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The Lepidopterists' News
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY
c/o Osborn Zoological Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven 11, Connecticut, U. S. A.
Editor - C. L. Remington • Assoc. Editor - J. E. Remington
Volume IV
1950
Numbers 8-9
THE FIELD SEASON SUMMARY OF NORTH AMERICAN LEPIDOPTERA FOR 1950
Two notable general characteristics of the 1950 season were: 1) impressive climatic events in all regions, vith opposite conditions prevailing concur* rently in different areas; 2) marked absence of large-scale migrations, sharply contrasting vith the great year of migrations, 1949* The Season Summary itself shows two trends: l) comparisons vith other seasons were carefully developed by many field workers, but 2) the response fell below that for 1949, probably due in part to lack of dramatic migrations.
1. MIGRATIONS
The tremendous 1949 flights of Vanessa cardui. Danaus pleadrous« and Celerio lineata were lacking in 1950. Apparently all the cardui perished during the winter in Canada and New England* Some were seen In early spring in Kansas, Michigan, and Georgia. In Alabama "an exceptionally good flight" was noted, but in adjacent Mississippi cardui was not found. In New Mexico a large number were seen in November. Danaus plexippus seemed generally scarcer than usual. Several "earliest" dates for 1950 were reported: Georgia, March 29; Maryland, April 26; Michigan, June 8, Wisconsin, June 8; New York, June 6; Connecticut, June 4; Maine, June 6. The fall southward flight was reported weaker than In 1949. Librtheana i^ag^r^, appeared by the "thousands" in northern New Mexico June 29 - July 15; it was not reported elsewhere as a possible migrant this year. A conspicuous eastward migration of Ascia monuste phileta was seen in Alabama. Among the moths, swarms of Alabama argillacea appeared in Illinois, but it was notably reduced in New York, Massachusetts, and Maine (where a flight was observed Sept.7X
2. WEATHER AND POPULATIONS
This was a year of contrasts. The 1949-50 winter in the Northwest was the most severe on record; in the Southeast it was the mildest and was generally mild In the Rocky Mts., Mid-West, and East. Almost everywhere spring Lepidoptera appeared early briefly and then were delayed by the cold, wet later spring weather. The summer was very dry on the whole West Coast, the Rocky Mts., the extreme Southeast and the extreme Northeast; it was moist in southern Arizona and western Canada and average in the Mid-West and East. The population levels of most species were reported to be very low on the whole West Coast and in the Rocky Mts. and Mid-West. In the East and Southeast, flights were in general at least average.
Arizona, except for the northern section, had an excellent year; most notable was the tremendous population of fr* toa^^ft aexignataf and Eurarthenos nubi-118 also abounded; Besperlidae were especially numerous. The dismally poor year in the Northwest had a few bright spots: Oeneis nevadensls* apparently in a precise alternate-year schedule, was common, as were Paplllo oreffonla and the Catocalas; noctuids were up a bit over the poor season of 1949, and Euxoa ochro-gaster was an economic pest far south of its usual pest limits. In the Rocky Mts. there were a few exceptions to the poorness of the year: Brebla calllas was in great numbers and again Malacosoma larvae were in serious abundance; an unequalled number of noteworthy strays arrived from far to the southward. In the Great Plains the populations were mostly high but Sphingidae and Catocalas were scarce. The Mid-West and the Central Seaboard had an almost uniformly low year, except for the Satyridae. The Southeast had a poor year. In the Northeast, much of the area had at least an average year. Hemlleuca majta. had a great flight on Long Island. Around Ottawa there was a serious outbreak of Mfllfl?0!?^ &L&2&2&. The Datanas were in outbreak numbers in New Jersey and Connecticut. Alypia octomaculata was also a severe pest in southwestern Connecticut.
PROCEDURES IN SUMMARIZING
Certain practices are followed in most parts of the following summaries, in the Interests of clarity and uniformity. 1) Subspeciflc names are omitted except in rare cases where certain "subspecies" are very possibly full species and confusion could ensue if the full name were not given (e.g., Iftpenltig ar-themis astvanax). Thus, Speverla atlantls. mentioned in California, would refer presumably to subspecies Irene, not to a tired individual from New England. 2) Authors1 names are omitted after species names to save space. 3) Nomenclature largely follows the McDunnough Check-lists, but in order to promote uniform usage of corrected names, several names are substituted, such as Speverla for North American "Argvnnis"- Boloria for "Brenthis". Llmen-itls for Basilarchia. Lethe for Enodia and Satvrodea.
In this year's summaries an unusual number of individual records are published without comparisons with other years. These will be wasted, in the sense of the Summary's purpose, if future comparisons based on them are not established, but we believe it is valuable to get in print a number of such records to give future field workers a basis of comparison.
C.L. Remington
85
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86
1# SOUTHWEST - CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, NEVADA
Vol.IV, nos.8-9
by Lloyd M. Martin Los Angeles, California
CALIFORNIA
The reports on Lepidoptera from California were not as favorable as in the past. In the northern part of the state, the season began normally at low elevations in the middle of February, then was delayed, due to storms, snow, and frosts. As the season progressed some species were out for only a short period, others were far below the normal abundance. In the mountain areas, a killing freeze the first part of June caused a two to three weeks setback. By June 20th, species were out in fair numbers, but for only a comparatively short period.
In the southern part of the state, the rains, which are the all-important factor, were normal until late January. Then when the storms were needed the most in February and March to produce moisture for the growth of plants, it turned cold, and very little rain appeared. This caused a short spring season. We received about one-half the normal rainfall for the year and only fair collecting was experienced by most collectors.
SANTA CLARA - SANTA CRUZ - SAN MATEO COUNTY AREA. J.W. Tilden's thorough report is given in full. "The season began normally in mid-February, was then delayed by storms. Snow, heavy frost and winds in late spring caused appearance of certain species to be late, and some failed to appear in numbers enough to be noticed. Summer and fall were exceptionally dry (total rainfall for the season was far below normal) and late insects mostly scarce. Specific data follow.
Philotes sonorensis appeared in Alum Rock Park Feb. 19-24, about ten days late (normal Feb. 10). Numbers were reduced, apparently because of a fire which swept the area in 194-9. Another fire swept the area in 1950, and may further reduce numbers in 1951. This is, to my knowledge, the northern limit of the species. Plebelus acmon and Collas eurvtheme flew at the same time in normal numbers but also a little late. Of the moths, Epirrhoe plebeculata appeared Feb. 24, possibly early (normal about Mar.l). Most early day-flying moths were scarce, where normally common. Pleris napi appeared at the normal time but in reduced numbers.
Soon thereafter inclement weather delayed collecting and apparently had a very adverse effect on some species. Callophrys dumetorum was seen first on March 31 (normal, first week in March), and the usual large numbers of this species, extending into April, did not appear. Inclsalla iroides, usually common in March and into April, did not appear in numbers, but two were taken. Pleris sisymbrii, usually present in the Alum Rock area, though not in large numbers, was not found. Anthocharis sara rea-kirtil and Euchloe ausonldes seemed to be about normal in numbers. Proserpinus clarkl was not found although two trips were made to normally good territory. Only two Hesperia Columbia (always scarce) were seen, at normal season early April), but neither was taken.
At San Francisco, Glaucopsyche xerxes was not taken although three trips were made. As has been suggested, it may have become nearly extinct of late,
Plebelus pheres was not taken either, but Plebeius lcarioides was present in good numbers at the normal time, early April. In the San Jose area, local populations of lcarioides were on the wing by April 24, about three weeks late, but in fairly good numbers.
The common late spring butterflies were somewhat reduced in numbers, including Euphydryas chalcedona. Melitaea palla. and Anthocharis sara. These insects fly over such a long period that exact dates mean little. The common blue, Lycaenopsia pseudargJolus, that usually swarms from the first warm February day until early July, was seen only now and then. On the other hand, there was a larger-than-usual spring brood of Poanes melane, appearing as usual in April and May.
The bulk of the late spring species were reduced in numbers. In this area late spring merges into early summer almost without a break, the lack of summer rain causing a drying in late May and early June that is characterized by many flowers and the appearance of many species of butterflies. This year most of these were of common sorts. A number of the choice items were either absent or few. Strymon auretorum was not seen. Strymon dryope was greatly reduced in numbers and appeared in Mocho Creek (Alameda County) and in Arroyo Bayo (Santa Clara County) the second week in June, about five weeks late (normal, early May). Strymon califoralca was so scarce as not to be seen, very unusual for this normally abundant species. Strymon saepium on the other hand seemed present in about usual numbers. In 194-9 Hesperia iuba and llndseyi appeared In the same general areas in June. None was seen in 1950. The late emergence of Glaucopsyche lygdamus seemed a little better than last year, rather strangely, since the early flight was overlooked completely by me. Melitaea leanira seemed to have a good year and rather more than usual of this infrequent species were seen.
In the Santa Cruz Mts., Speyeria callippe was out in numbers at Alma (Santa Clara County) May 30 - June 11, normal time. Speyeria coronis was nearly absent, however, but two seen. Alma, incidentally, is the type locality. Thorybes pylades was present, time normal, numbers reduced. Erynnis tristis and E. pro-portlus were present in usual numbers; JS. afranlus was nearly missing. Pa pi Ho rutulus and eurymedon straggled along through the year but not in the large numbers often noted.
In the Silver Creek area of the Mt. Hamilton foothills Tharsalea arota, Minois alopef Minois sil-vestris, Lycaena xanthoides. Lycaena gorgon and Pier-is napi. normally out about June 1, were delayed until jpid-June and all were scarce except the ever-abundant xanthoides. which very seldom fails to appear in numbers. Arota was especially scarce. This may have been due to the dry weather which caused Grossularla to drop its leaves early, part of them falling in late May.
Other trips at this time were too casual to yield dependable data. A trip to Big Sur, Monterey Co., in search of Inclsalla doudoroffi failed because of fog.
In Santa Cruz Co., late June usually brings at least some Speyeria adlaste, though never many. This year only one was seen, near Boulder Creek. In this region all butterflies were scarce except Precis cog-nia. which seemed more than usually abundant, with
1950
THE LEPIDOPmiSTS1 MEWS
87
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
numerous larvae on plantain, Habrodals grunus was not found. This is not too surprising since this species is rare in some years and abundant in others, It appears to go in cycles but what the length of these cycles may be is not clear yet.
Midsummer conditions were exceedingly dry and hot. Apodemla mormo appeared in Alum Rock Park in late July and early August9 normal time, but in small numbers. The usually abundant summer brood of Plebelus acmon was nearly absent. Summer collecting seldom yields much here.
Fall collecting was less productive than usual. Ochlodes sylvanoldea flew in large numbers from mid-July to November, as usual. But Heaperia harpalusf Erynnls tristlsf Poanes melane, and Polltes sabulet^ were scarcer and rather more irregular in appearance than usual, straggling along rather than appearing in well-marked broods.
On the other hand, late fall was marked by open moist weather due to early rains, without frost, and up to December 10, AtaAopefles campestris, &lep£y,a phylaeus. Vanessa, carye f Collas eurytherae. and £yr-gus communis were commonly seen in yards in town (San Jose). Lawn moths (Crambus spp.) are still active (Dec. 15) and coming to porch lights.
In the Santa Cruz area, midsummer was unproductive except that Hesperia dodgel was located in fair numbers about twenty miles north of the classic locality. Careful search of the entire area from Cap-itola to Halfmoon Bay failed to yield other records. Numbers were taken near Waddell Creek, Santa Cruz Co., in mid-August, fresh and mostly just coming out, about three weeks later than the norm of July 17 noted at Twin Lakes in the City of Santa Cruz, the former metropolis for the species. I believe the species to be extinct on the type locality, which was vacant lots near the home of the late E.A. Dodge in the King Street section of Santa Cruz. This place Is now solidly built up. The Twin Lakes colony may also be extinct, as I have found none there since 1942. Building and regular burning of vacant lots seems to have nearly or quite exterminated them. Most of this burning is done under city orders to abate weeds.
Danaus plexlppus was locally scarce, and was not seen migrating in large numbers, although some passed through yards in San Jose in September. A wintering aggregation at Sant Cruz seems to have fared badly because of a fire in a grove at Swanton Beach. This matter was of sufficient interest to be written up in the Santa Cruz papers and caused subscribers to write letters of protest about the fire."
MT. LASSEN, MT. SHASTA, CASTLE LAKE AREA. At Mt. Lassen, July 27, D.L. Bauer found Gnoohela latl-pennis., parnagsfos cicalas, ?peyerla, efijels owenft, Plebelus lcarloldes abundant.
Ford reported cold weather and late snows on Shasta July 4-th, with Lepidoptera much delayed; Parnasslus clodius. Pierls slsymbrll. Oenels nevaden-slsf the early Speyerias, Callophrys fometorum. PJe-beius lcarloldes. and so on were just emerging. 1931 records showed the same species in that stage by mid-June. Pseudohazls eglanterina was flying July 5th near Weed. Bauer found In abundance July 28
1. SOUTHWEST - cont.
Pierls beckerll and occidental'sf Parnasslus clodius. Speyeria eg^s oweni, S. hyfospe, S. peJfllppe rupes-trisP Nymphalis ml^bertly and the Aegeriidae: Synan-thedon fragarlae and g. melllnipennls.
Ford likewise found the Castle Lake vicinity behind normal years. On July 17-18 P^ clodlus was common, P. smlntfteu.s was just emerging, fi. nevadenslaf Coenpnropha, ca^ifornlca,, and several Speyeria were numerous; also flying were Melltaea hoffaanni and whltneylf Polygonia zephyrus. Lycaena nivalis and marlposaf and Plebelus annaf aqullof acmonf and icqr-loldes. Ten days later Bauer again found P. smlntfre-us, Q. nevadenslsf g. calllppe (females) and others; S. at^ntis ioigel and Phyclodea campestris had become the most abundant butterflies.
CENTRAL - WESTERN AREA. In late June in Mariposa Co., Tilden found extreme dryness, with Parnasslus 9l9<Kttff common, Spayer^ hyfaspe, Erynnls callous, Plebelus saepftpjus, Bpjpr^a epithorg, Po^ltes sabu-letl. and Annaphlla spp. all rather scarce; at light nothing but a few Stamnofles appeared.
At the same time in Madera Co., Speyeria calllppe was common but worn, indicating about an average flight period. Mlnols silvestrls was also badly worn and Plebelus acmon was common.
On June 27-28, in the Greenhorn Mts., £. calllppe I was very worn, normal for that date; the other low altitude species (Strymon California and saepiumf Tharsalea arota, tfoUtaea, paHa, Euphy^ryfts pfrflce-donaJwere similarly worn. Higher up, Mitoura nelsonl was common and fresh; Polltea sabuletl and Plebelus saepiolus were fairly common, and Speyeria hvdaspe was just beginning to emerge.
In Kern Co. at the same time conditions were very dry. Collas eurytheme was abundant, with a few Ochlodes. Lycaena xantholdes was very common at Mon-lith, with a few £. rubidus.,
At Mono Lake at the end of June Tilden found PJg-belus lcarloldes. P. saepiolus. Strymon calif ornlca. and Call!psyche behrl rather common; Polltes sabuletlf P. sonora. Speyeria nevadensls. Llmenltls we^emeyer-11, and Melltaea acastus were scarcer. Coenonympha ampelos seemed to have been eliminated by overgrazing by sheep. One month later Bauer found all species scarce; only 2 fresh 09 of Speyeria nokomls were found, where both sexes often abound. When Tilden returned in mid-August, a few S. nokomls. P. saepiolus f and Ochlodes sylvanoides were found. Conditions were bone-dry and collecting very poor. At Leavitt Meadows, he found fi. sylvanoides. £. sabuletif and Hesperla harpalus common; £. rubidus was scarce, and nothing else was seen. At Bridgeport, C. ampelos was worn; P. saepiolus f P. sonoraf and Phvciodes montana were present.
Near Mt. Whitney Bauer found Plebelus aaullo and Polltes sabuletl common in late July, with a few £. rubidus and Parnasslus amlntfaeus.
At Tioga Pass Tilden found conditions too cold in late June, but in mid-August Speyeria mormonla. £• saepiolus. P. sabuletl were common; Lycaena edltha and marlposa were scarce; Collas behrll. often very common, was very scarce; several normal species, like Lycaena nivalisf were not found.
At Soda Springs, Nevada Co., on July 25, Bauer I found £. edltha. £. marlposa. L. cupreus. L. nivalis.
88 FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
Satyrium fuliglnosa. Plebelus anna, P, saepiolus. P, icarioides, Boloria eplthore. Phyciodes campestris"* and montana, Melitaea hofftaanii, and Speyeria spp, in fair numbers,
Weber found Plebeius emigdionis very common and earlier than in 1949 at Victorville April 22 and 29; Pieris protodice. Euchloe creusa. and Pseudocopaeofl-es eunus were also common then* At Frazier Mt, Park May 13, he found Plebeius icarioides and Phaedrotes piasus common; Plebeius melissa, Anthocharis sara, and Colias harfordii were scarce, In the Greenhorn Mts, June 12, Weber found Heliopetes ericetorum> Mitoura nelsonlf Strymon saepiumf S, californica, In-cisalia iroides, Lycaena xanthoides common; Strymon melinusP Incisalia eryphon. Tharsalea arota, Melitaea Palla (worn)f Nymphalls mllbertii, Speyeria hy.-daspe (offi were scarce,
At Bartel, north of Mt, Lassen9 Weber found Speyeria zerene. S, hydaspe, Boloria epithore* Melitaea palla common July 2; Mitoura johnsoni. Nymphalls call fornicat Oenels nevadensis (worn) were scarce,
SOUTHEASTERN AREA. On June 20, S,S. Nicolay and L.M. Martin found Pseudocopaeodes eunus in full flight (some worn) at Olancha a week or two later than in average years. At Darwin Falls, June 19, Ochiodes yuma was out in fair numbers. At Bishop Creek (el,8,110 ft,), June 20, Euphydryas olancha« Melitaea acastusf Phyciodes campestrisP Plebeius icarioidesf Hesperia Idahof H, iuba. Thorybes nevada were found, but no moths came to light; a freeze in early June had killed many insects here; the season was perhaps two weeks late,
LOS ANGELES - RIVERSIDE AREA. Although this is the region most heavily populated by lepidopterists, the reporting was extremely disappointing. The lone summary came from Weber; fortunately it is extensive and detailed,
At Little Rock it was cold and wet for the first three weeks of Jan, On Jan, 1st a few diurnal moths were flying; many Megathymus yuccae larvae were found in Joshua Trees, Again at Palmdale, Feb,22, the diurnal moths were found, as well as a few fresh Pleri8 beckerll (normal date). By Mar,19, in the Gavilan Hills (Perris), Plebeius acmon, Mitoura lokl. Apodemia mormo. Euphydryas chalcedona. Melitaea gab-Mi Plerls protodlce. and Colias eurytheme were common, Callophrya dumetorum (worn) and Anthocharis cethura (oW were scarce and Euphydryas editha was uncommon and local. Conditions were about average for this date,
In the Providence, Mts, Dr, Hulbirt had found Callophrya comstocki and Incisalia fotls in good condition in early April, By the 14th both were very worn, as were Euphydryas hermosa and Mitoura siva. Chlosyne californica, Melitaea neumoegeni. M, alma were fairly common,
April 22 and 29, Plebeius emigdionis and Pseudocopaeodes eunus were found common along the Mojave River at Victorville, San Bernardino Co, Pieris protodice and Euchloe creusa were not as common as in the past years. This is about the normal time of year for these species to appear in this area,
In the Phelan area, April 22 and 29, Melitaea wrlghtii and leanlra were found in numbers in good condition along the hillsides, Melitaea neumoegeni
1. SOUTHWEST - cont. Vol,IV, nos.8-9
| just coming out but in good condition, Philotes speel osa was rare with only one being taken; this spe-| cies Is found more commonly further out on the desert in the Kramer Hills, Plebeius icarioides was not as common as in past seasons but still in good numbers, G^copsyche JLygflamua, and Calloohrvs dumetorum were in poor condition, Mitoura siva, were fairly abundant in the Juniper trees but in poor condition, probably normal for this date,
In Beverly Glenn Canyon, Los Angeles Co,, on May 7 and 10, Vanessa ata,l^anta,, Melitaea gabbl, Anthocfo-EiS aaraf and Coenonympha, californica^ were out as normal, Caleohelis nemesis is occasionally found here, one specimen being taken at this time,
In Sespe Canyon, Ventura Co,, on May 13, A, sara and Colias eurytheme were out as usual with £, harfordii and Paoillo rutulus. Season about normal for appearance but subnormal for numbers,
In the Bouqtuet Canyon area of Los Angeles Co, the season was about normal in spite of the lack of rain, Speyeria callippe f Plebeius acmonr P* montlcola f P, rutulusP M, gabblf Incisalia iriodes, Hesperia liafl-sevi and Heliopetes ericetorum were found quite common on May 20,
On Sept,9, the second brood of Apodemia mormo was common on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles Co, Normally this second brood is not as heavy as the earlier emergence in April and May,
SAN DIEGO AREA (Thorne and Creelman), For the second winter in a row, January brought freezing temperatures to all but the most favored spots, but with little injury to Lepidoptera, The spring season actually was somewhat early with Incisalia irol-des appearing on February 18 at El Cajon and Euphy-dryaa editha starting to emerge February 21 at Otay, Spring flights of all butterflies were light and continued so throughout the year due to drought. The desert areas were particularly poor, although a few species such as the desert race of Euphydryas chalce-dona appeared in good numbers for a short time (Mar, 31, Box Canyon), Curiously enough, larvae of this race starved to death on the preferred food plant of the parent species here, Scroohularia californica, Caterpillars generally were hard to find all year long.
On April 15 at Desert Springs, Los Angeles Co,, Apodemia mormo was abundant and Melitaea neumoegeni and Jf, leanlra In good numbers on the few flowers present. Here again it was a restricted nectar supply rather than abundance of butterflies,
A sharp late frost in the mountain areas around May 1 contributed to light flights there, although around what few moist spots there were in mid-June Speyeria coronls. Adelpha bredowii. and other species were fairly numerous due to restricted water sources, The Palomar Mountains were poor in July but a few Pyrgus xanthus were there, Speyeria callippe appeared normally about May 21; it seems to survive drought better due to the ability of the particular violet it favors to withstand dry years,
It was a disastrous year for forest fires; one fire in August burned over 100 square miles of brush and timber including some of the heaviest stands of trees in the Cuyamaca Mountains,
There was no fall flight of double brooded species noted in desert areas, and even the skippers which seem to do better in dry years were below nor-
1950
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS
89
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 1. SOUTHWEST - cont.
mal. Wittman found collecting poor in Borrego Valley and saw no Chlosvne lacinia. This species was plentiful at Bard and in the Imperial Valley on September 1, and when the temperature was 123° F. the larvae still persisted in a habit, which proved fatal, of dropping to the ground when the sunflower leaves were disturbed.
Calephelfts wrightii was found near Lakeside where its food plant, Bebbea iuncea. occurs. This is the first record of this desert species in coastal areas.
In early August the Santa Cruz mountains were practically devoid of butterflies. It was apparent that drought conditions prevailed there.
While no doubt there was some migratory movement in San Diego County, the low population levels made it difficult to observe. Vanessa cardui and Danaus plexippus were both below normal.
Currently, at year's end, the weather has been unusually warm and summer species continue in normal flight. All stages of Agraulls vanlllae were still around in late December.
Weber found Speverla calliope and Lvcaena hemes abundant at Barber Mt., June 25. At Mason Valley, on Sept.24 ("normal11 date), he found Megathymus Stephens! common; at Vallecito the second brood of Mel-itaea char a. Apodemia marginalia t and Hemlargus gjr-aj had appeared.
NEVADA
At Mt. Rose, July 1, Weber found Nymphalis antl-ojoa, Plebeius saepiolus. P. aqullo* Strymon callfor-nica common. Plerls slsymbrii and Incisalla eryphon were scarce, and Speveria calllppe rare and very worn.
On July 26, on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Bauer found Plebeius aquilo and Thorybes nevada very common. Other species collected were Speveria mor-monia and "montlvaga11. Euphydryas nubigena, Phycio-<iea montana, Nymphalis milberti, Incisalla eryphon, Satyrium fuliginosaf several spp. of Lvcaena and Plebeiu8f He8Peria Idahor Polltes sabuleti f and P. sonora.
At Mt. Charleston, near Las Vegas, Weber found Speveria coronis common (dt? worn, 9$ fresh), Minols alope and Plebeius lcarloldes common but worn, and Neophasla menapia scarce, on July 28.
ARIZONA
Bauerfs very detailed report for Arizona follows essentially in full.
Collecting began Feb.26th, at Yarnell Hill in the Weaver Mts., Yavapai Co. The day was cloudy and not many specimens were taken, aside from about 30 Hemileuca electra larvae, Anthocharis pima and Plebeius acmon. During the following few days a little collecting was done in the Yuma area. Around Yuma only Pierls protodioe were seen and an hour spent collecting moths at light gave no results. On the return trip from Yuma collecting was again done in Congress Junction, Chlosvne californica and Plebeius acmon were taken, while Yarnell Hill yielded Anthocharis sara. Pleris slsymbrii and Lycaenopsls pseud-
argiolus.
March 13 a little collecting was done in the mountains around Prescott with about the same species flying, but in addition, Incisalla iroifles and the moth Litocala sexignata were first encountered.
COTTONWOOD REGION. The weather for the Cottonwood area can be summed up as follows: Cold weather came early last fall with a heavy frost and snow on the mountains the first few days of October. The early cold weather brought with it considerable rainfall, so that from October through December it was definitely on the wet side. The rains slacked up the last of December and by the end of January nearly all of the winter rain had fallen. One storm did bring a little rain the last of February, but from the February storm to the middle of July there was practically no rainfall. The spring and early summer were cooler than normal with a frost as late as June 7. The summer was not hot — just about average, with heavy rains during the last of July and early August, which made the entire countryside, and even the desert, green. The thunderstorms continued through August and into September. In middle September the thunderstorms stopped and only a few light showers were received from mid-September until November 9, when a cold front from the north brought 50-mlles-an-hour winds and dropped temperatures to as low as 15*20 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the valleys and as low as 5° above down to zero in the mountains, thus bringing the collecting season to an end. The cold wave of Nov.9 brought low temperatures but no rainfall or snow; not even San Francisco Peaks received snow.
The above summary of the weather also applies to nearly all of Arizona. The rainfall followed a peculiar pattern this last year, which could be summed up as follows; The southern part of the state received about average rainfall, the central part above average rainfall, and the northern part well below average. Most of the summer storms did not produce rain north of the Mogollon Rim.
Collecting began in the Verde Valley the first of March, with a number of species flying by the thousands. One species is deserving of particular mention, Litocala sexignata« which appeared during March by the millions. In fact, there were so many L. sexignata flying around damp ground along the streams and the flowering shrubs that it was rather difficult to collect other less common species. I have never encountered so many of any one species except possibly Vanessa cardui in the spring of 1949 on the desert of southwestern Arizona and southeastern California. L. sexignata did not seem to migrate but were just flying in every direction, and being a day flier it would have been easy to ascertain if they had been migrating in one particular direction. I encountered them first in numbers on what is called Yarnell Hill in the Weaver Mountains, Yavapai Co., on March 2, and by the middle of March they were flying at their peak in the Verde Valley and lower slopes of the mountains. At higher elevations they remained on the wing well into April. Then they disappeared and none were seen until about the end of September, when a few were observed at about 5,000 ft. elevation on Mt# Mingus.
90
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
1. SOUTHWEST - cont.
Vol.IV, nos.8-9
This was my first full collecting season In the Verde Valley area so I cannot compare this past season with former years, but It seemed that there vere a great many spring species that vere very abundant. Among the butterflies the following species vere found In great numbers: Anthocharls sara, a species of Melitaea* the exact species or race not yet determined but belonging to the gabbll-acastus-neumoegenjL complex* Inclsalia lroldes was also very abundant, being second only to L. sexignata. It was particularly abundant along lower Oak Creek. Other species that were flying in considerable numbers were: Pieris slsymbrli. Celotes nessug, Lycaenopsls pseudarglolus. Zestusa dorus. Thorybes pyladesf Phollsora meilcanus and P. ceost Erynnls lacustra and E. horatius.
Other species that were present but not in the number of those mentioned above were as follows: Pa-pill o aiax appeared in fair numbers in the spring and then a few were seen throughout the summer and as late as the end of September, but were not as numerous during the summer and fall as a year ago. Papllio daunus was also less common during the summer and fall than a year ago, and Papllio phllenor followed the same pattern. Plerls protodice was one of the first to appear in the spring and continued in fair numbers until the cold wave in November, as did also Eurema nlclppe. although E. nlcippe was considerably more abundant than P. protodice. P« slsymbrli. as noted above, was abundant only In the spring while P. rapae, although more numerous in the spring and early summer, also flew late in the fall (November). Eurema mexlcana flew in the early summer and a few in the fall. As stated above, Anthocharls saga was very common last spring over most of the central mountainous part of the state. And Euchloe creusa was found in fair numbers at between 4,000 and 5,000 ft. on Mlngus Mountain.
The first Satyridae to appear in the Verde Valley area was Neonympha dorothea. which was first observed" about the last of May at about 4,000 ft. elevation at the base of Mlngus Mountain. No other Satyridae were observed until the 1st of September, when Neonympha dorothea became abundant at 5,000 ft. elevation, along with Minols meadli and Gyrochellus patrobas. The September Satyridae flight continued throughout most of the month and N* dorothea was still on the wing in October, though in damaged condition.
Danaidae were not very plentiful, particularly £• Plexippus* A few were seen throughout the entire collecting season. D. berenlce was much more common, although the fall brood was considerably less than a year ago. Nearly all Danaidae had disappeared from the Verde Valley area by the 1st of November.
Hymphalidae were off to a good start in the spring, but most of the species showed a decrease in numbers during the summer and fall. Polygonia aat-yrua was fairly common in the spring as were other overwintering species such as Nymphalls antlopa. and Anaea andrla. Vanessa cardul did not make a very good showing; during most of the year more specimens were seen after the first cold snap than during the rest of the season. The rest of the Vanessas were also not well represented. All three species of I£-menltis were in about their usual numbers. Euphy-drvas were much below the numbers of a few years ago, as were also Melitaea fulviaf M. pola. but the Melitaea of the gabbli-acastus group were abundant
during most of March. Late in September two specimens of }J. theona were encountered at about 5,000 ft. on Mlngus Mountain. The Phvclodes species vere about the same as numbers vent. Euptoleta claudia made a good shoving in the spring and early summer but fizzled out in late summer and autumn. Astero-campa lellla made a very poor shoving in spring and early summer, shoved a definite increase in late summer and were out in good numbers by September. Adelpha bredowil was out in good numbers most of the year, although down a little from previous years. The Chlosyne got off to a good start and continued to increase until mid-October. No Junonia were seen this season. Libytheana tffi'rtnfln.ll made a very poor shoving this past season vlth only a fev specimens being observed now and then throughout the year. Riodinidae were present in their favored months in good numbers. For the first time Apodemia mormo was found down in the floor of the valley. In October Calephelis nemesis was taken for the first time at the southern end of the valley near Camp Verde.
Iycaenldae did not in general make too good a showing this past year, the single exception being Inclsalia iroldes which appeared in untold thousands during March. Of the remaining 14 species the following are the only ones that appeared in fair numbers: Leptotes marina. Brephidium exllisr Plebelus acmon, and L. pseudarglolus.
Several species of Hesperiidae made a wonderful showing in the spring. Among them were Zestusa dor-us (early summer), HeUopetes, erjcetorufl, Quotes, nessus (spring), fftp^sora ceos and me,1icanu,s (spring), grynnls lacustra and froratlus (spring), £. .juvena^s (early summer), Hesperla woodgatel (Sept.). Most other Hesperiidae were out in good numbers, but all species were absent or much reduced in numbers in late summer and fall except for Pvrgua cpMflflfla, £g-paeodes aurantiaca r and the following species which were not seen In the spring and seem to be summer and fall species; fl. ericetorum more abundant in Sept. than in spring, Erynnls pacuvius taken only in Aug., H. woodgatel taken only in Aug., Sept., and Oct. Other species that seem to be only summer and fall species are Hvlephlla phylaeusf Atalonedea campea-tris, and Lerodea eufala.
Megathymidae made very good to fair showings this past season. M. yuccae was out in fair numbers in March and April."" Jf. Pollnqi *»de a fair showing in September, although less than last year, and M. neumoegeni was out in usual abundance in early Oct.
Moths had a fairly good season with of course Litocala sexignata heading the list for abundance. About thirty Automerls pamlna emerged from the cocoons of larvae collected last fall. The A. pamlna larvae took a nose dive in numbers this year, only one larva being found where last fall forty or fifty were collected. During July and August moth collecting was good, with many species being taken, but most of them are still unidentified. Among those taken were Dlctyosoma elsa. and of course Celerlo lineata and Phlegethontlua sex,ta and qulnquemaculata, Adelocephala helligbrodti was flying during most of the season but its peak was the first of August. One male was taken as late as November 5. Among the Arctiidae the only species taken in the Verde Valley were a species of Crambidia and one of Clsthene. both as yet undetermined, and Pygarctia murina. No
1950
THE LBPIDOPTERISTS' NEWS FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 1. SODTHWEST - concl.
91
Hvphantria jnjaea. this season, but their webs on the trees showed definite decrease in numbers over last year.
Many spp* of Phalaenidae were taken. Among those identified are: Feltia annexaf Peridroma ijm*~ rllojsa, Trlcfaoclea, ant£ca., Rancora, 8erratlcornisr ftft^hAggft jsisgra., Stlfla, rugifronsf Basllodes &r&-
&, gpptdry^s gi^vgri, AnraphUft astroiogaf asiia-
it&s. phloxlphagaf ^UnJ^ cllia£a, Ss&tnia sexnlagi-aja, Sr^iaHa iiadfi, T*rft<?Mflta candefactar Acontla fiZfiSLi^» &♦ aieli, A. laneeolatar Antaplaga dlmldl-&&, Autpgrftpha bra§5isa£, Catocala arJjEaaSt and Hateranaaaa minor and a few others*
Of the Geometroidea the Semiothisa were the only ones that made a good showing*
Rather heavy rains fell during the last of July and 1st of Aug* over the entire southern and central portion of the state, resulting in good collecting during late Aug* and Sept* However, the northern and particularly the northeastern part of the state had little or no summer rains* 1950 was one of the driest years ever experienced in the northern sec* tion* Consequently, collecting was very poor there*
In the Upper Oak Creek and Flagstaff area collecting began about April 1* Euphydrvas hermosa was not as numerous as in former years but the Melitaea of the gabbll-acastus group was abundant in Upper Oak Creek* Other spp* taken were Anthocharls sara. Glaucopavche lygdamus. Inclsalla lroldes. several spp* of Erynnis. and the moth Leptarctia California*.
During June collecting in the Flagstaff area hit its peak* Typical June species of the upper Oak Creek-Flagstaff area were Papllio rutulus. Colias alexandra. Speveria atlantls. Melitaea pola* Polygo-nia satvrua which seemed to be exceptionally numerous, klmonJttlB welflemeyerll and Plebelus i.gflrtofles* In the Fry Canyon area the moth Euparthenos nubilis was very abundant flying about in daylight and there were literally dozens of them in the water holes*
The higher elevations of San Francisco Peaks yielded the usual species, Pierls occldentalis* Panels daura., Plebelus aqullo. Glaucopsyche lygdamus* and others*
In mid-June in the Grand Canyon area conditions were rather dry but several exceptional spp* were taken, among them Papllio bairdii, Coenonympha fur-eae, and Megathymus streckeri* Other species taken were the same as for the Flagstaff area*
On April 1 the spp* taken in the canyons of the Hualapai Mountains, near Kingman, were about the same as for Mingus Mountain, but Megathymus yuccae was much commoner, as were G. lygdamus and Pierls slsymbrll* In the desert canyons right around Kingman Melitaea neumoegenl was about the only sp* seen, A very interesting situation, and a fruitful opportunity for breeding experiments, was found in the lower canyons of the Hualapai Mts*, where Melitaea neumoegenl was flying in company with the Melitaea of gabbil-acastus group mentioned above, and where typical specimens of both spp* were taken, but the lamr Part of the specimens taken showed definite
?lF^Sr%
CTSoWeLles toward M. ^Om^A^^ m - /s.^t» i ou«r elevations around Kingman snowea
National Monument on the Utah-Ariz* border and Navajo Mountain, Sept*l, and very few butterflies were seen* Melitaea £2lfl was on the higher mesas, and in Rainbow Canyon Apodemia mormo, Philoteg g^anecfl* Hea-£gria woodgateif and the rare Ochlodea yum&, were taken* A little collecting was done in the Wicken-berg-Congress Junction area near Phoenix on Oct* 1* The desert was dry and the only spp* taken were Apodemia. pa^meril and Hemileuca electra,.
Nicolay and Martin found the Baboquavari Mts. very dry the first week in May, but collecting was good* 26 spp* of skippers alone were taken in 3 days; a number of other butterflies were taken in fair numbers* The most interesting was a lone male Strymon jada: this I believe to be a good record for Arizona* It was too late in the season for Heliope-tes lavianaf U specimens being taken, all poor* Moth collecting was very poor, only a few coming to light* A specimen of Oospila lesteraria was the prize of the moths* That season is the poorest for most moths, whereas it is a very good time for skippers and some of the larger butterflies*
Weber found the season a little early on May 29 in the Kaibab National Forest* Plebelus melissa, P* aqullo, and Erynnis lcelus were quite common* Phae-drotes piasus was not too common (a new locality for this group)*
Thome reports a tremendous flight of Lepidoptera the last week in Aug* in the Santa Rita Mts* Melitaea dymas and perse* Asterocampa leilia, Eurema mexjLcana, Libytheana bachmanil and Euptoleta claudla were some of the predominant spp* No real rarities were taken* Rainfall in July was' far above normal in southwest Arizona, resulting in very fine collecting*
Freeman and Daly made an expedition to Arizona Sept*7-12, primarily for Megathymua larvae and adults* In Madera Canyon (Sept*8) the common s,pp.were Papllio philenor. Gvrocheilus patrobas. Neonvmpha henshawl. Melitaea Ulrica. Apodemia palmerii. Strymon clvtle and leda. Urbanus dorantes, Erynnis fjja-oralis* Pholisora ceoa: at the entrance to the canyon, larvae of Megathymus neumoegenl abounded in agave. In Sabino Canyon, the next day, they found P* philenor. A* palmerii. S. clvtle. and Calenhells nemesis common* In the Baboquivari Mts. (Sept*9)f the abundant spp* were Asterocampa celtig, ffurema mexicana and proterpia. A. palmerii (and 5 £. mormo). S* clytie and ledaf Pyrgus communis (and 5 P. doml-cella)* E. funeralis, Pholisora catullus and ceoa; Pyrgus philetas and Antigonus evansi were rare* At Redington and the Santa Catalina Mts* (Sept*10) the common species were JjL*. palmerii and mormo* S* clytie and leda; of M. neumoegenl one d* and several larvae were takenT At Nogales the next day M. Ulrica, S. clytie and leda. U* dorantes. and E. fuxjeral-is were abundant; all these but Ulrica were also common at Patagonia, where Amblvscirtes nysa and eoa, and P* ^nm^ella were rare. In Ramsey Canyon (Sept* 11-12) they found P* philenor* Adelpha bredowil, N. henehawl. G* ratrobaa. £• dorantes, and Megat^mus
a'ia terlootl was taken there*
Zmm£*"* **^lfr~£^& »«.» R*J. Ford; H*A. Freeman; S*S. Kicoxay, r*x.
j\u. Tilden; B.H. Weber.
92
2. NORTHWEST- OREGON, WASHINGTON, IDAHO, BRITISH COLOMBU Vol.IV, nos.8-9
by Jojin C. Hopflnger Brewster, Washington
OREGON
Prof. Macy reported that the season in western Oregon was preceded by one of the coldest winters on record, with temperatures well below zero at Portland and lots of snow, which lasted about a month. There was heavy rainfall into June, but the summer was dry and there were almost no clouds in July -Sept. and no rain.
He found Papllio rutulua less abundant around Portland than during 194-9• Parnassius clodius was also less abundant, and fewer Anthocharis sara were seen and it was more difficult to find the eggs on Arabis. He saw no Colias eurytheme in the Willamette Valley. Coenonympha ampelos was present in moderate numbers, little below 194-9. Vanessa cardulf so common in 1949, was rare; V. atalantaf usually rare, was abundant and numerous larvae were found. He saw no Danaus plexippus and found no larvae on milkweed. No Nymphalls californlca were seen. Papllio zellcaon was not seen, but 3 larvae were found on anise.
Weber, collecting at Mt. Hood July 3, found Spey-erfa coronis common and fresh (only 1 5), S# zerene scarce, BojLorla epithore common and fresh, Papllio rutulus in fair numbers, Oenels nevadensls common and worn, Strymon melinus and Inclsalia eryphon rare, Plebeius anna common and fresh, and Glaucopsyche 3,yg-damus c$? fresh and not common.
Cook reported larvae of Euxoa ochrogaster unusually far south in pest numbers, in north-central Oregon.
, IDAHO
As has been the case for several years, Mr. J.R. Douglass operated a light trap at the U.S. Entomological Laboratory at Twin Falls, Idaho, and sent Dr. Cook the Noctuid material. Collecting was very poor, only about half as many Noctuids having been captured as in 1949. Only one species, Euxoa ochrogaster > was more abundant in 1950 than in 1949, and this was correlated with its outbreak in that area. Of the more abundant species, eight were as abundant as in 1949, but were at low levels in both years, while 24 abundant species were recorded as not being as abundant in 1950 as in 1949. The decline was general and seemed to affect all groups of Noctuids, so no definite conclusions may be drawn as to the effects of conditions on particular groups.
At Geneva, July 24-, Weber found Minols oetus, Lvcaena rubidus and heteronea. Coenonympha ochracea. BUPfrVfryag hu£cj£&2l, Parnftsslus smintheus, and Sp^ erla atlantis and zerene common and rather fresh; a worn Callophrvs dumetorum was taken.
WASHINGTON
EASTERN AREA. At Orcas Island (Puget Sound), Macy found Nymphalls milbertl. Speyeria zerene. Oen-fiil nevadensls, Papllio rutulus and P. eurymefloft
fresh and in fair numbers in late June and early July. Not one Limenitis loraulni or Vanessa atalanta was seen; in August of 1928 he saw hundreds of both. No Nymphalls ca.M.fornAca, were seen.
On July U Weber found Parnassius clodius very common near Mt. Rainier Nat. Park.
WALLA WALLA AREA. Dr. Cook's report follows in full.
Following the coldest winter on record, the spring was slow and the summer cool. The first eight months of the year were all below normal in temperature. Rainfall was above normal except in May. Noctuid collecting was very poor. Only the light trap at the wireworm laboratory was operated, and no miscellaneous collecting was done.
Several common species, Including Euxoa sponsat E. messqriq, £. sep^entr^ona^s, A. ye£usj&, Feltla. ducens f G. c-nigrumr and Leucania farcta increased considerably over 1949, but in general were below normal in abundance. Scotogramma trifoliir Sentis arcticaf Crymodes devastator and Platyperigea extlma were far below their usual abundance, as were all of the common Autographas. Heliothis obsoletar which was so reduced by the winter of 194&-9 that no damage at all was seen until late in the fall of 1949, staged a partial comeback. Late corn was heavily attacked by the earworm unless dusted. Euxoa ochrogaster is a species of northern distribution, being of economic importance in the Prairie Provinces of Canada, and in Montana and North Dakota. It generally occurs in Washington, but is rarely abundant. During 1950, the writer saw larvae of this species which were found In economic numbers in the Yakima Valley, around Walla Walla, in north-central Oregon, and in the Twin Falls area of southern Idaho. This represents a large temporary extension of the economic range of this species. Ceramlca pi etat which always occurs here, was found attacking lettuce in the fall.
NORTH-CENTRAL AREA (Hopfinger). The winter »49-,50 will long be remembered as the coldest recorded in many years. The ground was bare for a week in the first part of January, with below zero temperature every day. The extreme cold lasted well into February, with about a foot of snow on the lower levels. Snow lasted well into March. Very few butterflies showed up in the spring, and few specimens were taken. Euchloe creusa, usually fairly common in April, was absent, as well as E. ausonides. Ag-thocharls sara was found sparingly, together with Pleris slsymbril and backer 1, During May, some of the Iycaenidae began showing up, but nothing like the numbers taken in previous years. Most Papllio continued scarce as in previous years, and not over a dozen were seen. Speyeria also were very scarce. Oenels nevadensls. true to its two-year cycle, showed up very well. Polygonia was nearly totally absent. In some 500 miles of collecting trips, not over a hundred specimens were taken. The one bright spot in this year was the best flight of Papllio oreffonia we have had here in the last ten years. In the flower garden at my house, from one to a dozen could be seen at any suitable time. The heavy flight contin-
1950
THE LBPIDOPTERISTS' NEWS
93
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 2. NORTHWEST - concl.
ued from the first part of August well into September, and the specimens were in very good shape. Moths were scarce during the whole season. The one exception proved to be Catocalae, which were fairly plentiful and late in September could be seen flying in the daytime. All in all, I would call this the poorest season we have had here in some 40 years1 collecting.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
VANCOUVER ISLAND. A model summary report was prepared by Mr. Chippy, presented in full as follows.
Weather.- The f49-'50 winter was the second in succession in which unusually severe weather was experienced. It was colder than '4&-'49, in fact the coldest since local weather records were first kept, a matter of about 40 years. It should be noted though, that the snow was deep enough to prevent the ground from freezing. Insects wintering in, or on, the soil may not have been affected. The spring was late and cool, but by June things were normal. The three summer months were very favorable. Above-normal rainfall, recorded by weather stations, mostly came in heavy downpours over short periods. There were more fine sunny days than usual.
Population Changes.- Papillo rutulus and eurv-medoq were much reduced in numbers from the two previous years. Also their appearance was very late, early June instead of mid-May. P. zellcaon was not quite as scarce as usual. The long period over which this species was on the wing is very remarkable. First seen May 23, last September 15. Other individuals were seen all through this period. Par-nassius clodius remained very abundant for the second successive year. Neophasia menapiaf which in '48 and '49 had been coming back after complete disappearance, seems to have stopped at a level much below its one-time abundance. Minols alope appeared less common than usual. Qenels nevadensis showed a very remarkable increase. Speveria hydaspe. usually rather scarce at sea-level, became very common. Specimens were seen earlier than usual, g. serene, usually the commoner of the two, had almost disappeared; only 3-4 specimens were seen. Boloria epl-thore appeared slightly more abundant than formerly.
As I begin the task of attempting to set down on paper the consensus of opinion of the various collectors in this area, it occurs to me that if the Lepidoptera of this area continue the trend of the past two or three years, it will greatly simplify this report. All I'd have to do is to send in a blank sheet of paper. However, coverage of conditions for the season just past was not equal to that of the previous year. By this I mean that the resident collectors, for one reason or another, were not as active afield as they have been in the past.
Polvgonia faunus was seen more often than usual at sea-level, where I have the most opportunities for observation. This is a very good example of the way in which records of butterfly population might be misleading. I had found P. faunus very abundant on the lower slopes of Mt. Benson when I collected there in June 1949 • Both then and during the spring of 1950 I visited the same area and found very few specimens present. P. oreas has definitely fallen in numbers. Nymphalis antlona showed some increase) it has usually been very scarce here; specimens were seen in both spring and fall. Vanessa cardui disappeared entirely. Apparently none of the offspring from the large migration of 1949 survived the winter and there was no fresh influx. Strvmon mellnus was much more abundant than usual, both spring and summer broods. No Saturnlidae were seen. Smerinthus car* lsvi was less common than last year. Hemaris dlffinis was fairly abundant again after several poor years. Both species of Celerio were again absent. Arctla ca.1a failed to appear. Hallsidota argentata seemed to have died out; it was very common up to 1948. Other common Arctiidae were less abundant than in previous years. Perhaps worth recording is the rearing of three specimens of Aemilia roseata. I have found one or two larvae each year, for some years, but always failed to secure adults. In Oct. 1950, while cycling between Wellington and Nanoose, a distance of about 7 miles, I picked up 9 larvae crossing the roadf fairly evenly spaced along the distance. All my larvae cocooned, but some were parasitized; only 3 adults emerged. Several Orthosla sp. were taken. I had taken only one in several years. A marked decrease in Geometridae was noted.
Weber encountered rain all across B.C., but on July 10 at Princeton, he found: Speveria zerene (lj), Minois oetusf Pleris occldentalis common and fresh; Speveria calllppe and Coenonvmpha inornata common but worn. The next day, near Boat Encampment, 11-menitis arthemis. and Papillo glauous were common. At loho National Park July 13, Plebelus mellssa was common in colonies, Erebia eplpsodea common but ragged, and Speyeria atlantis present but scarce.
Contributors: W.C.Cook; R.Guppy; R.H.Macy; B.H.Weber.
There is only one report by a non-resident, but that an excellent one by B.H.Weber of Burbank, Calif., who made a trip up the western coast to B.C. and then inland to Banff, Alta., and home via Waterton Lake, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada.
In Colorado and New Mexico there was very, very little snow during the winter of ,49-,50, and the weather was of a mild nature for a mountainous area. The first entry in my Colorado collecting diary shows the date of Feb.26, when the various hiberna-
^^^^
3. ROCKY MOUNTAINS - NEW MEXICO, UTAH, TO AIBERTA
by Donald Eff Boulder, Colorado
94 FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 3. ROCKY MTS„ - cont. Vol.IV, nos.8-9
tors were flying, including a couple of Anaea andria. The first collecting usually begins with the turning of the calendar to April, but opened about a week sooner than that here. Callophrys sheridanl showed up in greater numbers in this early spell, but In-cisalia schryveri faded completely; only a couple specimens were observed. Aside from this one brief early flurry, our spring seems to have coincided entirely with the balance of the area in that the appearance of the usual spring species was two to three weeks late. As pointed out by Brown, it was just too dry for things to get going. Up in Alberta they experienced a bitter cold spell during the entire months of January and February when the thermometer never got above zero (Fahrenheit) and often dropped to 40° below. This may have been the cause for the tardiness of the season there. Here a heavy, wet snow on May 25, followed by freezing temperatures, caused a considerable decline in species that had been flying before that date. June was reported as not very good, the scarcity of even the most common things being plainly noticeable. July weather in Colorado, and as a whole in most of the mountainous states, follows a fairly definite pattern. The mornings are usually clear, with the afternoons becoming cloudy, and with occasional scattered showers over the mountains, but such was not the case this year! There was a total of only 3 good collecting days during the entire month, and probably,not more than a dozen days when even a couple hours of poor or fair collecting could be engaged in. This was not true of the whole state, but it certainly seemed to be true of the eastern slope, where the weather showed an ever-threatening mood, but failed completely to materialize into the sorely needed rainfall. Following the extremely mild winter with this lack of moisture, and the rapid disappearance of what little snow there was in the high country, there soon existed in the alpine country an arid condition unmatched in the memories of the old-timers. It is safe to say that at least three-fourths of the little mountain streams were bone-dry this year, with the consequent diminishing of the necessary foliage. Some rains in September and early snow, especially in the higher mountains, has brightened the prospects as far as moisture is concerned for next year, but the outlook with regard to the insect population,as the result of the past summer's dryness, isn't healthy.
Of first and most notable importance when comparing this season with previous ones, is the fact that the swarms of Vanessa cardui and Celerio line-ata that appeared last year were lacking in the summer of 1950. Also there was a decided scarcity of a good number of the commoner species, for one reason or another. On the other hand, the various reports show an unusual number of captures of stragglers, and reappearance of species missing for as long as ten years.
In ALBERTA Bowman, the only resident collector, noting the aforementioned bitter cold spell, the scarcity of the common species, and the occurrence mostly in singles of the scarcer species, especially the Noctuids, could only class the year as very poor. However, Weber, rained on most of the time he was in the Canadian Rockies, finally got in some
collecting at the Waterton Lake National Park and found some species quite plentiful. Of particular note as common were Speyerla atlantls. §. zerene r Jg. hvdaspe. S. cybele. Parnasslus smintheua and Coenonympha inornata. Boloria selene (» myrina) were common in one spot and Oenels chryxus also was fairly plentiful. Most of the other species, such as Colias Christina, Limenitis arthemis. and Everes comyntasf were few in number.
Prom MONTANA, Weber's is the only report. Here he collected just below Glacier National Park and again at Monarch and White Sulphur Springs. Collecting conditions at the first two spots did not permit much observation, but he did find Melitaea palla common. However, at White Sulphur Springs he found Plebelus lcarioides and mellssaf Parnasslus sminthe-us, Lycaena helloides. Coenonympha haydeni. and Min-ois oetus all fairly common on an open hillside covered with sagebrush and the usual accompanying semi-desert vegetation; two fresh Satyrium fuliglnosa were taken.
In WYOMING there are reports from Downey of Sheridan and Glasgow of Daniel, plus the report of Weber on Jackson Hole Nat. Monument and Afton. Glasgow, at Daniel in the western part of the state, is near Pinedale, the town that is properly known as the "icebox of the nation". He reported that collecting did not even start until mid-June. No species was abundant, although he took more specimens than last year. For the first time in 10 years he saw some Parnasslus. He found an Apantesis larva crawling around at 18° (F.) below zero March 30; it later pupated and hatched. Downey's collecting was interrupted in late June by a broken wrist but he got in some moth collecting and notes that the Catocalae were in good numbers, at least for a western state. At Jackson Hole, July 22-23, Weber found the best collecting of his entire trip. On Signal Mt. Speyerla egleis was common, as was mormonia: several of the Blues were in good numbers, including mellssa. lcarioides. and heteronea: also Melitaea palla and Minols oetus. and Coenonympha haydeni; Satyrium fuliglnosa was fresh and common in one spot. At Afton, in the sagebrush, near the river, he found Lycaena heteronea and helloides common, as well as Plebelus lcarioides and Minols oetus. Near Moran, C. haydeni was extremely common and fresh (both sexes), Parnasslus clodius and Boloria krlemhild common and worn.
In UTAH, we are again indebted to Weber for the only report. While collecting in Zion and Bryce Parks and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, May 30, he found Plebelus saepio^us and Phyciodes mvlitta abundant, Hellopetes ericetorum in fair numbers, and Colias alexandra just emerging. In Salt Lake City the end of July, the commonest species were Speyerla zerene. Lycaena heteronea. Pieris napi. and Poanes taxiles. Speyerla egleis. Hypaurotls chrysalus. Call1psyche behrii and Strymon saepium were scarce. At Cedar Breaks Nat. Monument he found P. napi .and Speyerla atlantls fairly common.
In COLORADO, we have reports from Minor on the western slope of the mountains, Renk, Schryver, Brown, and Eff on the eastern slope, and a note from Rotger, at present in Durango, but formerly in
/
1950 THE U5PID0PT
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
Capulin. Minor also notes the scarcity of V. cardul and C. llneata„ Schryver states that Parnasslus. Sneyeria and Papilio seemed quite scarce. The only thing he found in good numbers was Erebia calllas . of which he took over 80 above Berthoud Pass. Renk, the only one to do much collecting locally, reiterates the bad weather conditions and the poor collecting. Approximately one-half of his summer•& captures consisted of Pieris and Colias. The collecting of Brown and myself was interrupted with trips East, his in April, May, and August, and mine in June. However, Brown notes the early appearance of the hibernators also, and the fact that the winter and spring were so dry that the regular season could not seem to get started. His first captures show the date of April 21 for Pieris rapae and Strymon melinusr both about 3 weeks late. Collecting was not good until the latter part of June, and from then on only fair. The results of his collecting also showed more than the ordinary amount of stragglers. These will be recounted in a subsequent pa-ragrah. The only good collecting I found this summer was on a trip to Gore Pass, north and west of Kremmling, in Grand County. Weather on the eastern side of the mountains was typical of much of our local July weather, with the clouds almost hugging the ground and giving every appearance of an impending cloudburst, which never came. Once over Berthoud Pass and on the western slope we found the weather entirely different, it being clear with only a few scattered clouds. At Gore Pass, July 22, we found Boloria helena very abundant. Speyeria mormonia was common and Colias scudderil more common than usual in its haunts. Pieris alexandra and Lycaena helloi-des also were common and near Toponas in Routt County, J*, heteronea was seen in more than usual numbers. The end of July Erebia calllas were plentiful and rains in Sept. seemed to increase the number of Hes-peria ottoe in the Rocky Flats near Eldorado Springs. August, a month when alpine collecting is usually excellent, was so dry that almost nothing flew in the high country. At the entrance to Rocky Mt. Nat. Park, Lauck reports Eumenis ridingsll common. I have some of the specimens and find them very fresh. This would indicate that they are a second brood, for the normal flight period of this species is the last week of June and the fore part of July in the higher parts of its range. Rotger reports Malacoso-roa in tremendous numbers at La Veta Pass and Conejos Cafion again this year. At Wolf Creek Pass he found Buphydrvas eurytion and Paraasslus smintheus common. However, Buphydrvas carmentls seemed to be absent from the locality near Pagosa Springs, with a multitude of grasshoppers taking over.
In NEW MEXICO, the southern terminus of the Rocky Mt. Area, the only full report is by Standard, of Belen. His observations coincide in the main with those of the Colorado collectors, including the later appearance, the diminishing numbers, plus the fact that the winter of '49-f50 was the mildest and driest on record for 58 years. Spring was early (but not the appearance of the butterflies) and fall frosts were nearly a month late, with the resulting phenomena that the yucca, lilies and fruit trees bloomed for the second time. It is the first time
LISTS' NEWS 95
3. ROCKY MTS, - cont.
that anyone can remember the appearance of a second set of blossoms on the yucca. In New Mexico £. lln-eata appeared in fair numbers, but nothing like those of last year. Jf. cardui was very scarce until Nov. and then appeared in good numbers. Libvtheana bach-manl,! appeared by the thousands June 29 to July 15. Euptoleta claudia appeared to be making a comeback. This fact was also true in Colorado. Standard reports fair numbers of Ctenucha venosa after an absence of years. Last year in Colo, they were plentiful, but scarce this year. He also reports the appearance of AgraulJ8 vanillqe for the first time.
F.T. Thome reported that extreme dryness prevailed in the Black Range (near Silver City) and around Deming in late August, with butterflies almost non-existent.
In general, a run-down of the various genera shows that the Papilio continued to decrease. Par-nassiuB about normal with a slight increase in the high altitude forms after last year's almost total absence. Neophasla menapia continued scarce. Pieris about normal, with an increase in a couple of the napj forms, particularly in Utah. Euchloe ausonides and olympia down, but Anthocharls sara appearing to gain slightly. Colias about normal. Coenonympha and Minois down slightly. Oeneis uhleri was one that appeared in usual numbers and at the usual time, the middle of May. Oeneis chryxus came back after last year's decrease, but brucel disappeared and lucllla was almost missing. Erebiaa about balanced, with calllas more plentiful and ethela down considerably. All Speyeria were down, as were the Boloria with the exception of helena. Apparently the flight of B. krelmhlld was about normal. Melitaea continued poor, with arachne missing, palla good in the north but poor in Colo. • Euohydryas and Limenitls poorer than usual. The Lvcaena showed an increase in heteronea and helloldes over much of their ranges. In the Theclinl, the Mitouras had a bad season. Strymon saeplum and Incisalia schryver! disappeared. I. gryphon continued in abundance. The scarcity of Plebe-lus icarioide8 was noticeable.
Some Interesting records were noted this year. One was the aforementioned swarms of Libvtheana bach-manii that occurred in New Mexico and the appearance of Agraulis vanillae there. Another was Downey's first record of a Catocala parta for his collecting in Wyoming. Brown reported the reappearance of Jaa-aus berenice in limited numbers (June 17-20). He also captured U specimens of Krlcogonia lvside f a new record, so far as we know, for the state of Colorado. He also took a Lentotes marina and a Mestra ftaflfmone (July 4, Bear Creek Canyon) I Eurema mexica-na and niclppe were recorded from several spots, and Lester Smith, a Boulder collector, on June H in Gregory Canyon captured a specimen of Heliconius charitonius. Ify biggest satisfaction came from capturing two Melitaea damoetas after two previous unfruitful summers. They fly in the high rock slides with Erebia magdalena and Lycaena snowll and are harder than either to capture. Rotger, near Durango and Alamosa, and in Costilla County, took specimens of Apodemla mormo after an absence of years. Aside
96
PIEU) SEASON SUMMARY 3. ROCKY MTS. - concl.
Vol#IVt nos.8-9
from these interesting records, the most noteworthy was Brown's discovery of a very large colony of Bo-lor^a frigga on the western slope*
In conclusion, I can say that from all recent records, 1947 was the peak year. The following years showed decreases, and 1950 continued the trend. The entire area experienced a late beginning of the collecting season. The extremely dry winter, spring, and summer will in all likelihood cause collecting to continue poor next summer, at least in the southern part of the area where this condition exists. On the optimistic side is the fact that there is already more moisture by Jan.l, 1951, in the mountains here than at any time in the past four years. The snowfall on that date at the city water-
For the fourth successive year, at least in the ' northern half of the Great Plains, cold, wet weather delayed the flight of spring Lepidoptera. No reports were received from collectors south of Kansas.
NORTH
At Transcona, Manitoba, Quelch reported the fall of 1949 very wet and the ensuing winter "cold but not unusual. The spring of 1950 was cold and wet up to May 20th. From then on the weather was about average for Manitoba but collecting was extremely poor all year and strangely enough seemed to get steadily worse as the year progressed. ... Those species present were from two weeks to a month late!1 The period from May 24 to June 19 is usually one of the best of the year, but in 1950, one Lvcaenopslq Dseudargiolua was found May 27, nothing June 3, one Pieris rapae June 4* A few species were present in 1950 in usual numbers, namely: Incisalla poliosf jg-caena thoef goenoftYffipha, tnoHfflfo, tyegjsto eury^ys, &pj£ll& tltflnla (« wchftric;eftw), Poftnes l2obom£fc, Some usually abundant were absent or very scarcer S&Zqoj. edwardsll. £. asajftca., £. tijfcus., I&S&Sm &-£Qg, £. hejJLolfles, Plebe^g gfteplolus, £. igUssa,, Qlftttcopgyohe iLy£damu£» Evereg amyntyfla, Pftycjofles fSZggae., £. t&a£os., £. pycteis, B^or^a toJUi, Co-liM eurytheme. C. pfrfrJLpfllce, Erynnfrs lcelus, £.£&-zg, £. juvenalls. Prrgus communis.
At Brandon, Manitoba, Bird also reported the spring season late, following an average winter. June 4 was the first fair collecting day and until July 10, the Lepidoptera were in good numbers. Oe-nels daura alberta and Oarisma garita were commoner than usual. £. IgggnaJS, £• saSSLsHUZ* 2* lyftfelttfft Pan!11o glaucus « and £. lcelus were in about average numbers. Less common than usual were Papillo aiax. C. phllodlce. C. eurytheme, £. mellssa* The summer was unusually dry and hot and butterflies were scarce after July 10; especially notably reduced were Danaua plexippusf Vanessa cardui . C. eurythemef
shed near the Continental Divide measured 119 inches compared with 48 Inches at the same time last year and the water content is more than double that of any of the four previous years. Lack of snow and water has not bothered the northern part of the area and the outlook there, barring unusual circumstances this winter, seems to indicate the prospects of a normal season. Weather unfavorable to collecting has been one of the main villains this past summer, and it is doubtful if we will have two summers in succession as poor for collecting as this one was.
Contributors: K. Bowman; P.M. Brown; D. Downey; C. Glasgow; A.G. Lauok; W.C. Minor; J.J. Renk; B. Rot-ger; C.D. Schryver; O.D. Standard; F.T. Thome; B.H. Weber.
C. phllodlce. Pieris protodlce. During the late fall C. eurytheme and philodice were seen flying northward whenever there was a southerly wind. One C. philodice was taken later than ever before, on Nov. 10. New records for the Brandon area were Ere-iifi eplpsqflea. and Carlftroceplfflitos pftlaemon.
MIDDLE
The last part of March a cold front moved into Kansas with the front of the storm running from Port Scott, Kansas, west and south through Dodge City, Kansas. This front became more or less stationary and held this position with not a great deal of change for nearly 3 weeks. As a result south of this line we had spring, while north of the line it was still winter. In the south part of the State the "spring11 condition was static — that is, there was no particular advance of "spring". As a result of all of this the south part of Kansas produced one of the longest spring flights I ever saw. Usually Euchloe olvmpia flies in numbers only about 2 weeks. Last season we had them for nearly six weeks in good numbers; other spring species responded in the same manner.
However, at Ottawa, Kansas, Howe found the spring delayed, as in Manitoba. In general, he found the 1950 Lepidoptera flights in good numbers, pieris protodice and. ranae appeared March 2-4, Euchloe olym-pia Apr.lO-May 7. £• olvmpia and Anthocharla mldea were somewhat commoner than usual. Hibernated Anaea andrla. Polygonia progne, P. comma, P. interrogation! a were unusually numerous, appearing by Apr.2. Vanessa cardui and vlrginlenals were more numerous and both appeared by Apr.9. AH six fftpillo species were below average in spring, but £. cresphontes was common by Aug.22. Iycaenopsls pgeuflargjloltos was common Apr.2 - May 6, Incisalla henrici Apr.10 -May 6. Hemiargus isola. far commoner than usual, flew from Apr.7 - late June. Lfoepitlg astyanax and archlppus were much below average numbers. Some ab-
-JSte*
4. GREAT PLAINS - TEXAS AND EASTERN PUINS OF ROCKY MTS. STATES TO SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA
by Don B. Stallings Caldwell, Kansas
1950 THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS 97
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY U. GREAT PLAINS - cond.
undant species were Junonia coenia, Asterocampa cgl-tis and clyton. Eurema nlclppe and lisar Collas ejj-rythemef Lethe portlandiaf Meglsto ejaojaiS, Mlnols &l2££ (as late as Oct.5), Lvcaena dlonef Speveria cybele and S. Idalla (as many as 3 on a small blossom). Phyciodes igcj&Ls,, £. tharost P. goxgfine,.
The Sphlngldae in the Ottawa area, already subnormal in 1949, were even fewer in 1950, especially Celerlo lineata. Pholus achemon., Sphecodina abbotli. Amphion nessus, Herae clngulata (absent). Sphinx chersis. Ceratomla amyntor. Pachyspftinx modesta and Cressonia luglandia were on the upswing* Iflfigrajana
Replies were received from 16 of the 33 collectors written to this year. There was general agreement throughout the area that this was the poorest collecting season in many years. As in 1949, we had a mild winter at first, followed by cold, wet weather which delayed the appearance of the usual spring butterflies as much as two weeks, or else they failed to appear at all. About the only family of Lep-idoptera reported to be abundant were the Satyridaef which can perhaps be accounted for as due to their habitat in protected woodland areas.
In discussing this report of a "poor year" with several members of the Society at the recent annual meeting in New York City, the question was raised whether assiduous, persistent collecting throughout the season would not have revealed that the Lepid-optera were in truth as abundant as usual, but perhaps appeared later. In other words, did many of us try our usual spots at the usual time for early spring species, find the catch small and get discouraged about further collecting? The writer has determined to get out in the field more during the coming year and discover whether it is really the specimens that are rare or the collector.
MISSOURI. The spring collecting was fully two weeks late. Near St. Louis no Euchloe olvmpla were seen, for the second year. Its companion species, Anthocharis mldea* was sparingly in evidence. The early species, such as Inclsalia henricl and Bryn-nis brlzo were not found. For several years visits to localities where the rare Strymon Ontario used to be found have been fruitless and this year was no exception. It is feared that this species has almost disappeared from the St. Louis area and will have to be sought in the central Ozarks. During late summer and fall the usual procession of butterflies appeared, though never in great numbers. Phoebls sennae was seen flying high and fast in late fall and also scattered individuals of Danaus plexippusf both species flying in a southerly direction and probably starting a small migration. A field trip in the Indian Summer weather of late October in search of Lerodea l'herminler and the day-flying moth Hemlleuca mala was in vain.
hageniP greatly reduced in 1949, increased in 1950 markedly. PhglVig .eaoiSEifi, Sstfamla. Inscrjptuj), Smerfrnthus fteminatu.s, Paonjas my ops, Splflnx, va,ncqu-veren8ls were in normal numbers. Ceratomla kansen-sis was very common. Sphinx eremitoldes was taken at Lawrence in August, the first in many years. For the second successive year Catocala species were at a low ebb; only £. lllecta and £. innubens were common. Psychomorpha eplmenlst usually very scarce, was in tremendous numbers Apr.2 - May 3.
Contributors: C. Bird; W.H. Howe; C.S. Quelch.
ILLINOIS. Lauck, our usually active collector in Alton, was limited in his collecting this year due to illness. He agrees with several other collectors in the zone that Polygoniq were not seen at all this year and that all species were fewer in number. Leuschner collected almost every night at lights for moths near Urbana. In mid-Apr11 he found Leucania unipunctaf Peridroma saucla and Lycla ursarla. In mid-May Acronlcta and related genera appeared in unusually large numbers, including £. interrupta. £. lepuscullna. A. obllnata. A. morula, A. amerlcana* and Slmyra henricl. He also took Adelocephala bisects and A. bicolor at this time. Sphlngldae were well represented at lights but no species was common. Saturniidae were poorly represented. In late June Da tana mlnlstra was common, later replaced by D. iij-tegerrima- %In October Alabama argillacea was exceedingly common. Leuschner also collected extensively in Chicago and reports the most noticeable trend was the large June flight of Sphlngldae found at lights; this Is in direct contrast to the report by Woodcock, also from Chicago, who saw no Sphlngldae at all. Leuschner1s best find was reported to be Sphinx van-cpuyerensis. One surprise later was the almost complete absence of Catocala either at light or sugar,
Woodcock again pursued his project of observing at lights around his home throughout the season and reports that no species was found as plentiful as last year, with some absent, such as Macronoctua on-usta« He intends to continue his study another year and then list his results.
INDIANA. Only Wren prepared a report from this State, and his observations were necessarily limited, He records "a remarkable assemblage of butterflies" at Brown County State Park "sitting on the mud and stones along a partially dried up creek. With the exception of some Eurema lisa, all of the butterflies were dark black, bluish, or greenish and of a similar size. This assemblage could be numbered in the hundreds of insects, including ^manjtj* astyanaxT Papilio glaucus glaucus (no yellow tur^iig at all), P. a.1axr P. trollus. P. phllenor." Wren's observation is all the more remarkable in that he records "Papilio glaucus glaucus11 * presumably females. I
5. CENTRAL - MISSOURI TO WEST VIRGINIA, NORTH TO ONTARIO
by P,S. Remington, Jr. St. Louis, Missouri
98 FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
know of no other record of female butterflies found i on moist spots like this, every other similar case being males* I once saw an "orange cloud11 similar to this in Tennessee, consisting of hundreds of individuals of Eurema nlcjppe sipping the moisture about a mud puddle on the road, I actually caught over a hundred in one swing of the net, and they were all males. It would be interesting if other members of the Society would report on whether they have seen female butterflies at moist spots. Wren also saw Polygonla lnterrogatlonis and P, comma "swarming in an abandoned pear orchardH""near Indianapolis,
KENTUCKY. There was a very mild winter here, followed by diminution in the number of butterflies, though the correlation is not clear, Merritt and Monroe teamed up on a trip to Okolona to the site of the only known locality of Calephelis borealis in this area. Four specimens were found, but the locality is being destroyed by construction, as so often happens. Other interesting finds were: Incisalia nlphon and I, henrici (commoner than usual): Fenise-£& tarouinlus . found for the first time since 1946$ Hesperia meteaf a new species for Jefferson County; and a series of Cecropterus cellusf the latter from Menifee County June 15, Butterflies were in general much scarcer than in 194-6 and 1949,
OHIO. Romine did not find the season good until he sugared for Catocalq in August and September, when he had good success, Mrs, Chase at Gallon found that the warm winter with its sudden cold spells wiped out the hibernating species Nvmphalls antlopa and Vanessa atalanta, as well as Pieris virgin! ensls. Other species were all scarce until Min-ols alope appeared and this was abundant and very variable in transitional forms, Just as it is in Missouri, At a normally good spot for collecting under lights, there were almost no moths this year. Her reared female Satumilds did not attract a single feral male. From 56 collected cocoons of Hyalophora promethear only two males emerged, the rest all parasitized by large Ichneumon flies, Mrs, Chase also finds that Vanessa cardulf once abundant, is nearly extinct, *due to parasites", as is Nymphalis milber-Ji, Collas philodice was very abundant in October and practically replaced the usually commoner C, eu-rytheme. It was still flying Nov,6,
MICHIGAN, This state was well reported. The same pattern was observed, with early collecting very poor. V, cardul was seen by Beebe apparently migrating on May 3 and Danaus pleadppus on June 8, I presume the above dates would be northward migration INTO the area. Migration southward was reported for £• plexippus July 28 (when Papllio philenor and P, troilus also seemed to be migrating along the course of the Detroit River) to Oct, 26, IAthocolletls crataegj was scarcer than usual,
The detailed observations at Ypsilanti, made by Clench expressly for the Summary, deserve extensive space here. The precipitation was approximately average, A 30-day running average of mean temperature was far above normal during Jan, and early Feb,,went below normal Feb,21-May 10, slightly above normal May 10-July 4, dropping a little below again until Aug, 17. Therefore, a nearly normal temperature sea- '
5. CENTRAL - cont, Vol,IV, nos,8-9
son, with about a 10-day retardation of spring, lasting nearly three months, and no extremes in winter or summer,
Species emerging at average time at Ypsilanti were S£SX§g&. SZMi§, jStrrymon £ala£gr, (much commoner than usual), Thvmellcus Uneo^a (less than 1948, more than 1949), Poanes hobomok. Two weeks later that usual; Pieris rapae (scarcer)f Minols alope (scarcer), Phyclodes tharos (scarcer). Lvcaenopsls pseudargiolus 1st brood (scarcer), Everes comvntas 2nd brood (scarcer), Lvcaena phleas (scarcer), £, helloldesf Polltes peckius. Pho^lsora catullus. Others scarcer .than usual were: Papllio aiax. Pieris protodlce f Llmenitls archippus. Others commoner than usual were: Megisto eurytusf L, pseudargiolus 2nd brood. Others in "normal" numbers were: Strymon caryaevorusf Epargyreus claims. Notably absent were: Lettje eury^ica, L, port3,andja, Polygonla spp,, Mr menitis astyanax^ Lvcaena thoe. Unusual records included Strymon liparops (July 8) and S, acadica (July 8). Clench noted that most of the delayed species overwinter in open fields, all but llneola of the normal period species overwinter in woods,
Voss, collecting in Cheboygan and Emmet Counties, also took Strymon 11parops for the first time, as well as S, falacer (first time)f 5, titus, S, acadica. Other additions to the regional list Include Lvcaena dorcasf Atrytone blmaculat and an Erynnis (probably perslus). Hesperia laurentina and H, leo-nardus were abundant after several years of great scarcity, Collas interior and Lvcaena epixanthe were very abundant in July, "Pieris napi was common ,,, for the first time in my experience; and Danaus plexippus definitely continued its increase in numbers, although still less common than nine or ten years ago," All three species of Speyerla — atlan-tls. aphrodite. and cybele — and Bolorla selene and toddl were extremely abundant all summer, Voss comments: nPerhaps some of the these apparent Increases in numbers were due to the fact that a much greater amount of field work was possible this year", a sage observation for all of us, A full report on the butterflies of Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, Michigan, is in preparation, with special reference to the flower preferences observed for these insects during the past seven years,
Mrs, Hynes, collecting in an area between the last two, continued her rearing of Saturniids and other moths. Very successful in "calling11 males to freshly emerged females, except with Autcmerls is, which seems not to be present in Battle Creek, In one case a male Hyalophora promethea came in the rain as late as Sept, U,
A new reporter, Perkins, collecting in southern Michigan, found Vanessa atalanta and Pieris rapae flying as early as May 6, and Vanessa v^rginiensie on May 16, all new early records for Branch County, Also on May 16 he took Papllio marcellus. a notable catch in this area. On May 27 he took Bolorla toddl. the first caught in Calhoun County, Shappirio, also in southern Michigan, reported a very cold spring, with the season delayed two to three weeks for virtually all species,
WISCONSIN., The three members reporting all live in the north-central part of the State, Again the report is that April and May were very cold and the butterflies appeared about fifteen days late, Grie-
1950
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS' NEWS
99
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 5. CENTRAL - concl.
wisch reported Lycaenopsis pseudarglolus and that three species of Incisalia were unusually abundant, all taken within a half mile radius in late May: I. nlphon. I. lrus, and I. augustus. Phyclodes nycte-!§, Melltaea, harrlsil, and Hesperla sassacus were not found at all. Coliaa interior in June was more abundant than usual. Nymphalis 1-albumf Pierls, pro-todicef Minois alonet and Atrvtone ruricola were also very abundant. The season lasted longer than usual, producing Ma^lt-lff arthemis even later than Hesperla leonardus in late September. At Chippewa Falls Arnhold reported a scarcity of Catocalaf as noted by other collectors in the zone; he found only 2 £. amestrls larvae where they were numerous in 1949. The first butterfly he saw was Pierls nroto-dl££, on May 14; two weeks later Euchloe plympia was not rare. The first flanajis plexippusr a worn $, was seen June 8 at noon, during a period of strong south winds. Sieker reports collecting was the worst in 20 years. Satyrldae were fairly normal in abundance. Very few Colias and Pierls were found• The marsh skipper8 more common than usual. He had fair success with Sphlngidae, taking Sphecodlna abbotll ,
Pridamlfl tnggrtPtaa, Abs&£& asasua on flowers, and
at lights in usual numbers he took Ceratomia undulo-flfi, £. aj£nlox, Zasal&a, 9sca,eca,tft, P. my^a, PacljY-
fipMas Bsdssj&t cregsQaia JmiaMig, gqertnttro? ssir
lsyi. Noctuidae were very scarce at sugar and Geo-metrldae at lights. Most of the Catocala were markedly reduced, but C. cerogama was unusually common;
he took one C. Judith, a great rarity there. All Wisconsin collectors noted that MegJsto eurvtusf Minois aloper and Lethe eurydice were in normal numbers in this general poor year.
ONTARIO. Bailey, the only reporter in this area, also records an "unusual" year - a very late spring, followed by a cool, short summer and a cool autumn; no really hot days. He took the spring form of Phyclodes tharos in July, when the summer form usually predominates. £. nvcteis was 2 or 3 weeks later than in f48 and %U9. Euphvdrvas phaeton was on schedule (July 25). By the end of July things seemed to be back on schedule. Unusual catches: Junonia coeniaT one worn 9, May 14-, a rarity at any time In Ontario; Eurema 11sa« a perfect specimen on July 15, his first; Atrvbone "arogos" in quantity about June 30, usually rare. Bailey noted a brood of dwarf Pierls rapae in mid-June, immediately overlapped by a brood of normal measurements. It may have been a delayed part of the first brood which flies in early May. At any rate, it flew between two major flights of normal-sized P. rapae and often mingled with them.
Contributors: F.R. Arnhold; E.G. Bailey; R. Beebe; Mrs. Hazel Chase; H.K. Clench; L. Grlewisch; Mrs. Vonta Ifynes; A.G. Lauck; R. Leuschner; J.R. Merritt; B.L. Monroe, Jr.; O.A. Perkins; R. Romine; D.G. Snap-pi rio; W.E. Sieker; E.G. Voss; H.E. V/oodcock; G.R. Wren.
6. SOUTHEAST - FLCRIDA TO LOUISIANA, NORTH TO ARKANSAS AND MARYLAND
by Ralph L. Chermock University, Alabama
Contributions for this area were few. However, much of the material was carefully collected, and proved to be Interesting and significant. Unfortunately, all of the information pertained to butterflies, with no observations being made on moths. In general, the season was poor in comparison to previous years.
Fales, collecting in MARYLAND, made a series of interesting observations on the butterflies of that region. His summary of the weather conditions was particularly noteworthy. January and early February were generally mild, with record high temperatures being recorded. During the latter part of February and most of March, the weather was cooler than usual. The Weather Bureau issued the following statement: "The average for November, December, January and February was A3 degrees. But for the first 20 days of March, when the mercury is usually rising, it dropped to an average of 38.2 degrees. Only in 1931-32, when the average was 44.6 degrees, and 1889-90, when it was 44*2, has the area experienced a warmer winter than that just ended. ••• As for snow ... no record was found equal to it, .... only 2 inches fell, l/2 less than the previous record in 1930-31." The mean temperatures for April were nor-
mal, although a cold wave came during the second week; precipitation was lower than normal. May, June, July, and August had normal temperatures, with greater precipitation except for June. September was also wetter than normal and generally cooler. October and November had higher temperatures and increased precipitation. In general, the year was characterized by milder temperatures and greater precipitation.
Fales made the following observations on butterflies. A number of species appeared later than usual, such as: Euptychia cvmela: Minois alope:' Speverla cvbele; Everes comynta,s; ifrca^nQPslg pseudargjofag; Anthocharis mldea: Papilio glaucus: P. troilus: Pro-telflQ? claruff* AftcyloxypbR naaitoj: and Sfcrvmon. meJJL-nus. Apparently, the cold spell in April was significantly responsible for many of these. The relative abundance of species in relation to that of previous years, seems significant. Those species which had normal flights were Phyclodes tharos f Lvcaena phlaeas f Everes comyntasr Eurema llsa, and various species of Ervnnia. Papilio marcellus and Pholisora catullus were somewhat more abundant than normal. The following species were relatively scarce: Llmen-itis arthemis astyanax; Vanessa atalanta; Polygonia interrogation!8: Speverla cvbele: Euptoieta claudia;
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FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
6. SOUTHEAST - cont.
Vol.IV, nos.8-9
Iqcjaalia njjpfton; Collas phllodlce: Anthocharis mj^-£&> Papilio glaucus: P. alax: and Atalopedes campes-trls. The following species had very poor flights: jg&g euryo^ce; Junoriia coenla: Vanessa cardui: Spg-2fi2l& idaiis; Incisalia augustus; I. lrus: Pvrgus c9M\mlg; ifrlgpfaUfl Phvlaeus: and Poanes zabulon-Vanessa atalantaf Aglais antiopa, and Polygonla comma were scarce during the summer months. In summary Fales writes nMy general opinion is that it was a poor butterfly season here. This was probably due to the late spring."
Spring collecting in Maryland was reported normal in quality and date by Blevins, despite cool weather. "Mowing of roadsides by County agencies interfered with normal collecting of butterflies at flowers; perhaps for this reason, Phyclodes and Spe-yeria seemed unusually scarce. In Prince George Co. in Aug. and Sept., skippers were below normal numbers, with the exception of Lerodea lfhermlnierf At-rytone blmacula* and Poanes zabulon. which were much above normal."
For the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA area, Shapplrio wrote: "The season was unusual, as evidenced in: 1) delayed emergence, by as much as a month, of many species (e.g., most Papilio: the spring form of P. glaucus» which is often seen the first week in April, was noted the last week in May); 2) in certain limited habitats, "sensitive" species, such as A. midea spring form and also spring form do* of Papilio glaucus« which ordinarily appear in April for a week or two, either did not appear at all or had markedly reduced flight period; 3) greatly reduced numbers of certain species normally common, such as !• coenia: 4) unusually large numbers of certain species, notably M. a lope. How much of each of these effects may""be due to atypical weather conditions during the winter, is, of course, difficult to determine. It seems certain, however, that a definite effect was exerted by abnormal conditions before the collecting season. In the D.C. and its vicinity, I observed unusually large numbers of M. alope throughout the summer, both by personal observation during June and in August and September, and by reports from persons collecting there then and in July. The species was particularly common in eastern and southern Maryland, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, and Calvert Counties. Ordinarily, the species is seen in or near woods. During 1950, in addition to being there, individuals were seen frequently in open fields and along roads, areas where they normally do not fly. Perhaps the pressure of so many individuals forced them out of their usual habitats. In collecting trips near Washington between June 14 and June 20, I noticed no swallowtails at all. Later in the season, swallowtails of the species P. glaucus (both color forms), P. a.1axf P. troilus, P. philenorf and P. marcellus were present in usual numbers, as observed at Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.; Loudoun Co., Va. (Goose Creek), C and 0 Canal, Montgomery Co., Md., and other localities."
Smith, collecting around Newnan, GECRGIA, has submitted a list noting the succession of appearance of the various species found in the area, including the date when first noted in 1960: Collas eurytheme (Jan.26); Eurema nicippe (Jan.26); Ervnnis
•terentitt.8 (Feb.27); Papilio aiax (- polygenes) (Mar. 11); P. glaucus (Mar.15): Plerls ranae (Mar.15); £fc-pilio marcellus (Mar.17); Vanessa cardui (Mar#17); Phoebls sennae (Mar.17); Polygon!* iPterrogatjonAg (Mar.18); Libytheana bachmanil (Mar.18); Everes com-yntas (Mar.24.): Erynnis horatius (Mar.24); Junonla cpenia (Mar.24); Thoryfreg lftttarllu.8 (Mar.26); Pr^I teides clarus (Mar.26); Papilio philenor (Mar.26); Euptychia gemma (Mar.26); Incisalia lrus (Mar.26); Danaus plexippus (Mar.29); Phyclodes tharos (Apr.2); Vanes8a atalanta (Apr.2); Catla otho (Apr.2); Papilio troilus (Apr.3): Erynnis martial!a (Apr.3); Hes-peria metea (Apr.3); Eurema iucunda (Apr.8): Euptychia sosybius (Apr.9); Erynnis iuvenalls (Apr.9); Achalarus lycldas and Thorybes pylades (Apr.19); £a-blysclrtes vialis (Apr,21): Zerene caesonia (Apr.22); Atrytonopsls hianna (Apr.23); Pholisora catullus (Apr.29): Poanes zabulon (Apt-30): Phyclodes ismeria (Apr.30); Limenitis arthemls astyanax (Apr.30): Co-paeodes minima and Incisalia nlphon (May 5); Pholisora hayhursti . Iycaenopsls pseudarglolus. and Poll-tes brettus (May 11): Oligoria maculata* Strympn mellnus. and Amblvsclrtes hegon (May 28); Speveria cybele (July 2): Eurema ^ls§ (July 23); Mlnols alone (July 23); Hvlephila phvlaeus (0ct.20)*
FLCRIDA. Davidson made the following observations in the vicinity of Orlando. In general, the Hesperiids were less common than in 1949 with the exception of Proteidea cj,fi£us. and Afl^oxyphfl auditor. Strvmon m^flbum, S. cecrops, and Leptofeg j&e.-onus were also less common9 while Atlides halesusf Hemiargus hanno, and Brephldlum pseudofea were more abundant. He also noted that "Whereas £• plexippus was quite scarce and D. berenlce common throughout 1949, the reverse condition obtained in 1950. A concentration of about 25 individuals of the former were noted at Titusville on the Indian River Nov.15, in a small area suggesting migration."
Gillham, also collecting in Florida, noted that the weather during the latter part of March was fair and hot. From his list, all of the species typical of the area were in flight, although many of the rarer species were not collected. Two specimens of Asbplis capucinus were collected at Delray Beach, with several more being seen.
Concerning Florida, Shappirio wrote: "According to entomologists in northern Florida, especially in Putnam and Marion Counties, the summer of 1950 was one of the driest in recent years. Despite this, during the few days I was there early in September, I could detect no noticeable reduction in numbers of individuals from what would assumedly be normal numbers."
In ALABAMA, the general climatic conditions were as follows. The winter of 1949-50 was exceptionally mild, with only one cold spell, of short duration, characterized by a light snow, but not by exceptionally low temperatures. The spring was normal, although about two weeks later than usual. The summer was normal, with a slight drought characterizing July and August. Autumn was normal, although the winter was earlier than usual, beginning with an exceptionally cold spell beginning on Nov.25, and persisting throughout December. As predicted on the basis of the mild winter, the boll weevils increased in number and seriously affected the cotton
1950
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS
101
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 6. SOUTHEAST - cont.
crop. It was expected that we should also have a fine flight of butterflies. However, 1950 proved to be the poorest year for collecting that I have seen since coming south in 1947.
Of those butterflies which characterize the spring flight, Papilio marcellus, Erynnis 1uvenalisf and Erynnis brigo were exceptionally rare; Everes comyntasf Phvclodes tharost Eurema lisaf and £. ia-cunda had normal flights; and Mltoura damon was more abundant than normal, along with Vanessa cardu^T which had an exceptionally good flight. During the summer, all of the common butterflies were relatively scarce with the exception of Euptychia sosybj,a , £• ££na, Lethe Portla,ndj.af Eurema lisa and niclppe* Of particular note was the marked rarity of Euptole-ia Claudia, AffX^VlU vanillas, Phoebia sufcule., Lethe glHTfllce, and to a lesser extent, Hvlenhila phvlaeua and Atalonedea campestriar normally two of the commonest species found in the area. The fall flight again varied considerably. fcftrAfflfl acciua was somewhat more abundant than normal, while the Pierids and Satyrids were relatively abundant. Many of the Hesperiidae such as Amblvacirtes textor and Eudamus proteus were very rare. The really cold winter stopped the winter flight, and butterflies were almost completely absent during December.
A few observations on certain species are worth mentioning. RelJcQnlus ctarj.phoning was collected for the first time in Alabama, near Fairhope, Baldwin Co., on Nov.22, where it apparently is native. The only previous record from any of the Gulf States, exclusive of Florida and southern Texas, was that of Reifcenstein (1863) from New Orleans, which is still unverified. Perhaps this species may occur along the Gulf of Mexico as isolated colonies, and additional collecting may throw some light on the possible origin of the Floridian population.
Lethe portlandia. which occurs as a colony near Tuscaloosa, apparently is triple-brooded in this area,-a spring, summer, and fall brood, with only slight overlapping. Lethe creola. which flies in the same area, apparently is only double-brooded, these broods not coinciding directly with any of those of portlandla*
In a survey of the adults of the Screw Worm (Co-chllomyia amerlcana), traps baited with citrated whole blood were set out in Clarke County. A number of butterflies were caught representing the following species: Papilio philenor: P. troilus: Junonla coenia: Llmenitis arthemis astyanax; Polygonla interrogation! st Asterocampa celtis: Libytheana bach-manil: and Polites brettus* Also collected in the traps were specimens of Amphion nessus and Hemaris dlffinis.
Mather, collecting in MISSISSIPPI near Clinton, made a number of interesting observations. He has collected nine species which were not recorded by Hutchins (Can-Ent.. 65: 210-213; 1933) who wrote the only available list of butterflies collected in Mississippi.
Hutchins had listed five species which Mather had not seen until this year: Atlldes halesua: Dan-fiBS berenice: Ascia monuste: Nymphalis antlopa: and Catia otho. He also noted that the following species, which he had collected in previous years, were
not observed during 1950: Papilio palamedes: Nathalie iols; Pifirlfl protodice: Lethe portlandia: Vanessa cardui: Erynnis juvenalls: Polites themistocles: and P. brettus.
A few of his observations of certain species de-' serve quoting. "Collas philodice: out of a large number of specimens of Collas taken at Clinton since 1946 only one specimen assignable to philodice has been taken. It was a small pale male that was taken with a large number of small pale male eurythemes on 23 January, 1949. The second and last specimen °f Philodice that I have so far taken in Mississippi was a larger darker male taken at Plymouth Bluff in northeast Mississippi on 13 Oct. 1950, flying with a considerable number of larger darker eury theme*
"Buptoleta claudla: specimens have been taken at Clinton in every year since 1946 and in every month except January, April, and December. In 1950 it was apparently absent until July.
"Gonlurus proteus: seen in 1948 in July and October, taken on 14 July; seen in Sept. 1949, but not taken in that year; seen in Oct. and Nov. 1950, and taken on 1, 3, and 22 Oct., more abundant in 1950 than in any previous year#
"The following species have been observed or taken in all 12 months of the year in Clinton: Col-ias eurytheme: Phoebis sennae: Pieris rapae: and Junonia coenia**
A number of observations have been made on butterfly migrations in southeastern United States. Fales, in Maryland, made the following notes on fisn-aus plexippus. "April 26, Collected a female Monarch in orchard at Beltsville, Md. This specimen was surely from last fall and probably migrated from away south." "May 6, O.F. Bodenstein reports one Monarch in flight to north over water at Gales-ville, Md." "July 25, Few Monarchs seen every day now." "Sept.5, In Northern Maryland saw only about 8 Monarchs which were probably migrating south." "Sept.17, Above Cambridge on Route 50 near Easton, Md., in Talbot County, Monarchs were seen several at a time crossing the highways in S.S.E. direction. This was evidence that a weak migration was probably taking place." " Sept#18, Many Monarchs seen in flight in general southward direction in area between Beltsville and Silver Spring, Md." From Sept. 26 to Nov.8, he saw only occasional specimens of this species.
Smith, at Madras, Georgia, lists the number of specimens of Monarchs that he collected as follows: July 26, 12 specimens; Oct. 14, 19 specimens; Oct. 15, 42 specimens; Oct. 27, 267 specimens.
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a fairly normal northward migration in the spring was noted throughout April and early May. A ratio of approximately 60 ^> females and 40/o males characterized this flight, indicating that both sexes participate in this northward migration. In the fall, the southern migration was noteworthy because of its absence. Oily very few individuals were noted during the period when this flight is expected.
A large migration of Ascia monuste was observed on Dauphin Island and the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Mobile Bay, Alabama, flying eastward. These were
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FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 6. SOUTHEAST - concl#
Vol.IV, nos.8-9
all referable to the Florldian subspecies phlleta.
Fales made the following observations on the migration of Phoebls sennae eubule In Maryland$ "Sept, 10, At Ocean City, P, eubule was abundant," "Sept, 15, Today I watched a northward migration along the beach at edge of ocean at Ocean City of £. eubule at rate of a minimum of 5 per minute (sometimes 10), The altitude varied from V-U* to 20,-25'. There was no ground air movement. Some clouds though were going to the northeast. Temperature was 80° F," Similar observations were made on Sept, 16, However, on Sept, 17, he saw only a few specimens of this species. In Tuscaloosa, the spring flight of P, sennae was normal. The fall migration was not as strong as in previous years,
Although the data were sparse for the area, some of the observations seem to be significant. In general, there was a relatively mild winter, with warm temperatures. However, a slight cool spell did tend to retard the arrival of spring, and the emergence of spring butterflies. In Maryland, all of the species which had normal flights are those which are widespread in distribution, and successful in a number of Life Zones. Paplllo marcellus* which is essentially more southern in distribution, had a good flight in the spring which may be logically attributed to the mild winter. Among those species which were rarer than normal, many have very wide ranges of distribution, many tend to be more limited to the temperate areas, while a few such as g. Claudia and £• coenia are essentially more southern butterflies
Conditions were somewhat varied in the Northeastern Area in 1950. In southern Quebec and Ontario the early part of the winter was exceptionally mild; this was followed by bitter cold and heavy snowfall in February and March. The spring was only a little delayed and was normally warm. On most of the Atlantic Seaboard, on the other hand, the winter was mild, the snowfall light, and the first warm weather early. The early warm period was, however, soon succeeded by a cool, wet interval, which had the effect of delaying the emergence of many spring species,
In general, the abundance of Lepidoptera seems to have been at a normal or higher than normal level in most regions. Low numbers were reported chiefly from those areas in which large-scale DDT spraying was also reported. Migrants appear to have been scarce. Danaus plexippus appeared in much smaller numbers than in 1949, although the date of arrival in the Montreal region was again early. Vanessa cardul was scarce or absent everywhere. Several species did appear in abnormal abundance, the most conspicuous being Malacosoma dlsjtrla, which occurred in very large numbers over a considerable
which are approaching their northernmost limits in Maryland. One would expect those species with more restricted distributions, such as £>. idaliaf to be more directly affected by temperature changes than those with wide ranges such as £. tharps: but one would also expect those butterflies more characteristic of the warmer regions to be more successful in a mild winter.
In Alabama, the spring flight was also interesting. Paplllo marcellust endemic to eastern United States, was rare in contrast to the flight in Maryland; Erynnis .luvenalls and g, brlzof essentially temperature forms, were also rare. The winter might have been too warm for their survival, Eurema 11 sa and E. lucundat essentially more southern species, and E. comynt&s and P. tharosf which had wide distributions, were able to survive the winter strongly. The summer flight was particularly significant, because many of the common species characteristic of the South, were marked by their rarity, such as A, yajnillae, E, claudla, and H. phylaeus. With a mild winter, and an average summer, one would expect a normal or good flight. These data suggest that the relative abundance of these butterflies is not directly correlated with winter temperatures. The ability of many of the species to survive must be related to other environmental factors, or combinations of factors, necessitating more extensive observations on the environment,
Contributors: T,B, Blevins; W,M, Davidson; J,H,Fales; N,W, Gill ham; B. Mather; D.G. Shapplrio; M.E. Smith,
area in southern Canada. On the Atlantic coast, fia-tana spp. seem to have been unusually abundant: in Connecticut, defoliation was caused by £, drexelll on Vacclnium and Hamamells and by D, lntegerrima on Juglans nigra: in New Jersey, patana sp, defoliated several square miles of scrub oak in the Pine Plains, An outbreak of Alypla octomaculata on the Yale University campus caused defoliation of thousands of square feet of ornamental vines. The detailed summary by regions follows,
PENNSYLVANIA: northeastern Lancaster Co, (Ehle), Butterflies were about normally abundant, their numbers showing some decrease from 1949. Junonla coen-la a»d ^ne three species of Vanessa were very markedly reduced. Buphvdryas phaeton and Bolorla toddi were unusually common, Euptoieta claudla unusually scarce. Strymon melinus was scarce, £. falacer scarcer than in the past few years, and many individuals dwarfed; S, edwardsll was abundant in clearings in oak scrub; 180 specimens were taken in 2 days; many were unusually fearless or lethargic, and could be picked up with forceps, and even induced to remain on the shoulder or hand of a moving person, One female of S, liparops was taken among the <gg-
7, NORTHEAST - DELAWARE AND PENNSYLVANIA NORTH TO SOUTHERN QUEBEC
by Eugene G, Munroe Ottawa, Ontario
1960
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS
103
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 7. NORTHEAST - cont.
wardsll. Danaus plexlppus was present In normal numbers, but no migratory activity was observed. Dates of emergence were normal or a little late. Pg-lygonla comma appeared in numbers on Apr.3, Inclsa-11a augustus on May 7, Mltoura damon on May 27, Pap-ilio glaucus,, 1st gen. May 6, 2nd gen. June 18, 3rd gen. Aug.14, Megisto eurrtus June 8, Speyerla cybele July 8, Polltes cernes Aug.19, Lerodea I'herminler Sept.3,
NEW JERSEY: Pine barrens near Pemberton (CadburyX Early spring species appeared in normal numbers, but moths later seemed below normal, at least as represented at light* Paonlas astylus was scarce, 2 specimens being taken as against 20 in 1948. Heavy DDT dusting from aircraft has been carried on In blueberry fields in 1949 and 1950.
Lakehurst (Ehrllch and Hessel). Mltoura hessell attracted as many as nine collectors to this locality in a single day. on which between 70 and 100 specimens were taken [one hopes that restraint will be exercised, at least until the range and distribution of the species are better known]. On May 6 Inclsa-11a polios and augustus were in fresh condition, also Erynnls brizo and luvenalls: this is considered to be about 3 weeks late for the locality. On May 13 U* hessell was at its maximum, nearly 2 weeks later than in 1949. On July 29, 1 Atrytone bimacula was taken in poor weather; on Aug.9 Atrytone ffLon was common, also Minds alope. Everes cpmyntas, Atrytone rurlcolaf and other species• Despite search by a small army of collectors from July 20 to Aug. 11 no second flight of M. hessell was detected,although a full-grown larva was taken on Aug.9.
Other localities (Ehrllch). At Lebanon State Forest, Lycaena epixanthe was enormously abundant on July 1; two collectors took over 500 specimens in an hour; fresh Atrytone bimacula were also frequent; other species were Euptychfo areolatus and Strymon falacer. At Springdale on July 7 Calephells boreal-JLs. was beginning to appear, Meglsto eurvtua. and Proteldes cJ^IHfl were common, Strymon falacer was taken; on July 19 C. boreal!s was frequent and In fresh condition. At Newfoundland, Melltaea harrlsll was in good condition on June 22 (unusually late); Euphydryas phaeton was common on that date and persisted until July 19, a very late date. Also at Newfoundland on June 22 were Hesperla sassacus in large, and Poanes hobomok in very large, numbers. On July 19 Strymon tltus was emerging, Speyerla cybele r Lycaena phlaeas and Minois alope were common.
Shappirio wrote i w0n June 13, 1950, I drove from Akron, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., through East Liverpool, Ohio, Pittsburgh, the Pa. turnpike to Breezewood, Pa., Hancock, Md., and then to Washington. All the way from Akron, Ohio, to the eastern slope of the Appalachian mountains, when it became too late in the day, I saw many dwarf male P. glaucus. The specimens were all fresh, and appeared to be recently emerged. (In Washington, specimens were taken in late May; see other notes.) In general, P. glaucus was more noticeable than usual; between Akron and a point on the Turnpike I counted 35 r In a trip to Adams Co., Pa., on June 18, I saw none. It is difficult to explain why none were seen, since
Adams Co. is on the eastern slope of the mountains, In an area not far distant from where many were seen only five days before."
NEW YORK! Long Island (Hessel). Most Lepidopte-ra were below normal numbers, possibly as a result of building projects and of spraying with DET. Jn-clsalla were more common than usual, especially I. nlnhon; the first appearance of this species was on May 17, as compared with April 11 in 1949. Vanessa cardul and Phoebis sennae were not seen; Danaus plex-Ippus was perhaps not up to normal numbers; Alabama arglllacea was scarce. Saturnlids and Catocala were much below normal numbers. Unusual captures were 4 Atreides plebeiat 1 Herse clngulataf 2 Psectra-glaea carneosaf 1 Xylotype capax. A good flight of Hemileuca mala occurred on eastern Long Island, where the species had not been seen for several years.
Ithaca (Keji). Dates should be compared with those given in the 1949 summary. The number of different days on which each species was seen is indicated, as well as the range of dates. Papilio alaxr May 24 to Oct.2, 62 days; £• glaucusf June 9 to Aug. 5, 20 days; P. trollusf July 31 to Aug.ll, 4 days; Pleris ranae, May 2 to Nov.l, 152 days; Collas eury-tijeme, June 24 to Nov.7, 73 days; C. philodlce. May 24 to Nov.l, 58 days (both Collas were less common than in 1949); Danaus plexjppust June 6 to 0ct.30, 68 days (definite indications of southward migration In September and October, with a peak of abundance in the latter part of each of those months); Lethe portlandia not seen; Minois aloper July 9 to Aug.26; Meglsto eurytus, June 8 to 26; Speyerla cybele f June 30 to Sept.9, 30 days; Bolorla toddl. May 27 to Sept. 14, 10 days; ^pftyflmg £k&£&QB, June 23; PhYCittlgfl tharos. May 25 to 0ct.21, 68 days; Polygonia inter-rogationisf June 26 to Sept.2, 5 days; ffymphalis £Q-tlopat April 26 to Oct.21, 5 days; Vanessa ataj.antaf May 5 to Sept.7, 10 days; V. Sfirjjul, not seen; J£-menltls arthemlsf June 13 to Aug.22, 4 days; £. ax-chippu8f Aug.7 to Sept. 18, 6 days; IfVcaena thoe. June 6 to Sept.30, 9 days (scarcer than in 1949;; £• hypophlaeasf July 12 to 0ct.7, 32 days; Everes comyn-tas. June 10 to 0ct.l9, 40 days; Lvcaenopsls pseud-argiolu8f May 22 to Aug.27, 5 days; Proteldes slarjjg, July 26 to Oct.3, 4 days; Pyrgus communisf June 5 to Sept.7, 17 days; Phollsora catullus. May 27 to Aug. 28, 30 days; Thorybes pylades. June 12 to Aug.13, 9 days; Ancyloxypha numltor, June 13 to Sept.7« In general, emergences were considerably later than in 1949.
Sardinia (Rupert). Late summer and all autumn collecting was disappointing; many normally common species of Heterocera were scarce. The autumn migrants, such as ftybflir1 argillacea and Antlsargia. gemmati 11 sf were not seen. Kimball records for the first time from the State: Lvcaena dorcas michlgan-en8J8f from Fishers, Ontario Co.; and Xvlormlsa log-1 si ana, from Penfield, Monroe Co.
CONNECTICUT; New Haven region (Remington, Remington, Pease, Bellinger). After a mild winter, the spring was late, cold, and wet. In June the weather improved and the remainder of the season was normal. The early Geometridae appeared by Apr.4; spring but-
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FIELD SEASON SUMMARY
7. NORTHEAST - cent.
Vol.IV, nos.8-9
terfly dates follow: Lycaenopala pseudarglolua Apr. 19 to May 4; Erynnls brlzo. May 6 to 13; E. iuvenal-lsf May 13 to June 4; Anthocharis midea. May 3 to 13; Strymon mejlnug, May 6: Lycaena phlaeag. May 27 to June 23; Bolorla toddl. May 27 to June 22. These are all 1 to 4 weeks later than corresponding dates for 1949. Mitoura damon and Anthocharis mldea were much less common than in 1949. Summer butterflies were for the most part at least as common as In 1949; exceptions were: Melltaea harrisii. Asterocampa eel-tfts, Limenitis astyanaxt which were much scarcer; and Euphrdryas phaeton, Phyclodes nvctels. Achalarua lycidasf which were somewhat scarcer, than in 1949* Summer dates follow: Paplllo glaucusr June 2 to Sept.17; P. trollusr June 2 to Sept.8; Eurema lisaf July 13 to Aug.ll, Aug.27 to Sept.6; Euphydryas phaetont June 22 to July 8; Melltaea harrisilf June 22 to July 13; Speyeria idalia. July 5 to Sept.8; S. cybelet July 5 to Sept.8; Phyclodes tharosr June 2~ to July 5, July 19 to Sept.23, Oct.14 (f. marcia): Lethe eurydlce. July 5 to Aug.9; Megisto eurrbus> June 11 to 28, July 13 to Aug.5; Strymon falacer. June 28 to July 9; Lycaena thoe, June 11 to 22; At-rytone conapicua. July 12 to Aug.5; Poanes hobomok, June 16 to July 8; Pholisora catullus. June 4 to July 5, July 29 to Aug.23; Ancyloxypha numltor. June 18 to July 23, July 31 to Sept.8. Danaus plexlppus was first seen on June 4; there was no conspicuous migration. Vanessa cardui was not seen. More numerous than usual were: Poanes zabulon. June 20-22 and Aug.25-28; P. massasolt. July 19 to Aug.5; Atry-tone loganf July 14 to Aug.10; Strymon 11 par ops, July 12 to Aug.8; §• acadica, July 19 to 25; Lerodea l'herminler. June 28, Aug.28 to Sept.2. unusual records were: Hesperia metea, June 2; Junonia coenla. Aug.2 to 8; Papillo cresphontes. Sept.2, also many larvae (date not specified): Pyrgus communis> Oct.8. Utethelsa bella larvae were common on Crotalaria. but adults were rather scarce; Thyrldopteryx ephemerae form! s was common for the first time in history. Lvcomorpha pholus was numerous in late June; Clsseps fulvicollis and Ctenucha virginlca were very abundant, Catocala badia and epione were common; larvae of Lagoa crispata and Si bine stimulea were numerous; 4pt^er^eft Polyphemus larvae and Saffiia. waJj£grA cocoons were numerous; Oreta rosea larvae were much scarcer than in 1949»
MASSACHUSETTS: Barnstable (Kimball). In April there was a heavy flight of Agrotls ypsllon. otherwise little activity; later in the season this species was scarce. In July, collecting at light was excellent; in September and October it was unproductive. Response to bait was poor throughout the season. Species less common in 1950 than in 1949 were: Crambidia pallida: Anomogyna elimata (although A. dlluclda was common): Schinia arclgera: S. previa: Doryodes spadarla (2 specimens, as against many in 1919)i Gabara bipuncta: Metasiopsls ossularla t and most Crambinae and Phycltinae; Crambos decorellus and Argyria argentana were, however, more common than in 1949. Other species more common than in 1949 were: Lycaena phlaeas: Acronicta spp.; Graphl-pnora badlnodis: Leucanla insueta: Qncocnemls ripa-rla: Chamyrls cerintha: many Notodontidae; Habrosyne scripts: Paraphia esther: Syssaura puber. The following were not common, but appeared in moderate
numbers: Pholus achemon: Ecpantheria deflorata: Pae-ctes pygmaea: Itame latiferrugata, Euclea delphinli was less common than in 1949, and its range of variation was restricted, all specimens belonging to f. viridlclava. Migrants were scarce; only one each of P«l«r*o ilneatg and A^h^ argillacea were taken, and Antlcarsia gemmatilla was not seen. Interesting captures were: Ampeloeca versicolor! Cltheronia ss-pu^ctyalis; Papalpema stenoscelis: Atethmia rectfr-J&scift; Rfrofloecja. aurantlago: Eublemma minima,; Oruza albocostaliata: Eutella pulcherrlma: Acentropus nly-ejjg. New records for the region are: Hydroecla ai-caceft; Cataclyj^a slo^spnaiis.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (Remington, Remington, Pease,Lennox). Qeqeis semi^ea, ^meni^ls arthemis, Speyeria atlantlsf were all common in the White Mts. in July, and some Byrdia rossl were found. The flight of Bo-loria montina in August was heavy.
MAINE (Brower, Qrey, Blevina). After a mild winter with light snow, warm weather began in April, but was followed by an extended period of cool, cloudy weather. In southern Maine the second half of the season was very dry. Butterflies were scarce except for northern and bog-inhabiting forms, which seemed to prosper; Iycaenldae were perhaps more abundant than usual. Some notes on species follow. £a-pllio a1axf Augusta, May 21 into June; £. glaucuaf Oakland, May 22 into June; Colias eurytheme was almost lacking, but one specimen was identified at Augusta, Oct.20; 0. philodlce appeared at Eastbrook, May 22, and small numbers followed; C. interior, Mt. Katahdln, July 9; Pleris napi in northwestern Maine, June 9; fresh-looking Danaus plexlppus appeared June 6 at Belgrade, was later more numerous than usual in the Augusta region; Megisto eurjrtus, Belgrade, June 19-20; Oenels iutta. Passadumkeag, May 30; 0. katahdln in average numbers, July 9-10; Speyeria cybele appeared at Augusta, July 3; jf. atlantls and aphrodite were scarce; Bolorla selene was scarce, appeared at Lincoln, May 29; B. toddft appeared at Oakland, May 22; Phyclodes tharos was scarce, appeared at Eus-tis, June 9; Polygonia faunus and progne were very numerous near the Quebec border, June 9; Vanessa a$-alanta was not seen; V. cardui was scarce; Limenitis archippu8. Norridgewock, June 10, later scarce; Stryaon mellnus. Lincoln, May 29, more common than usual at Augusta; Inclsalla augustinnaf Franklin. May 23, Lincoln, May 27-30, Bar Harbor, June 2; I. polios. Franklin, May 23* Lincoln, May 27; I. nlohon, Lincoln, May 27, Belgrade, June 5; £. henrici. Lincoln, May 29; I. lanoraieensls. Lincoln, May 28-30, numerous; Lycaena phlaeas. Bar Harbor, June 2, in reduced numbers throughout the season; Thorybes pyladesf Augusta, June 16-17; Erynnls icelus. Franklin, May 23, Eustis, June 9; Ancyloxypha numltor* crest of Mt. Katahdln (!), July 9, Augusta, Aug. 15; Hesperia sajg-sacu8f Belgrade, June 20; Poanes hobomok. Ellsworth, June 3; Amblyscirtes viallsf Bar Harbor, June 2. Dr. Brower submitted numerous moth records, of which a few are given. Lapara bombycoides. Princeton, July 1-21; Actias luna,T more common than usual; Ha-llsidota maculate. Princeton, June 16-July 7; Spae-lotls clandestlna. Augusta, June 21; Orthosis revic-ta, Blue Hill, May 22; Hydroecla micaceat Augusta, bred from rhubarb, Aug.8; Liparis dlspar. first at
1950
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 7. NORTHEAST - cont.
105
Augusta July 29; Malacosoma americana. first at Augusta, July 1; Mesothea lncertata. East Orland, May 22, Franklin, May 23; HeUpqata, cvcladata- Smith-field, June 25; Dysmigia loricaria. Kingfield, June 10; Cingilia catenarla. Charlotte, Sept.22, Augusta Oct.3; Metrea ostreonalls. Millinocket, June 29; Sthenopls argenteomaculatus. Brownfield Junction, July 8, Fort Kent, July 16; Heolalua gracilis. Millinocket, Aug.2. Mr, Grey notes that Notodontids were unusually abundant, and that two Sphinx canadensis were taken at Lincoln, the first in several years. A flight of Alabama argillacea was observed at Augusta, Sept.7.
NOVA SCOTIA (McDunnough and Ferguson). The season was an average one for Lepldoptera; butterflies were common in the intervals of damp weather. The first butterflies appeared, as usual, about May 5, and some butterflies persisted until Nov.l. Vanessa cardui. V. virginienais. and Colias eurytheme were not observed; Danaus plexippus was scarce. Polygo-nia and Nymphalls remained scarce. The three spp. of Speyeria were numerous from Baddeck southward; Glaucopsvche lygdamus was taken, for the first time on the N.S. mainland, at Halifax. Ermnis luvenalls occurred in numbers at L. Kejimukujik, Queens Co., in late May. Many interesting moths were taken. The following are new records for N.S.: Anomogyna imperita. Mt. Uniacke, Aug.11-18; Eplglaea epiata. various bogs, Sept., Oct.; Phunhena u-album. L. Kejimukujik, May 29; Anacamptodes humaria. Mt. Uniacke, June 7-15. The following species were taken in numbers for the first time: Anogogyqa perqu^rltft^a,, Qrap^P^or^ Ppaci,frons, Apharetra, cjjentatft, &111& iris. Harpaglaea sericea. Xanthia lutea. Anathix puis, OUftla. minuscule,, Ergqob}na claujeqs, Nycteqla, filgyaaa, qpfrzeuxis lfturentfr, Plemyria georgjj, Thera Junlperata. pupithecja n^blco^or, E. lnter-ruptofasclata. Interesting Microlepidoptera were Olethreutes fumfrpntanft and TortrJ^ alberta,.
NEW BRUNSWICK (Rupert and Ferguson). Collecting in northern and eastern N.B. in the period July 8-17 was extremely productive. Butterflies were moderately, moths very plentiful; 211 species were taken. The colony of Paoillo brevicauda near Tabusintac was still flourishing. Colias interior was common on heaths and bogs everywhere; several Phyciodes nvcteis were taken near Allardville; Plebeius aster was numerous at Grande Anse; P. saeplolus was common on the Tantramar Marshes and near Bathurst. The following are interesting moth records: Apantesis williamsli. Caraquet; Parasemia parthenos. general; Ha^fflm^TW trjsignata,, Coquet, Dorchester; Ana^ plectoldes pressug, general; Enargla, mepfrlsto, Bathurst; Mycteropliora, isgxplicaJta, Jacquet River; Scs-pula frigidarlaf Allardville and Jacquet River; Se-miothisa perplexaf Dorchester, Caraquet, progeny reared on larch; £. orlllata: Dysmigia loricarla. very abundant. Notodontidae were very numerous at a locality near Bathurst; 16 spp. were taken.
QUEBEC: Gaspe Peninsula (Rupert and Ferguson). The account of this expedition is being written up
up separately and will appear at a later date.
Forestville, Saguenay Co. (de Ruette and McGill-is). Two periods of collecting, in the second week of July and the first week of August, were both very productive of moths, although the second was somewhat marred by cold weather. Among the many spp. taken were: Hemaris diffinisf July 8; fiuxsfl ochro-gajtej:, numerous, Aug. 12-13; Crvmodes devastator, Aug. 12; Anomogyna ftHqclfla, common; Catocala s££-dlda. ultronla. and blandula,f all in small numbers in August (Catocala spp. were much less numerous than in 19A8); Malacosoma dlsstria. July 12; Habro-gyne scripta, July 7-12; Oret^ rojaga, f. irxsrata, July 13; Calocalpe unflujatft, July 10-11; qesperuffj-ft sulphuraria: Semiothisa granitata. very numerous, July 8-30. Among unusual records were: Diarsia pseudorosaria freemanif July 12, 1 specimen, the first record from south of Hopedale; Buxoa quebec-July 12; Anomogyna imperitar Aug.13; Malqcq-_ pluviale, Aug.8.
Ste. Anne de Bellevue and vicinity (Gray, Free-i, Hardwlck, Munroe, McGillis). Butterflies were in general scarcer than usual. Some records of Lepldoptera follow. Nymphalls i-album. May 5; Caenur-gina spp., May 13; Pieris rapae. May H; Phigalia titea, May 15; Pieris rapae. numerous May 22; Iarcae-nopsis pseudargiolus and Apaecasia defluata. May 22; Papillo a.1ax. May 24; Papilio glaucus. May 27; Colias philodice. white female May 29, males May 31; Alypla octomaculata. June Ui Bolorla selene. June U; Phyciodes tharos, June 10; Limenltis archlppus. June 18; Poanes hobomok. June 18; Limenltis arthemia. Isla Isabella. Ctenucha virginlca. all June 22; Spae-lotls clandestlna. June 23; Ancyloxypha flum^tpr, July 2 (a month earlier than in 19Z.9): Scollopteryx Ubatrlx, in house July 8; Eyflype sjgstaj^, Protelfl-SS c3,arus, July 8; Nynjphal^s ftnttope,, July 9; S£tt-mon tltus. July 10, 19, 20; S. acadica and falacer. July 20; Atrrbone ruricola. Speyeria cybelef July 20; Phragmatobia fullginosa. July 23; Catocala ultronla. July 28; Horlsme intestinata. Aug.4; Aqcyloxypfra. w mitpr, Aug. 15; Pvrausta iqaequalls, Aug.27; S^am^pd-23. gibbocostata. Aug.30; Llthoohane bethunei and £$-phelodes emmedonia, Sept.l; Catocala concumbens. Sept.2; Phyciodes tharos. 0ct.7; Danaus plexippus. Oct.8; Erannl8 tillaria. 0ct.l8; Colias philodice. Oct.29; Pieris rapae. Nov.3« D. plexippus was scarce; V. cardul, and virginlensls were not seen; Polygonia was scarce; Strvmon spp. unusually common; an unusual record was Strymon mellnus. Pieris virginienais was taken in small numbers on lie Perrot in May.
Kirks Ferry, Gatlneau District (Beirne). A light trap was operated on a wooded hillside at this locality in May, early June, August, and September. Results were in general good. Some specific records follow: Lvola ursaria. Phigalia titea. Bapta glomer-aria. Nyctobla iimitajria, all common, May 15-20; Cladara atroliturata. Abbotana clej^grlft, Aethalura antlcarla. May 22; Metarranthis duaria. Anlsota rjj-bictjnda, May 24; Feralla cornstocki in moderate nos. and Xylomlges dolosa very common in May; Habrosyne scripta. Aug.7-10; Calocalpe undulata. Aug.8-9; Ca£-jpeta angustlorata. Aug.9; Tolype laricls. Aug.6 to Sept.7; £• velleda. Sept.3; Campaea perlata, Aug.21;
<
106 FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 7. NORTHEAST - concl. Vol.1 V, nos.8-9
Itame rlbeariar Aug.28; Amphldasis cognataria. Aug. 15-26; Craabus latiradlellus. Aug.21-26; Thamnatop-sis glbsonellusr abundant in early September,
Special records: An enormous outbreak of Malaco-aoma disstrla larvae occurred in the region of Meach Lake, near Ottawa, in June; Oeneis chryxus strlgulo-8a was taken in numbers near Beechgrove, northwest of Ottawa, constituting a new record for the Province*
The only source of information this year was the i collections of the Northern Insect Survey expeditions. The localities are situated within the coniferous forest and on the barrens of the area between the Mackenzie River and Hudson Bay. Lepidoptera were more numerous at Ft •Smith and Ft •Simpson, N.W.%, than at any other locality that was Investigated* This abundance is understandable because those localities are situated well within the rich fauna of the northern boreal forest. Lepidoptera were least abundant at Cambridge Bay, Victoria Island, N.W.T. The scarcity at this latter locality is probably perennial because it is situated in the coldest 1so-thermic band. It is significant that Vanessa cardul. which was revy abundant in the north last year, was not seen this year. Following are some notes of the dominant species at each of the places that were Investigated.
FORT SIMPSON. N.W.T. This locality is situated near latitude 60* at the junction of the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers. The lepidopterous fauna is southern and no arctic intrusions were collected. Collecting started in early June and most of the species had emerged by early July. Hymphallds were the dominant butterflies and Nvmphalis antlopa was extremely abundant. N. 1-album and N. milbertl were also dominant species. Limenltis arthemis. £. arch-Ippus. Paplllo glaucua cajaignjdfi, Speverla atlantfls, Coenonympha ochracea mackenziel. Lvcaena thoe, Evgr-S£ amyntula. and Bolorla selene are a few of the many species which occur at Ft.Simpson and are typical of more southern latitudes. The geometrld Campaea perlata predominated among the larger moths although Crvmodes devastator. Catocala brisels, and C. uj&ju.-g& were very abundant.
FORT SMITH, N.W.T. Situated on the Slave River at the boundary between Alta. and the N.W.T. Collecting started about June 1st and by early July most of the spp. had emerged. The fauna is similar to that of Ft. Simpson. Speverla atlantls predominated in the collections. Colias Christina and C. gjgantea were abundant. Most of the species taken at Ft. Simpson were also captured at Ft. Smith with the following significant additions: Anthocharis ag-sonides. Erebla disco!dalls. Boloria freila. Phvcio-dSfi tharos. Pierls nanl. Plebelus scudderl. P. sae-plolus. and Papllio machaon ssp.
Contributors (only those who reported are listed; those whose collecting was reported by others will be found listed under the appropriate regions,above): P.F. Bellinger; A.E. Brower; J.W. Cadbury, 3rd; G. Ehle; P.R. Ehrlich; D.C. Ferguson; N.W. Gillham; P.H.H. Gray; L.P. Grey; D.F. Hardwick; S.A. Hessel; J.A. Keji; C.P. Kimball; D.J. Lennox; R.W. Pease, Jr.; C.L. Remington; J.E. Remington; L.R. Rupert; D.G. Shappirio.
GILLAM, MANITOBA. Situated about 180 miles south of Churchill, in northern Manitoba. The area lies in the Northern Transition zone and contains, mainly, those species indigenous to the boreal forest with very few transition zone representatives. The Lepidoptera were not well represented this year either in number of species or number of individuals. Temperatures of 80° F. as well as snow storms occurred in late May and as a result, butterflies did not emerge to any extent before June 1st and emergence continued into July. A few specimens of each of the following were taken but the numbers were not significant to establish dominant forms: Colias pelldne. Speyeria atlantlsf Phvclodes tharos« Plebelus scud-deri, Bolorla frigga. B. freijar B. selene« Anthocharis ausonides (a significant record). Lvcaenopsis pseudargioluar and Inclsalia augustus,
ESKIMO POT NT, N.W.T. Situated about 175 miles north of Churchill on the west coast of Hudson Bay. The fauna of this tundra locality is essentially arctic with very few accidental intrusions from the boreal forest. Lepidoptera began to emerge in early July and continued to emerge Into August. Colzas predominated among the genera with nastes, hecla and pelldne the abundant species. Nymphalis antiona and Archlps confllctana represent significant intrusions from the south. Oeneis were rare as was Boloria ftreila. Erebla rossi ssp., Boloria improba. B. aph-irape trlclariaf B. polarls and B. chariclea were numerous, trlclaris predominate In the genus.
PADLEI, N.W.T. Situated about 150 miles inland from Eskimo Point and containing, for the most part, the same species as those at Eskimo Point. Lepidoptera began emerging in early July. Our little friend Archips confllctana represented an Intrusion as at Eskimo Point and apparently is inclined to enjoy cold feet. Erebla rossll and E. fasciata predominated in the collections. Oeneis taygete han-buryJL, Colias pelldne. nastes and hecla were abundant. Boloria aphirape trlclaris again predominated in this genus; improba* chariclea, polarls and frei-la were rare.
CHESTERFIELD INLET, N.W.T. Located on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay. The fauna is entirely arctic and the first Lepidoptera emerged in mid-July. Colias was the predominant genus and nastes and hecla
8. FAR NORTH - ALASKA TO LABRADOR
by T.N. Freeman Ottawa, Ontario
1950 THE LEPIDOPTERISTS1 NEWS 107
FIELD SEASON SUMMARY 8. FAR NORTH - concl.
were abundant. Boloriar Erebiaf and Oenels were well represented by the usual eastern arctic species. B. aphirane triclarls was not taken. Erebla fascia-t§ was not as abundant as at Padlei.
REPULSE BAY, N.W.T. At the base of the Melville Peninsula and east of the Fox Basin. The ice left the bay on August 4 - the latest in 17 years, according to P.F. Bruggemann, who investigated the area. The fauna is all arctic and collecting starts in early July. Collas hecla and nastes predominated. Bo-loria improba and Polaris were abundant. Erebla rossii was found, but not fasciata. Lycaena plflqeas
a^d Plebeius aaullo were taken. Anarta richardsonl and two pterophorids were prevalent moths.
CAMBRIDGE BAY, N.W.T. On the southern coast of Victoria Island near longitude 105°, just north of the continental land mass. Ice was present in the bay throughout the summer months. The fauna is entirely arctic. Lepidoptera first appeared on July 11* £• nastes and hecla predominated. Bolorla was represented by a few specimens of tltanla ssp. and Polaris. A few specimens of P. aqullof Oenels me-llssa assimllls and Erebla rossii were obtained. Lepidoptera were scarce at Cambridge in 1950.
BOOK REVIEWS 18. A Field Guide to the Butterflies g£ North America f East of the Great Plainsf by Alexander B. Klots*
Here is the most important publication on North American butterflies to appear since at least 1931« Most readers of this review will own the volume soon and quickly become familiar with its manner of treatment. Nevertheless, there are so many remarkably good features of the book that it is a pleasure and a duty to point them out in some detail. There are also matters which are either errors or omissions. Then, too, there are points of interpretation to be considered, an aspect which, like most reviewers, I cannot resist developing.
This ideal little book is the newest (and biologically finest) member of the highly successful Field Guide Series, edited by the pioneer in the series, Roger Tory Peterson. The present volume has an amount of valuable detail which seems quite impossible for a book this size. In fact, not since the superb volumes by Scudder has one work presented so much information on the butterflies.
Nearly one-third of the Field Guide is devoted to general instructions and discussions. The first chapter, nHow to Use This Book", appears to be directed primarily toward "Teachers and Nature Leaders". It is of questionable value in this book, and the precious space might have been devoted to a few subjects unaccountably missing. However, having thus done his wdutyn, the author immediately turns to a series of lucid, instructive chapters worth reading for any collector. Their subjects arei
The Butterfly and Its Environment Life Histories and Growth The Adult Butterfly Butterfly Classification.
There are three general Appendices at the end of the volume which will also be useful reference sources:
Some Principles of Classification Butterfly Literature and Collections Checklist of Butterflies and Skippers.
The body of the Guide contains the account of all the species of butterflies known to live east
•349 PP«» 40 pis. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston. 1951. $3.75,
of the Great Plains. The many spill-overs from the tropics, found in Florida and Texas, are dealt with very fully. There is a key to the eleven families of butterflies in the East, and each family and subfamily is clearly and tersely characterized in its appropriate place in the text. For nearly every species Dr. Klots has given the preferred habitat, a brief description stressing the Identification points, a scanty larval characterization, known foodplants, the number of broods and "spring" flight period, hibernation stage, and distribution. The (geographic) subspecies of the East are listed, with their type localities, ranges, and recognition points. A list of "Casual and Stray Species and False or Dubious Records" is appended with comments.
For some of the most confusing groups there are keys to the species (Riodinidae, Theclinae, Inclsa-11af Plebeilnae, Erynnls. and other Hesperiidae).
The indices make it easy to turn quickly to the page one is seeking. There is an Index to Technical Terms and General Subjects, an Index to Larval Food Plants (including common names), and an Index to Butterflies (also Including common names).
"Every species of importance has been illustrated. Color has been used where it is most important for identification. Usually only the upper- or underside has been shown, whichever shows the better identification characters. In general, species which merely stray into our area have not been illustrated, unless they occur widely enough to cause confusion in identifying native forms." (p.xvi)
Some of the colored plates are exceptionally fine (e.g., pl#8). Dr. Klots struggled a long time steadily improving the quality of printing, but some of the colored plates are poor (e.g., pi.16, fig.14 - Brora laeta: pi.21, fig.15 - Eurema daira iucundat pl.22, figs.7-10 - Collas spp.; and many Hesperiidae). The plate of larvae is even clearer than Scudder's originals from which it was copied. Some of the black-and-white half-tones are not good (e.g., pl.10, fig«7; pi.18, fig.ll), but many are excellent.
108
Remington: KLOTS1 FIELD GUIDE - cont.
Vol.IV, nos.8~9
The most obvious criticisms concern names and in some cases are, of course, matters of opinion. The latin names are unhappily subservient to a curious assemblage of "common" names. It is unfortunate that a book which will have such a profound influence on popular lepidopterology does not step out boldly in guiding amateurs to use latin names rather than follow the trail of ornithologists and British lepidopterists. The reader is encouraged to eschew the neat name Boloria improba and embrace "Dingy Arctic Fritillary" (it is improba ble that any common name user will ever see this species alive). There are scores of scarce species with such "common11 names. W.J. Holland, in his books, at least placed the common names parenthetically and inconspicuously. Dr. Klots has coined many "common11 names, some in place of well-known and characteristic ones, and many previously used but unrepresentative names are perpetuated. We find Agraulis vanil-iae still the "Gulf Fritillary" (although it abounds in Missouri, California, etc.). Strymon o. Ontario now the "Northern Hairstreak" (its headquarters seem to be the Missouri Ozarks), Erora laeta the "Early Hairstreak" (several fly earlier; this fabulous species deserves a better name), Incisalia augustinus the "Brown Elfin" (this is THE reddish Incisalia; all the others are browner), Lvcaeides mellssa samu-elis the "Karner Blue" (Karner is not even the name of the type locality any longer).
Among the latin names it is a pleasure to have this up-to-date treatment. And yet such a "popular" book, which should perhaps be conservative in names, will mislead inexperienced readers by giving so many untested names. There must be serious doubt that pseudargiolus is a subspecies of the European argio-lus, that Tritanassa texana should be regarded as a member of Phyclodes. that Atrytonopsis turnerl is a good species. The basis for accepting recent name-changes is not consistent. On one hand extreme "splitting" appears in recognizing Libytheana and Speyerla as full genera (and Semnopsyche as anything at all). In contrast, a "lumper" tendency prevails (in much of which I concur), with Basilarchia a synonym of Llmenitls* Battus and Graphium as subgenera °f PapiliOf Eresia and Tritanassa as subgenera of Phyciodes. Satyrodes and Enodia under Lethe. Consistency appears to require that Speyeria and Enodia get the same treatment; either both are genera or both are subgenera. It is regretted that so many worthless subspecific names have been dignified by recognition. Dr. Klots wrote (p.63): "Considerable liberality has been shown in recognizing the worth of many named subspecies, even though some are no more than distinct 'local forms1." Actually, many are not even DISTINCT local forms and should not be passed in review before the neophyte until systematic revisions have shown them worth retention.
One completely mystifying point is the manner of singling out occasional genera in huge type, with no indication of the reason and no separation of species in genera which immediately follow the heralded genera. For example, from type-size one might think that Nathalief Appiasf Pieris, and Ascia somehow fall under EUREMA and that Euphydrvas falls with BOLCRIA but not with MELITAEA-
be culled out during the revisions of the book. Dr. Klots, expecting this, wrote (p.63): ttI hope that omissions will be called to my attention." A few occurred to me in hastily thumbing through the pages. Euphydrvas phaeton is represented (pp»34.» 93) with only Chelone glabra as its normal foodplant; in Missouri and southern Connecticut I have found it almost restricted to Aureolaria. even in the presence of C. glabra (Conn.), and 0'Byrne has published at some length on Aureolaria as a foodplant. Boloria toddi is said to have "two broods" (p«93), although in Connecticut there are surely three and in the South perhaps more. Cornus florlda is listed first among foodplants of Lvcaenopsls pseudargiolus. and yet I have on numerous occasions tried to get New Haven females to lay on C. florida buds with almost no success and the few larvae quickly died, although the same females readily laid many eggs on buds of the main spring food, Viburnum acerifollum. The realization to which one is forced in perusing Dr. Klots1 thorough compilation of life-histories and foodplants is that we know remarkably little about the eastern North American butterflies. Most published larval descriptions have contained so few comparisons that it would be impossible to gather them together as keys or in any other form assuring correct identification of unknown larvae. Pupae and eggs are even less well known} The foodplant lists doubtless contain many impossible foods.
The most surprising major omission is the failure even to mention the developing field of butterfly genetics. Work in genetics of substantial scientific value is within the scope of most amateur lepidopterists with a flair for successful mass-rearing. Such potential workers deserve a simple explanation of at least simple recessives and dominants and sex-limited genes. E.B. Ford's masterful treatment of butterfly genetics in his Butterflies (see frep« Ngwg, vol.1: p.3) is an example of a simple exposition of genetics. Even many years ago W.T.M. Forbes discussed briefly some possibly genetic forms among American Lepidoptera in his Lepidop-tera of New York and Neighboring States, Part I (see Lep. News, vol.1: p.63)»
Several features in this book are especially valuable. Guide marks are on the plates, pointing out critical characters, and localities are given for the specimens figured, along with the best recognition points, and the range. The keys to the most difficult species and genera will provide identification for many puzzling specimens. Also helpful are the brief notes on "Similar Species", with means of separating them from the species under discussion.
It is a delight to encounter digressions at many points in the compact prose: the tale of Zizula gai-£& and its introduction (p.163); Lvcaenopsls pseudargiolus as a symbol of spring (p.169); the nomen-clature of Danaus plexlopus (p.78); the range of Jfr-ebia dlsa mancina (p.77).
This is a rarely fine first edition of a work which is certain to become a standard manual.
There are doubtless many small errors which will
C.L. Remington
1960
THE LEPIDGPTERISTS' NEWS
109
NOTICES BY MEMBERS
All members may use this column to advertise their offerings and needs in Lepidoptera. There is no cost for this service. Unless withdrawn sooner by the member, each notice will appear in three issues.
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Speyeria diana, S. cybele leto and letona, and S. nokomis nitocrisf d& and 99 with full data, offered in exchange for needed species of Erebia and Oeneis. esp# the following numbers from MoDunnough 1938 list: 127b-ej 130a-c; 135a; 136a; 138b,cj 140; 143a; 144b-c; 147; 147a; 149b-d; 151; 152. Also need any of forms recently described by dos Passos except tayge-te fordl and rossll gabriell. If you have some of these species but are not interested in the Speyeria. send list of desiderata. Paul R. Ehrlich, 538 Academy St., Maplewood, N.J.
Lepidoptera of the arid Southwest. Will be collecting in southern New Mexico and southwestern Texas during June, July, and August. Careful attention to lists of desiderata. L.H. Bridwell, Box 44, Forestburg, Texas.
AMAZON. Collector in northern Brazil accepts orders for prepared Amazon!c Lepidoptera and other insects. Walter A. Riffler, Postbox 500, Belem, Estado do Para, BRASIL.
Butterflies from Arctic and Far North especially Og-neis. Erebia. Boloria. at reasonable prices. R.J. Fitch, 2235 Pandora St., Vancouver, B.C., CANADA.
Lepidoptera of the Southwest for sale, papered or pinned. Inquiry invited. Lots of 100, either Rhop., Macros, or Micros, priced very low, all with full data. Guaranteed first class material. Frank P. Sala, 1764 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles 41, Calif.
Wanted to buy: Seitz* "Macrolepidoptera of the World" esp. Vols.1,2,6,9,13, English Translation. G.F. Schirmer, 2912 N. 45th St., Milwaukee 10, Wis.
Bio Metal standard redwood insect box, new style, 9 x 13 x 2 yi inches. Screw on hinge. Satisfaction guaranteed. $2.25 each, $25.00 per dozen. Also Cornell Drawers and unit pinning trays. Equipment constructed to order in our shop. Bio Metal Associates, Box 346, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Butterflies from Ecuador and Argentina. If you are interested as an amateur or a specialist in material collected by William Clark-Macintyre in Ecuador or Juan Foerster in Argentina and Paraguay, write for information and price-lists from F.M. Brown, Fountain Valley School, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Complete set of Bull. Lep. Sgc. Japanr vol.1, nos.l, 2,3, and 4 (108 pp.) (1946) - for sale, 70 cents. including postage. Hiroshi Inoue, 290 Miyamae, Oka-machi, Minami-ku, Yokohama, JAPAN.
For exchange or sale: the very rare Strymon "aure-torum" (Bdv.). Also Speyeria . William T. Meyer, 4450 Kingswell Ave., Los Angeles 27, Calif.
Western U.S.A. Lepidoptera offered in exchange for tropical spp., esp. from India, and for Speyeria diana and Anaea spp. Mrs. Emily Henrlksen, Route #1, Sunny side, Washington.
I am considering a collecting trip to the Hudson Bay region of Canada next summer but it will be necessary to sell part of my catch to defray expenses. Write me if you would be interested in purchasing Lepidoptera, Odonata, or Coleoptera from this area. C.S. Quelch, Transcona, Manitoba, CANADA.
For sale or exchange: approximately 300 Manitoba moths especially Arotiidae and Noctuidae. All are pinned. What offers? Charles D. Bird, 1930 Rosser Ave., Brandon, Manitoba, CANADA.
Wanted: Rhopalocera from Africa, Asia, and Oceania in exchange for Rhop. and larger moths from Spanish and European faunas. Very particularly desire all Papillonidae, Deliasr Euploeaf Cethosia. Charaxesf Kalllmaf Euphaedraf Euxanthef and Applas- All correspondence welcomed and answered. A. Varea de Luque, 13 Ibiza, Madrid, SPAIN.
Speyeria diana dtf caught this season for sale or exchange for tropical Lepidoptera or Coleoptera. Also have a limited number of Mitoura damon. Theodore Bock, 70 Ehrman Ave., Cincinnati 20, Ohio.
Far Eastern Rhopalocera (Japan, Formosa, Korea,etc.) Wish to exchange with all parts of the world. Have interest in Papilionidae (esp. Parnassius» Archonf Kvpermnestra. Zerynthiaf etc.), Pieridae, !fymphali-dae, and Lycaenidae, etc. Inquiry invited. Toshi-hiko Hata, No.594, Aburanocouji Buccouji,Kyoto,JAPAN.
^2 LIVING MATERIAL
Cocoons of Graellsia lsabelae ("Spanish luna") and Actias selene (Indian Moon moth), for sale. O.H. Schroeter, P.O. Box 291, Quaker Hill, Conn.
Join the nPupa of the Month Club": a pair of living pupae, either Rhop. or Macros each month. Also a list of other available species of the time. Two pair a month for $7.50 per year, postpaid. Four pair a month for $10.00 per year. F.P. Sala, 1764 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles 41, Calif.
Hvalonhora cecropla. H. promethea and Antheraea £2" lyphemus cocoons for exchange for living, mounted, or papered Lepidoptera, esp. Papilionidae and Sphin-gldae. Will sell H. cecropia only. J.W. Morris, 2704 W. Genesee StT, Syracuse 9, N.Y.
For sale or exchange: Eunackardia (Callogam^a) cal-leta cocoons. Robert J. Ford, 3266 Ardmore Ave., South Gate, Calif.
Desire to correspond about rearing with view to exchange of ova next season, esp. Sphingidae and Sat-urniidae. Mrs. Hazel Chase, 272 N. Union St., Gallon, Ohio.
110
NOMENCLATURE
A. Francis Hemming, Secretary of the International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature, has asked that we bring before the members of the Lepid-opterists1 Society the question of suppressing the trivial name aiax Linnaeus, 1758 (as published in the binominal combination Papilio aiax). The Commission has been requested by the late A. Steven Corbet to use its plenary powers to suppress the name fiifiS on the grounds that strict application of the name would cause serious confusion. Corbet found that the name was actually applied by Linnaeus to the common and wide-spread Palearctic and Oriental swallowtail now known as Papilio xuthus Linnaeus. North American lepidopterists will recall that aiax was long used for the Zebra Swallowtail (P. marcel-lliS Cram.) and relatively recently became regarded as the correct name for the common eastern carrot-parsley swallowtail, P. polygenes a.sforju.s (see e.g. McDunnough's 1938 Check List). Lepidopterists interested in nomenclature in all parts of the world are urged to study the relevant literature (see esp. Bull. Zool. Nomen., vol.2: pp.26-30; 1951) and submit their views as soon as possible to Secretary Hemming at the following address:
28 Park Village East
Regent's Park
London, N.W. 1, England
3%* J^
THE 0»BYRNE COLLECTION
The life-long collection of butterflies and moths assembled by the late behaviorist Harold I. 0*Byrne is being offered for sale by Mrs. 01 Byrne. It includes over 4,000 mounted specimens with complete data. Nearly all families are represented, with emphasis primarily on Missouri Rhopalocera, Catocajji, and Sphingidae. Some noteworthy aberrations and rarities are included. There are 4-5 glass-topped cases ranging in size from 12M x l6n to Hw x 22", 16 wooden boxes 9H x 13", and 64 cardboard boxes 9* x 12n. The entire collection, including cases, must be sold as a unit. Potential purchasers should write: Mrs. H.I. 01 Byrne, Iberia, Missouri.
RESEARCH REQUESTS
Dr. J.W. Tilden, 125 Cedar Lane, San Jose 27, Calif., is engaged in systematic studies of the hes-periid genus Ochlcdes and of Strymqn californica and £• adenostomatls and is seeking specimens on loan or exchange from all parts of the range of these species, for studies in geographic variation.
Anyone having specimens, records, or published references of butterflies collected in the State of Mississippi is requested to communicate with: Mr. Bryant Mather, P.O. Drawer 2131, Jackson, Miss.
Distribution records for the butterflies of Oklahoma are being assembled by: Dr. W.J. Relnthal, Central State Hospital, Norman, Okla. He requests that all lepidopterists who have specimens from Oklahoma send him Information, especially as follows, for each species: number of each sex seen or taken, date, locality and county, collector, biological notes (life history, foodplants, etc.).
Vol.IV, nos.8-9 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Field Season Summary for North America
Introduction...........•••••••••••••••••••••• .85
1. Southwest, by L.M. Martin...............86-91
2. Northwest, by J.C. Hopfinger .....•••••••92-93
3. Rocky Mts., by J.D. Eff.................93-96
4. Great Plains, by D.B. Stallings.....••••96-97
5. Central, by P.S. Remington..............97-99
6. Southeast, by R.H. Chermock............99-102
7. Northeast, by E.G. Munroe.............102-106
8. Far North, by T.N. Freeman............106-107
Review of Klots1 Field Guide to tlje Butterflies
9l North America, East of the Great Plainsf
by C.L. Remington......................107-108
Notices by Members •••••••••••.....•••••••••••••109
Nomenc la ture...........•••••••••••••••••.......110
The 0»Byrne Collection.........................110
Research Requests..............................110
Additions to List of Members..........••••••• • .110
ADDITIONS TO THE LIST OF MEMBERS
Ghika, George, 3900 Hamilton St., F 101, Hyattsville,
Maryland. Industrial Melanism. Harris, Edward, c/o Fitzpatrick1s Hotel, Kuranda,
North Queensland, AUSTRALIA. LEPID: esp. Hepial-
idae biology. Langston, Robert L., 4622 3rd St., La Mesa, Calif.
LEPID. Parasites of Zygaenidae. Coll. Ex. Monteiro, Teodoro (Rev. Pe.), Mosteiro de Singeverga,
Negrolos (Minho), PORTUGAL. Smelhaus, JiM, BelskSho 4, Praha 7, CZECHOSLOVAKIA. Speyer, W. (Direktor Dr.), Helkendorf uber Kiel 24B,
Teichtor 22, GERMANY. Upton, Murray, North Tamborlne, S. Queensland, AUSTRALIA. LEPID: esp. migration.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Araujo, R.L. (Dr.), Instituto Biologico, Calxa Postal 7.119, Sfio Paulo Sp., BRASIL.
Kolyer, J.M.. 38 Hill Lane, Roslyn Heights, N.I.
Orfila, R.N.(Dr.), Casilla Correo 2.-Suc.28, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA.
Rupert, L.R., Sardinia, N.Y.
Schroeter, 0„H., P.O. Box 391, Quaker Hill, Conn.
DECEASED
Glasgow, Clyde (Wyoming). O'Byrne, Harold I. (Missouri). Sweadner, Walter (Dr.) (Pennsylvania).
THE LEPIDOPTERISTS• NEWS Official Periodical of The Lepidopterists1 Society One volume of nine numbers published per year
Membership is open to all persons Interested in any aspect of the study of butterflies and moths. The 1951 dues,including subscription to the News* are $2.00 for Regular Membership and $5.00 for Sustaining Membership. All remittances should be sent to the Treasurer: Dr. J.B. Ziegler, 18 Bal-tusrol Place, Summit, N.J., U.S.A. All non-editorial correspondence should be addressed to the Society Secretary: Dr. F.H. Rindge, American Museum of Natural History, New York 24., N.Y., U.S.A.