitia nise) Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe) Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Family Lycaenidae) Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) Lacey's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon alea) - 1 within BPV 11/29 (see photos) Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon bazochii) - 1 at NABA 11/29 (see photos) STROPHIUS HAIRSTREAK (Allosmaitia strophius) - 1 along wall outside of Retama Village 11/29 (see photos) Dusky-blue Groundstreak (Calycopis isobeon) Clytie Ministreak (Ministrymon clytie) GRAY MINISTREAK (Ministrymon azia) - 1 along wall outside of Retama Village 11/28 (see photos) Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) - a couple Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius) - a couple Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exile) Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola) Metalmarks (Family Riodinidae) Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) Rounded Metalmark (Calephelis perditalis) Red-bordered Metalmark (Caria ino) Blue Metalmark (Lasaia sula) - common at RDLP Red-bordered Pixie (Melanis pixe) - very common especially at HP (high count of 30)! Brush-footed Butterflies (Family Nymphalidae) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonia) - only 3 Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia) Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) Mexican Fritillary (Euptoieta hegesia) Theona Checkerspot (Chlosyne theona) - only 4 individuals (see photos) Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) - less common than usual BANDED PATCH (Chlosyne endeis) -1 at FSP 11/25 (thanks Berry!) -- see photos Elada Checkerspot (Texola elada) - total of 4 Texan Crescent (Anthanassa texana) - only 4 individuals Pale-banded Crescent (Anthanassa tulcis) - 3 individuals CHESTNUT CRESCENT (Anthanassa argentea) - 1 male along wall outside of BPV (see photos) Vesta Crescent (Phyciodes graphica) Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) - 1 at Berry Nall's American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) Tropical Buckeye (Junonia evarete ) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) - 3 at NABA (see photos) Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) - only 1 FLORIDA PURPLEWING (Eunica tatila) - 1 at NABA (see photos) Mexican Bluewing (Myscelia ethusa) Common Mestra (Mestra amymone) - a total of only 6 Red Rim (Biblis hyperia) - a few at NABA (see photos) Gray Cracker (Hamadryas februa) - 1 at NABA 11/29 (see photos) Ruddy Daggerwing (Marpesia petreus) - several at NABA (see photos) Tropical Leafwing (Anaea aidea) ANGLED LEAFWING (Memphis glycerium) - 1 at NABA 11/29 (see photos) Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) - only a few Empress Leilia (Asterocampa leilia) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon) - 1 female at BSP Hermes Satyr (Hermeuptychia hermes) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Soldier (Danaus eresimus) Skippers (Family Hesperiidae) Mimosa Skipper (Cogia calchas) - 2 at RDLP Guava Skipper (Phocides polybius) HAMMOCK SKIPPER (Polygonus leo) - 2 different individuals at HP 11/23 & 11/28 (see photos) White-striped Longtail (Chioides albofasciatus) - 3 seen Zilpa Longtail (Chioides zilpa) - 4 seen Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus) Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes) Brown Longtail (Urbanus procne) TAILED AGUNA (Aguna metophis) - 1 at FA Mazans Scallopwing (Staphylus mazans) - several Sickle-winged Skipper (Eantis tamenund) Glazed Pellicia (Pellicia arina) - 1 at NABA Potrillo Skipper (Cabares potrillo) - 2 at NABA Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator) - 1 at BPV, 1 at ELG White-patched Skipper (Chiomara georgina) Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) - only 1 Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis) Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) Common/White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis/albescens) Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) Desert Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus philetas) Erichson's White-Skipper (Heliopyrgus domicella) - 1 at FSP Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Turk's-cap White-Skipper (Heliopetes macaira) Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia) PALE-RAYED SKIPPER (Vidius perigenes) - 1 in Cameron Co. 11/22 Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Whirlabout (Polites vibex) Southern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia otho) Sachem (Atalopedes campestris) Common Mellana (Quasimellana eulogius) Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) Olive-clouded Skipper (Lerodea dysaules) Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) Purple-washed Skipper (Panoquina lucas) - several (see photos) Jim & Susan Hengeveld Unionville, IN Phil & Jo Kelly Kokomo, IN ====================================== 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: Frontera Butterflies 6 December 2009 From: Mike Rickard <folksinger4 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:36:55 -0800 Ginny and I participated in Frontera Audubon's Open House yesterday and had a good time. We had no butterfly walk participants but made 3 full surveys of the property. There was extensive freeze damage to nectar sources in the orchard and other areas outside the thicket, but little damage inside the thicket, which is more sheltered. Despite this, and the at times cool, cloudy conditions, we were able to find 51 species on the wing. Many of these were represented by a single individual, and few species were common. Highlights were a Guava Skipper and several Silver-banded Hairstreaks. The complete list is below. Mike Rickard Guava Skipper (Phocides polybius) Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes) Brown Longtail (Urbanus procne) White-patched Skipper (Chiomara georgina) Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) Sickle-winged Skipper (Eantis tamenund) White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) Laviana White-Skipper (Heliopetes laviana) Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima) Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) Julia's Skipper (Nastra julia) Fawn-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes trebius) Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) Whirlabout (Polites vibex) Southern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia otho) Sachem (Atalopedes campestris) Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) Tailed Orange (Pyrisitia proterpia) Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) Mimosa Yellow (Pyrisitia nise) Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe) Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis) Dusky-blue Groundstreak (Calycopis isobeon) Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis) Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola) Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis) Rounded Metalmark (Calephelis perditalis) Red-bordered Metalmark (Caria ino) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Queen (Danaus gilippus) Soldier (Danaus eresimus) Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) Vesta Crescent (Phyciodes graphica) Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) Tropical Leafwing (Anaea aidea) ====================================== 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: Any Botanists Out There? From: "[Bill Dempwolf]" <bdempwolf AT AUSTIN.RR.COM> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 06:37:04 -0600 Are there any botanists in the group who would be willing to have an email conversation with my 9th grade son on his science project? The subject he has chosen to study is the effect of water acidity on the growth of plants. Thank you in advance, Bill Dempwolf ====================================== 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: Re: Buck Moth sp. nr. Ft. Hood - Nov 28 From: Brush Freeman <brushfreeman AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 Dec 2009 17:37:11 -0600 Good info as always. I posted on the larvae needing homes this past spring with photos even. The oaks in the backyard of the Hockey's are small and there were so many that they ate the new growth off leaving bare twigs. I picked as many as I could off the trees (dozens) to relocate before we sprayed Thuricide to get rid of the Flannel Moth larvae. If left alone these oaks will get stripped bare and they already struggle with salt and front beach winds. I will for sure let you know and maybe can even find some egg rings for you. Brush On 12/6/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: > > Brush, > > They will not emerge in the rain--they like the clear days after the rain > for emergence. Maximum emergence is on the cool clear mornings and warm > afternoons following the rain. Best emergence is several days later when > temps are warm and skies are clear! > > By the way--next spring season, if you find a lot of larvae, please let me > know, and I will come and get them, OK? I am interested and committed in > helping us all discover the roots of these wonderful bugs! > > Best, > Mike in Helotes > > > On Dec 6, 2009, at 5:08 PM, Brush Freeman wrote: > > Yes, They start off as singles then by about the 18-28th they are in full > flight here. Today (Dec. 6) it has rained all day so there is no flight. > Tomorrow or in the next few days we will be watching for ever more of them. > I am curious as to what effects the drought may have had as well on them. I > collected many larvae back in the spring from live oaks in the Hockey's yard > but was not able to find anyone interested in rearing them out. > > Brush > > On 12/6/09, Michael D Van Buskirk wrote: >> >> Brush, >> >> Seems just a tad early for your major POC Hemileuca flight, although I >> know it changes year-by-year. >> >> Mike >> >> >> On Dec 6, 2009, at 4:22 PM, Brush Freeman wrote: >> >> Well I was not going to bore everyone with my annual FOS Port O'Connor >> Hemileuca report...But since you brought it up, saw one and only one >> yesterday under clear skies as a flyby. :-) >> >> Brush >> >> On 12/6/09, Mike Quinn wrote: >> >> >> From previous correspondence with Charles Bordelon, I understand that >> >> the taxonomy of this genus, Hemileuca, is shall we say, 'not >> >> resolved'... >> >> >> Copperas Cove, Coryell County, Texas >> >> November 28, 2009 >> >> http://bugguide.net/node/view/356520/bgimage >> >> >> 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: > > >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Brush Freeman >> Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be >> >> ====================================== >> 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: > > >> >> >> > > > -- > Brush Freeman > Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be > > > -- Brush Freeman Utley & Port O'Connor Texas or wherever else I may be ====================================== 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: more Hemileuca spp. needing dets... From: Mike Quinn <entomike AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 6 Dec 2009 17:34:14 -0600 Any takers for sorting out all these Hemileuca spp? http://bugguide.net/node/view/276/bgimage ====================================== 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: