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Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society
Klots, A. B. 1951. A field guide to the butterflies. Boston (Houghton Mifflin):
xvi + 349 p., ill. Rindge, F. H. 1952. The butterflies of the Bahama Islands. American Mus. Novit,
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MASS HIBERNATION SITE FOR NYMPHAL1S VAU-ALBUM (NYMPHALIDAE)
Hibernation is common in several genera of butterflies and especially among Nymphalidae. However, in most cases the literature on such hibernating is rather nebulous and repetitive, without specific observational support. One takes for granted that hibernation spots are found beneath debris, loose bark, in hollow trees, etc. Therefore I was interested to see fourteen Compton tortoise shells (Nymphalis vau-album (Denis & Schiffermuller)) actually entering a hibernation site.
The observations took place near a radio relay tower at the summit of Mohawk Mountain, Mohawk State Forest, near Cornwall, Connecticut on 15 October 1974 between 1300-1400 hrs. EST. During this still, warm period my attention was drawn to several butterflies fluttering about near the top of the tower some 20-30' about the ground. Viewing them with my binoculars I made them out to be N. vau-album. Several also rested on the dark green screening of the building windows 6' above the ground. In each case there seemed to be a concentration at one common area. Watching the junction at the corner of the building and the roof, I could see the butterflies alight, then walk to an opening between metal stripping and the wall. The opening, approximately 2" long and %" wide, was the focal spot for the butterflies. The butterflies approached this opening, folded their wings and disappeared within. Some would stay inside for a short time, then re-emerge, fly about in a circle, return and re-enter. According to C. L. Remington (pers. comm.), in Autumn, nymphalines change their phototactic responses and are attracted to dark areas. This opening provided such a spot, appearing black against the white walls.
The greatest number of individuals seen at any one time was fourteen, and all seemed to be using the opening.
Although some individuals were seen to enter and re-emerge, most stayed inside. Therefore, it is felt that this area was a definite hibernation spot for this species.
Noble S. Proctor. Biology Departmentâ– , Southern Connecticut State College, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, Connecticut 06515.