Butterfly sighting
| May 24 2020 |
Dean Hansen
Location: Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
Western Tailed-Blue 
Western Tailed-Blue 
Jumping spider 
Meadow Fritillary 
Mourning Cloak 
Henry's Elfin 
Henry's Elfin 
Silvery Blue 
Gorgone Checkerspot 
Mottled Duskywing 
Mottled Duskywing 
Mottled Duskywing |
First spot was to east of Larson Rd, 0.1 mi south of North Boundary Rd. Several flighty Erynnis were seen, and a single Common Roadside Skipper photographed. Then on the south-facing slope to the south of Crex Ridge Road, I focused on a "blue" with my Papilios. Strong blue above, with no markings or tail, and I just caught a glimpse of a row of orange spots near the margin of the under hindwing. Then it was off, with no chance of a photo. But I'm certain that it was a Karner. There was plenty of lupine about. Curry Road, that was so productive for Doug Buege five days ago, was dry and dead butterfly-wise. Despite perching on a columbine, I think I was seeing a Mottled Dusky Wing. Also saw a large Phidippus jumping spider.