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28
Field and Technique Notes
Vol.8: nos.1-2
ON BUTTERFLIES AND CRAB SPIDERS
I was very much interested in E. G. VOSS'S article, "Butterflies and Crab Spiders", which appeared in the last issue of The Lepidopterists' News, on page 54. I would like to state a few of my own observations on this subject.
On June 12, 1953, I observed a crab spider capture and kill a specimen of Papi/io glaucus Linne $. The spider which I observed was very well concealed among the blossoms of a lilac bush, and very much resembled the faded flowers, as it was a grayish-white in color. The P. glaucus was feeding on the flowers and happened to alight on the particular one in which the spider was concealed. It was immediately seized and paralyzed so quickly that it had no chance to escape. The spider then remained motionless for a few minutes, either resting or watching me, as I had drawn quite close in order to observe it better. It then proceeded to retreat back among the blossoms again, dragging the butterfly with it.
I believe the above stated observation dispels, in part, Mr. VOSS'S theory that perhaps the insects emerge nearby and, as I think he meant, climb the plant on which the spiders were, with fatal results.
Also, 1 have observed many crab spiders feeding on butterflies in the past few years, and I do not believe that it occurs infrequently. In several cases I also have found the remains of one or two other specimens beneath the plant on which the spider was situated. These were apparently fed upon by the spider and discarded.
To me it seems that these spiders must depend upon some other means other than the flower itself to attract their prey. Consider, for instance, the hundreds of thousands of blossoms that are found in a field of Clover, or the dense stands of Goldenrod, and it seems very probable that this is true, as the chances are one in a thousand of an insect ever alighting on that particular plant. I think that perhaps they have some sort of an odor that is attractive to butterflies. An investigation of these interesting little spiders might well present some interesting discoveries.
PATRICK J. CONWAY, R.R. 3, Box 127, Aledo, 111., U.S.A.
COLLECTING AMERICA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL HAIRSTREAK
Paging through the plates of Holland's Butterfly Book you come across the striking form of Hypaurotis chrysalus Edwards (Plate XXIX, Fig. 11). It is listed as the "Colorado Hair Streak" and has a range westward from Colorado to southern California. Its early stages are neglected, and therefore one seeking to obtain this species in the field may find it quite difficult to do so if he is not aware of some of the habits of this butterfly.
On a collecting trip in July, 1952, I was confronted with the fact that my presence in Colorado did not assure me of acquiring this species. I was on the alert but could not find its presence around Denver. Through conversation with Brother J. RENK of Regis College, I found that only in the locality of Tiny Town could this Hairstreak be caught. I therefore made it a point to visit Tiny Town, located in Turkey Creek Canyon.
Collecting methods there will require a large deal of arduous climbing. The one way to be sure of getting H. chrysalus is to stir up the scrub oak, which certainly seems to be its food plant and grows in batches along the canyon.
Scrub oak becomes more common around and about. Colorado Springs. The flat terrain there enables collectors to obtain specimens with the least exertion. The disturbing of the outer edges of the scrub oak results in scaring tip the Hairstreak. Its flight is rapid. It will descend upon some other scrub oak bush, where with cunning pursuit you may snare it. The over-head or drop method will tend to save your net from tearing. The aid of broken branches or stones may also rout the butterfly from the center of the bush.
July seems to be the best month to collect this species.
R.J. JABLONSKI, 1018 East Ogden Ave., Milwaukee 2, Wise, U.S.A.