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July 22-28, 2012
Omaha, Nebraska
Backyard butterfly weekly list. Number indicates the number of days sighted. Names in bold represent new sightings for the year.
Butterflies:
Cabbage White(3)
Monarch(2)
Black Swallowtail(1)
Eastern Tailed-blue(1)
Skippers:
Sachem(5)
Tawny-edged(2)
Silver-spotted(2)
Fiery(1)
Moths:
White-lined Sphinx(1)
Last week was the first full week I could compare observations against the same period last year. The numbers are not good. I counted seven butterflies, ten Skippers and a moth this year, compared to twenty Butterflies, ten Skippers and three moths last year. The most notable absence is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail(Papilio glaucus) Last year I recorded five during the same time period. It is difficult to say what could be the cause of these low numbers. The drought, lack of observation time, and changes to my landscape are all candidates. I'm also wondering if the early Spring played a role. The butterfly Bush, which has always been the biggest draw, bloomed early this year and now is covered with mostly spent blooms. My Tall Sedum, which I rely on for a Fall nectar source, has already begun blooming, so I wonder if there will be anything left, come September.
Anyway, Despite the low number of Butterflies, Skippers continue to be plentiful. I haven't had a lot of opportunities for photgrphas, but last Sunday a male Sachem (Atalopedes campestris, Above the fold and top left) sat for me for several photographs. The male Sachem, with it's wings spread, is easily recognizable by the large rectangular black stigma at the base of the upperside of the front wing.
So, what are you seeing in your area?