Ontario Lepidoptera 2008
Edited and Compiled by
Ross A. Layberry and Colin D. Jones
Toronto Entomologists’ Association Occasional Publication #39-2009 ISBN: 0-921631-35-4
Ontario Lepidoptera 2008
Edited and Compiled by Ross A. Layberry and Colin D. Jones
October 2009
Published by the Toronto Entomologists’ Association Toronto, Ontario
Production by Colin D. Jones TORONTO ENTOMOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATION ONTARIO LEPIDOPTERA (TEA)
The TEA is a non-profit educational and scientific Published annually by the Toronto Entomologists’ organization formed to promote interest in insects, to Association. encourage co-operation among amateur and professional entomologists, to educate and inform non-entomologists Ontario Lepidoptera 2008 about insects, entomology and related fields, to aid in the Publication date: October 2009 preservation of insects and their habitats and to issue ISBN: 0-921631-35-4 publications in support of these objectives. Copyright © TEA for Authors All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be The TEA is a registered charity (#1069095-21); all reproduced or used without written permission. donations are tax creditable. Information on submitting records, notes and articles to Membership Information: Ontario Lepidoptera can be obtained by contacting an editor: Annual dues: Individual-$25 Colin D. Jones Student-$15 Co-editor and co-compiler of Butterflies and Skippers Family-$30 Box 182 Lakefield, Ontario, Canada All membership queries and payment of dues can be K0L 2H0 directed to Glenn Richardson, President, T.E.A., 18 Home Tel: (705) 652-5004 McDonald St. W., Listowel, Ontario, Canada N4W 1K4. Work Tel: (705) 755-2166 Email: [email protected] Publications received as part of a TEA membership include: Ross A. Layberry • 3 issues per year of our newsjournal Co-editor and co-compiler of Butterflies and Skippers Ontario Insects 6124 Carp Road • annual Ontario Lepidoptera summary Kinburn, Ontario, Canada • discounts on sales of other publications including K0A 2H0 Ontario Odonata Tel: (613) 832-4467 Email: [email protected] The TEA Board Currently Vacant The TEA is run by a volunteer board. The executive Editor and compiler of Moths officers are elected every two years.
Executive Officers: COVER PHOTOGRAPHS President: Glenn Richardson Vice-President: Alan Macnaughton Front: Southern Hairstreak at Reid Conservation Area, Treasurer: Chris Rickard Lambton on June 28, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich) Secretary: (vacant) Back: Female Common Checkered Skipper at Sturgeon Board of Directors: Creek, Essex on October 14, 2008 (photo: Alan Chris Darling: R.O.M. Representative Wormington) Nancy van der Poorten: Past President Carolyn King: O.N. Representative Carolyn King: Publicity Co-ordinator Carol Sellers: Programs Co-ordinator Steve LaForest: Field Trips Co-ordinator
CONTENTS
General Introduction ...... 1
Corrections to Previous Summaries...... 1
The Power of Databasing Our Records and How You Can Help...... 2
Acknowledgements...... 3
List of Contributors...... 3
Counties, Districts and Regional Municipalities of Ontario...... 5
Why We Kill Bugs: The Case for Collecting Insects – by Greg R. Pohl...... 7
Identification of the Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum) – by Ross Layberry ...... 16
A Second Canadian Record of Whirlabout (Polites vibex) – by Barry Harrison...... 19
The Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) in Toronto – July 2008 – by Bob Yukich...... 20
Summary of Ontario Butterflies and Skippers in 2008 – compiled by Ross A. Layberry and Colin D. Jones ...... 23 Hesperiidae...... 24 Papilionidae...... 34 Pieridae...... 36 Lycaenidae ...... 39 Nymphalidae ...... 48
Checklist of Ontario Butterflies and Skippers – by Colin D. Jones...... 61
Publications Available from the TEA...... 67
Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This issue of Ontario Lepidoptera includes notes, photos and records from the 2008 seasons as well as a number of valuable and interesting notes and articles on Lepidoptera in the province.
With permission of the Biological Survey of Canada, we have reprinted here a very well written and informative article by Greg Pohl explaining the rationale behind collecting insects. Ross Layberry has included a note on how to identify Hickory Hairstreaks, complete with colour plates featuring photographs of several individuals of both Hickory and Banded Hairstreak. This excellent article will be very helpful in allowing others to understand the similarities and differences between these two very similar species. Barry Harrison has included a short note documenting a sight record of a female Whirlabout from his back yard in Scarborough. Bob Yukich documents another notable record from the Toronto area – a small colony of Marine Blues at the old munitions factory near Marie Curtis Park.
Data for all records of all species received for 2008 (much more data than can be included in the printed summary!) are included in a table available to TEA members as PDF files from Colin Jones (see contact information below). For any members without a computer, simply contact Colin, he will be more than happy to send you a printed copy of the tables.
The contents of this publication have been checked for errors and accuracy as much as possible. Please notify us of any corrections of errors or omissions, and these will be included in future issues of Ontario Lepidoptera and incorporated into the database.
Work on the compilation and production of Ontario Lepidoptera 2009 has already begun but we will be accepting additional records, notes and photographs from the 2009 season until January 31, 2010. Please send any contributions to:
Colin Jones Ross Layberry Box 182, Lakefield, ON 6124 Carp Rd., Kinburn, ON K0L 2H0 OR K0A 2H0 Tel: 705-652-5004 Tel: 613-832-4467 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Information on how to submit records can be obtained from the compilers.
CORRECTIONS TO PREVIOUS SUMMARIES
Ontario Lepidoptera 2006-2007
On Page 40 – Alfred Adamo’s October 21, 2007 record of Common Checkered Skipper was actually of a Checkered White
On Page 49 – Alfred Adamo’s June 2, 2007 record of Giant Swallowtail should have read “Humber Trail, near the MTRCA Nursery” not “MTRCA Nursery near Humber Trail”
On Page 54 – Alfred Adamo’s April 22, 2007 record of Clouded Sulphur should read “Parklawn Cemetery, Etobicoke” not “Etobicoke Cemetery”
1 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
THE POWER OF DATABASING OUR RECORDS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
Most people these days have a personal computer at home and use it for record keeping. In order to greatly speed up the process of databasing records submitted for Ontario Lepidoptera we ask that contributors submit records in electronic form, preferably in a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel) or database (e.g. Microsoft Access) format.
There is also a technological advance that has become much more accessible in recent years that has given us the ability to easily assign geographic data to observations (allowing us to easily map them for projects such as The Ontario Butterfly Atlas, for example). This is the advent of the hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System). A growing number of field biologists and amateur naturalists and entomologists have GPS units and are finding them an extremely useful and handy tool. For those of you who own or have access to a GPS unit (or to topographic maps of your area) we are also asking that you supply geographic coordinates (UTM grid reference or Latitude/Longitude) with your records. Although these coordinates can be read from a topographic map, with the advent of the handheld GPS unit (available for $200 or less from most camping and outdoors stores, including Canadian Tire) such coordinates can be obtained much more quickly, easily and accurately than they can from a map.
For those contributors who cannot or wish not to supply records in a database format, records submitted in another electronic format (word-processing application such as Microsoft Word) or even in handwritten format are better than nothing at all. In addition, if you are unable to assign a geographic reference to your records, the raw records are fine. The compilers will enter the records into the database and attempt to geo- reference them ourselves. Obviously, the more you can do as contributors, the easier our job as compilers becomes.
There are several reasons for using such a format for data submission. Increasingly, data on invertebrates (especially butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies) is being used to aid in conservation land-use planning. Most of this readership would probably agree that this is a very positive movement. The TEA and the contributors to Ontario Lepidoptera have an opportunity, by databasing their records and attaching precise geographic coordinates to the records, to add greatly to the conservation of butterflies and moths. The power of a fully databased set of records is incredible. The records can easily be sorted or manipulated in any number of ways in order to: i) produce a county list; ii) map all of the records for a particular species; iii) compare records from one time frame to another (e.g. 1800-1950 with 1951-present). In these ways, once fully databased, the application of the database becomes much more useful than just the production of the annual summary.
More detailed information on how to submit records (including how to supply geographic coordinates), and a sample of the database structure can be obtained by contacting the compilers (see contact information on page 1).
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ontario Lepidoptera would not be possible without the considerable effort of the contributors who take the time to submit their records each year. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their efforts as they took the time to submit records, in some instances not only of their own but also on behalf of others: the Algonquin P.P. Naturalist Staff, Alfred Adamo, Ann Gray, Alan Wormington, Black Mann, Bill Bower, Bob Bracken, Bruce Ripley, Barry Harrison, Bob Yukich, Brenda Van Ryswyk, the Charleston Lake P.P. Naturalist Staff, Christina Lewis, Christine Hanrahan, Chris Robinson, Colin Jones, Craig McLauchlan, Dan Bogar, David Bree, Diane Lepage, Don David, Ed Poropat, Harry Barber, James Kamstra, Jerry Ball, Linda Jeays, Mary and Tony Rapati, Peter Hall, Ross Layberry, Sue Bryan and Xi Wang.
We would also like to thank those who submitted photographs from 2008 including: Alan Wormington, Aaron Yukich, Bob Yukich, Colin Jones, Christine Hanrahan, Joy Cohen, and Juha Varrela.
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS
Ontario Lepidoptera 2008 summarizes data and observations of butterflies and skippers for the 2008 season in the province of Ontario, Canada, received from the contributors and observers listed below: AA Alfred Adamo Toronto CK Carolyn King Willowdale ABe Alex Benvenuti New Liskard CL Christina Lewis Ottawa AC Alison Clark Alderville CLa Cliff Lappan ACP Adam C. Pinch Leamington CPa C. Paddock Haliburton AdBe Adrianna Benvenuti New Liskard CPR Chris P. Robinson Glenburnie ADW Amy Whitehorne Charleston Lake P.P. CSAM Craig S.A. McLauchlan Toronto AEW A.E.Wilson DA David Allison Ottawa AG Ann Gray Toronto DaB Dave Brown AHR Alfred H. Rider Forest DAM David A. Martin Harrietsville AJH Adam J. Hall DaO Dale Odorizzi Perth APP Algonquin P.P. Naturalist Staff Algonquin P.P. DAS Don A. Sutherland Peterborough AW Alan Wormington Leamington DBi Dave Bishop Haliburton AY Aaron Yukitch Toronto DBo Dan Bogar Pennsylvania BAM Blake A. Mann Wallaceburg DBr David Bree Bloomfield BBo Bill Bower Ottawa DD Don Davis Toronto BBr Bob Bracken Ottawa DLe Diane Lepage Ottawa BDiL Bruce DiLabio Carp DLG David LeGros Algonquin P.P. BER Bruce E. Ripley Kingston DMa Dave Marin BG B. Gilmour Sandbanks P.P. DMo Drew Monkman Peterborough BH Barry Harrison Scarborough DoSh Don Shanahan Brighton BHe Bob Helman Elliot Lake DPa D. Paddock Haliburton BHo Brandon Holden Algonquin P.P. DPy Donald Pye BJM Brian Moore Thunder Bay DTy Don Tyerman Presqu'ile P.P. BK Brenda Kostiuk Ottawa EB E. Batalla Kingston BLa Barb Lappan EH Ethan Huner Algonquin P.P. BMa Barb Martin Port Elgin EP Ed Poropat Haliburton B Ri Bradley Ritteau FL Frank Landry Presqu'ile PP BVR Brenda Van Ryswyk Hamilton GC Geoff Carpentier Ajax CB Chris Boettger Algonquin P.P. GSl Glenda Slessor Hamilton CBe Catherine Benvenuti New Liskard HB Harry Barber Fergus CDJ Colin D. Jones Lakefield HC Heather Campbell Windsor CE Chris Evans Midhurst HEv H. Evans CEa Chris Earley Rockwood HHe H. Heron CEs Chris Escott Thunder Bay HTO Henrietta T. O'Neill Leamington CGo Clive Goodwin Cobourg IR Ian Richards Burlington CH Christine Hanrahan Ottawa IS Ian Shanahan Brighton
3 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
JB Jerry Ball Peterborough NSp Nancy Spencer JCo Joy Cohen Sault Ste. Marie PCar Paul Carter JD Joanne Dewey Picton PD Paul Desjardins Windsor JF Jim Fairchild Scarborough PGo P. Good JFe Janet Fenton PH Peter Hall Ottawa JG Jessica Grealey Waterloo PM Paul Mackenzie Kingston JGM Joan & Gerard MacGillivray Elliot Lake PMC Paul M. Catling Ottawa JGP John G. Powers Cambridge PMid Peter Middleton Port Elgin JiH Jim Hopkins Haliburton PSB Peter S. Burke London JJL Joan & Jim Lindamood Elliot Lake RA Ruth Allison Ottawa JK James Kamstra Port Perry RAH Rosalee A. Hall JMT J. Michael Tate Ottawa RAL Ross A. Layberry Kinburn JP Justin Peter Algonquin P.P. RCL Ruth C. Layberry Kinburn JS John Stiratt RDS Dan Strickland Oxtongue Lake JSk Jeff Skevington Ottawa RGT Ron G. Tozer JTF John Fowler Almonte RHC Robert H. Curry Hamilton JW John Walas Thunder Bay RJJ Russ J.L. Jones KA Ken Allison Ottawa RJY Robert J. Yukich Toronto KaC Karen Castro Ottawa RLB Robert L. Bowles Orillia KAM Kevin A. McLaughlin Hamilton RMac R. Macintosh Peterborough KAn K. Anderson RP Rayfield Pye Oshawa KBa K. Ballantyne Peterborough RWi Rebecca Wilson KCh K. Chubb SB Sue Bryan Thunder Bay KFN Kingston Field Naturalists Kingston SD Simon Dodsworth Peterborough KH K. Hennige Kingston SDe S. Dewey KHo Kyle Holloway Algonquin Park SLa Steve Laforest Oshawa KP Kieran Poropat Haliburton SMa Sophie Mazowita Algonquin P.P. KRJ Klara R. Jones Lakefield SMac S. Macintosh Peterborough KRY Karen R. Yukich Toronto SRai S. Rainville LAM LeeAnne Matremouille SRe Sally Reinartson LE Lee Earl Algonquin P.P. SRi Sarah Richer LFo Lucas Foerster London STJ Shan T. Jones Lakefield LiW Linda Wladarski Harrietsville STP Stephen T. Pike Leamington LJ Linda Jeays Ottawa TAG Tyler Goff LMcC L. McCurdy TB Tony Bigg Lakefield LMcP L.McPherson TCa Travis Cameron Algonquin P.P. LPa L. Paddock Haliburton TLa Thom Lambert Haliburton LS Leon Schlichter Toronto TRa Tony Rapati Port Elgin MBR Marianne B. Reed TRS T. Rick Stronks Dwight MaRa Matt Rapati Port Elgin TS Tim Sneider Algonquin P.P. MCl Marianne Clark Lakefield TSp Terry Sprague Demorestville MCS M. & C. Seymour Kingston TV Tim Vogt Jefferson City, MPa Madeleine Pageot Oxtongue Lake WGL Bill G. Lamond BrantfordMissouri MRa Mary Rapati Port Elgin XM Xi Wang Hamilton MSa M. Saunders YB Yvette Bree Bloomfield MVB Mike Burrell Heidelberg ______NEa Nathan Earley Rockwood C.A. = Conservation Area NGE Nick G. Escott Thunder Bay m.obs. = multiple observers N.P. = National Park PPP Presqu'ile PP Staff P.P. = Provincial Park NM Nathan Miller Algonquin P.P.
4 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
COUNTIES, DISTRICTS AND REGIONAL MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO
Counties, Districts and Regional Muncipalities of southern Ontario. The dotted line indicates the approximate southern and eastern limits of the Canadian Shield in Ontario. The 4-letter codes listed below are used in the table of all butterfly records submitted from the 2008 season.
1 ESSE Essex County 23 PRIN Prince Edward County 2 KENT Municipality of Chatham-Kent 24 HAST Hastings County 3 ELGI Elgin County 25 LENN Lennox and Addington County 4 NORF Norfolk County 26 FRON Frontenac County 5 HALD Haldimand County 27 LEED United Counties of Leeds and Grenville 6 NIAG Regional Municipality of Niagara 29 STOR United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry 7 LAMB Lambton County 32 BRUC Bruce County 8 MIDD Middlesex County 33 GREY Grey County 9 OXFO Oxford County 34 DUFF Dufferin County 10 BRAN Brant County 35 SIMC Simcoe County 11 HAMI Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth 36 VICT City of Kawartha Lakes 13 HURO Huron County 37 PETE Peterborough County 14 PERT Perth County 38 MUSK District Municipality of Muskoka 15 WATE Regional Municipality of Waterloo 39 HALI Haliburton County 16 WELL Wellington County 40 RENF Renfrew County 17 HALT Regional Municipality of Halton 41 LANA Lanark County 18 PEEL Regional Municipality of Peel 42 OTTA Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton 19 YORK Regional Municipality of York 43 PRES United Counties of Prescott and Russell 20 METR Metropolitan Toronto 45 MANI Manitoulin District 21 DURH Regional Municipality of Durham 46 PARR Parry Sound District 22 NORT Northumberland County 47 NIPI Nipissing District
5 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Map of Ontario indicating the districts of northern Ontario. The line A-B represents the approximate northern limit of the Carolinian Zone (see Soper 1954, 1962). Line C-D approximates the 40 degree F mean daily temperature for the year isotherm, and has been adopted here as the northern limit of southern Ontario. The 4-letter codes listed below are used in the table of all butterfly records submitted from the 2008 season.
48 ALGO Algoma District 52 THUN Thunder Bay District 49 SUDB Sudbury District (including City of Sudbury) 53 COCH Cochrane District 50 TIMI Timiskaming District 54 KENO Kenora District 51 RAIN Rainy River District
6 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
WHY WE KILL BUGS – THE CASE FOR COLLECTING INSECTS
by Greg R. Pohl
The following article was featured in the Spring 2009 issue of the Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada and is re-printed here with the permission of the Biological Survey of Canada.
Introduction
As I go about my work doing biodiversity research, I kill thousands of insects every year. I'm not proud of that particular fact, but I'm proud of the work that it contributes to. Despite terminating so many insect lives, I have a deep connection to these fascinating beings of tergites and tarsi, and I know that the knowledge our research team reveals is helping to protect their habitats. It must seem incongruous to some folks that I will go to great lengths to release a wayward spider unharmed out of my house, yet kill hundreds of moths in a blacklight trap in the same evening. Most entomologists have no trouble understanding this apparent contradiction, because they understand the nature of insect populations and the techniques required to study them. This is not so obvious to members of the general public.
It pains me when, in my entomological pursuits, I receive a comment along the lines of; "great, kill them all!" These are typically from people who only notice insects when they are a nuisance, and who will stomp on them whenever possible. Theirs are very simple reactions, and the solution is basically education. Depending on the situation, I often try to open their eyes just a little to the wonders of the miniature world around them. More complex is the occasional expression of horror at the carnage of my nets and traps. These responses usually come from people who are concerned about the environment, but do not have much ecological knowledge. Biologist Derrick Kanashiro sweeps for insects, as part of an inventory of Generally they are familiar with vertebrates, insect species in native prairie near Purple Springs, Alberta. and assume that other organisms operate in (photo: G.R. Pohl) similar ways. The solution in these situations is also education, but the approach we take is critical. We can either engage in a mutually destructive fight that distracts us all from the real threat of habitat loss, or recognise that we share the same concerns, and try to work together to protect wild places and wild species. As someone who also cares deeply about these creatures, I would much rather have these people as allies than enemies in the struggle for environmental preservation.
I've recently dealt with a concerted campaign against "bug collecting" by a well-meaning but misguided naturalist group. I approached it as an opportunity to educate them, and took considerable time and energy to explain how insects are not the same as vertebrates, and why entomologists do what we do. In this article
7 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
I present the arguments I used in that case; I hope this will serve as a resource for entomologists who may find themselves in a similar situation where they are obliged to defend what they do.
Opposition to insect collecting generally comes from people familiar with birds and mammals. However, insects are vastly different creatures. As I will detail below; they are incredibly numerous and prolific, so the effects of collecting on their populations are minimal. Because we know little or nothing about most insect species, and they are very difficult to identify, it is necessary to kill and collect them to study them. I'll detail how collecting insects is a vital part of most entomology research, including taxonomic, diagnostic, biodiversity, and pest management work. Much of this work is carried out by amateurs, who have become world-class experts through collecting insects. Finally, I will argue that the conservation of insects and other organisms will benefit from MORE, rather than less, collecting of insects.
Why are insect populations resilient to collecting?
Insects are very different from birds and other vertebrates in that they have short generation spans, they have a phenomenal capacity for reproduction, and their populations regularly number in the billions. Insects are so abundant that their numbers simply cannot be considered in the same terms as those of vertebrates. Think of the thousands of insects that a single songbird eats during its lifetime; while each species is important in the ecosystem, a given individual of each species do not have equal ecological importance.
Because of their population size and their ability to reproduce, it is very difficult to affect insect populations by collecting. While it is true that over-collecting may pose a threat to species that are already endangered, those species did not become endangered as a result of collecting (New et al. 1995). Pyle (2002) states "while it is extremely difficult to make a dent in most insect populations with a net, the bulldozer, the cow, and the plow eradicate whole butterfly colonies in no time." Habitat loss is by far the most significant threat to insects in Canada and elsewhere.
The special challenges of entomology
Insects are incredibly diverse: Before delving into why entomologists must collect specimens, we must first discuss the enormous diversity of insects, and the special challenge this presents to entomologists. Insects comprise over 2/3 of the approximately 2 million known species of living things on the planet, and scientists estimate there are millions more species of insects remaining to be discovered. Danks (1979) estimated that approximately 66 000 species of insects and related terrestrial arthropods live in Canada, slightly more than half of which had been discovered and described at that time. Compared to birds and other vertebrates, the number of insect species is staggering. There are over ten times as many known kinds of beetles in the world (approximately 357 000 known species; Bouchard et al. 2009) as all terrestrial vertebrates – birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians – combined (20 000 species; Tree of Life 2009). There are more species of butterflies and moths in one small area of Boreal forest in Alberta (500+; Pohl et al. 2006), than there are resident bird species in all of Canada (470; Avibase 2009). This is the special challenge that entomologists deal with every day – identifying, recognizing, describing, and cataloguing the millions of species of insects is almost overwhelming.
Insects are tiny: Another challenge in entomology is that insects are so small. With the exception of a few large and distinctive species like some butterflies and moths, the majority of insects need to be examined under a microscope to make an accurate species identification. Often specimens need to be dissected and their internal reproductive organs examined in order to accurately identify them. Needless to say, this
8 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______precludes identification of living specimens in all but a slim minority of insect groups. Thus, killing and collecting insects is a necessary part of almost all entomological research that requires species identifications.
Insects are poorly known: Because of the enormity of the task, and the lack of resources and people to carry it out, entomologists are still in the exploratory stage of discovering and naming species. At last count, approximately 1.2 million insect species have been described, out of a total estimated at between 5 and ten million (Marshall 2006). Except for a few species that have economic or health impacts on people, just about nothing is known about them. Many species are known only from a very brief description, often unaccompanied by illustrations, in an obscure journal article over 100 years old. Some species cannot be identified at all with our present state of knowledge. We simply do not possess the knowledge required to put together comprehensive identification guides to most insect groups. General insect guides cover only a few representative species, and omit the myriad of lesser-known but very similar-looking ones. A few relatively well-known groups such as butterflies and odonates have been the subjects of some excellent field guides published in recent years (Layberry et al. 1998; Acorn 2001, 2004, 2007; Cannings 2002; Jones et al. 2008). Even among these groups, many species-level taxonomic problems remain (for example in the butterfly genera Boloria and Polygonia and the ladybeetle genus Scymnus).
The comfortable position ornithologists and birders are in today, where comprehensive field guides exist and accurate field identifications can be made without killing specimens, is built on a strong taxonomic foundation. That exists now because, at one time, people collected birds and studied their skins and skeletons to arrive at a stable nomenclature and classification. For entomologists, that level of knowledge is a dream that is still decades or even centuries away. In entomology we are still building that foundation,
and are highly dependent on insect collecting to do so.
Why is it necessary to collect insects?
Taxonomy: Insect collections are a critical building block to almost all other aspects of entomology (Danks 1991, Wiggins et al. 1991). A basic field of entomological research that is heavily dependent on collections is taxonomy - the discovery and description of new species. To describe and name a new species, a "type specimen," and ideally a "type series," must be designated and safeguarded so that future workers can re- examine the organism in detail. These types are the basis of our nomenclature and are required for a stable system of names. Insect collections are the repository for existing type material, as well as the source for future types. It is not an exaggeration to say that taxonomists make just as many exciting discoveries among historical specimens in collections as they make in the field. The accumulation of unidentified specimens, as long as they are properly labeled, is exactly the substrate from which crucial new discoveries are made. The existence of a whole new insect order, the Mantophasmatodea, was discovered recently among old museum specimens obtained years earlier in the course of general collecting (Klass et al. 2002). It may not seem valuable to an observer or even a collector at the time, but well labeled and curated specimens of all but the most common species are a useful addition to any collection.
Diagnostics: Getting a correct identification on a sample is important in scientific research and in pest management. An incorrect species determination can result in spurious research results, in costly and needless application of pesticides being applied in error to a non-pest species, or in failing to detect a new outbreak in the early stages.
9 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Because of the aforementioned challenges of diversity, small size, and lack of published identification guides, insects are difficult to identify. Thus synoptic insect collections are an essential tool for making identifications. Where comprehensive guidebooks do not exist, entomologists examine specimens that have been authoritatively identified in the past, and exchange information and specimens with researchers in other collections. As entomologists encounter new species, they add these to the collection, which becomes an ever-expanding "identification guide" to the insects of a given region.
Vouchers: Because nomenclature changes over time as we discover new species and refine our understanding of existing species, it is very important, in all entomological research, to collect and save vouchers of the species being studied (Huber 1998, Wheeler 2003). Over time, if our understanding and definition of a particular species changes, we can go back and re-examine the vouchers from past research and determine the current identity of the organisms being studied, and thus ensure the ongoing scientific value of the work. For example, the symbiotic relationship between yuccas and yucca moths has been the subject of many studies over the past century. Before Pellmyr (1999), all these pollinator moths were thought to be a single widespread species, Tegeticula yuccasella. It is now recognised that yucca moths are in fact a complex of 13 very similar species with different natural history, identifiable only via microscopical examination. Any previous research on yucca moths is of questionable value, unless voucher specimens were kept so it can now be determined which species was really the subject of the research.
A voucher collection is also very important in the legal realm, to stand as proof that a particular species existed at a particular time and place. This can be very important information when a corporation fights against environmental restriction on resource development. Vouchers are also important when legal action or trade sanctions are pursued over exotic pest issues; they can prove what was intercepted in a shipment, and whether or not a species occurred in an area at a given time.
Inventory and biodiversity work: Insects are also collected to do inventory work - to fully understand which species live in a given area, and what the range and habitat associations of a given species are. Such information on many species forms the basis of biodiversity information. By sampling and identifying the insects that live at a given location, researchers measure the composition and diversity of the insect community there. They can then use the insect community as a tool to assess the relative "ecological health" of the area, and compare it to other areas - this allows us to identify biodiversity hotspots, to determine which areas should be set aside for protection, and to assess whether existing areas adequately protect biodiversity. Researchers also use this biodiversity information to measure the environmental effects of human activities such as agriculture, mining, forestry, and urbanization on the environment.
To carry out biodiversity work, researchers choose an appropriate target group (for example moths, ground beetles, or aquatic larvae) and then deploy traps that catch these particular insects in a standardised, repeatable manner. By its very nature, this work requires broad sampling of many individuals of an insect community, to generate the data that will lead us to more sustainable land use decisions and, ultimately, to more protection for all wildlife.
Existing insect collections can also be a useful source of baseline environmental data in biodiversity research. Each specimen represents proof of the historical occurrence of a species at a particular place and time. This information allows us to retroactively track the arrival and extinction of various species, and forms a baseline for the study of the effects of human disturbance and climate change.
Pest management: Pest control in agriculture, forestry, and human health obviously accounts for the deaths
10 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______of billions of harmful insects, but many beneficial insects are killed in pest control operations as well. Some pest monitoring work, which is vital to the protection of our agricultural and forest products and our health, involves the unavoidable collection of beneficial insects. Monitoring programs for exotic forest pests depend on traps that broadly sample insects, and collect beneficial as well as harmful species. Likewise, mosquito traps for monitoring West Nile Virus carriers inevitably collect non-pest species as well. However, this supposed "bycatch" does not have to be wasted; when examined it often yields new species records, including unexpected introduced pests. For example, the first detection in Alberta of the exotic shot-hole borer (Scolytus rugulosus; a pest of fruit trees) came from the “bycatch” in traps deployed to monitor elm bark beetles (Pohl et al. 2007).
Education and training: An insect collection is a wonderful tool to open people's eyes to the beauty and wonder of the natural world before them. Entomologists who regularly bring collections to schools will attest to the sense of excitement and wonder they bring to the students. The building of an insect collection is a valuable training tool as well - there is no better way to get to know the species in an area than to make an insect collection. Every expert identifier of insects that I know in western Canada developed and continues to develop his/her expertise by building and maintaining an insect collection. The author, Greg Pohl, gives a presentation about insects to high school students in Fort McMurray, AB. (photo: R. Walters, Timberlea Public School) DNA: Another use of old specimens that may not have been imagined by the original collectors is the extraction and analysis of DNA from them. With modern techniques, it is now possible to take a single leg from a specimen up to several decades old, and extract and sequence DNA from it (Meusnier et al. 2008). This is an incredibly powerful tool that allows researchers to check identifications, discern species relationships, and study changes in the genetic make-up of populations over time. Old specimens can also yield parasites and phoretic mites, and plant and fungus spores, helping us make ecological associations. Thus, specimens from inventory and biodiversity work, voucher collections and “bycatch” from pest monitoring programs, all continue to provide valuable information. Who knows what uses we will find for insect collections in the future?
Amateurs versus professionals
The argument for allowing professional researchers to collect insects is clear, but collecting by amateurs is at least as important (Miller 1986). The distinction between "amateur" and "professional" is largely artificial. Just about everyone involved in entomology was drawn to the field by a love of the subject. We are all passionate about what we do, but some of us are lucky enough to get paid for it, while others do it on their own time at their own expense. The quality of the resulting information often has nothing to do with whether or not the researcher got paid to do the work. Some of the most knowledgeable people in entomology are folks who are self-taught, and carry out their avocation in their spare time. This is
11 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______especially true in taxonomy, where all one needs to do excellent work is a microscope, access to specimens, and an aptitude for the subject. In this era of "fiscal restraint," governments provide little support for basic taxonomic research. Thus the discovery and inventory of non-pest species is largely left to those who do it for the love of it. The majority of the data points on our species distribution maps have likely been obtained by amateurs.
Another role of amateurs is that they are often our future experts, as noted above. The young people who might be casual hobby collectors today are the world-class experts of tomorrow. Not every "hobby collector" becomes a world-class taxonomist, but there is no doubt that virtually every world-class taxonomist started out as a "hobby collector." If we discourage the casual collectors, we will have no experts in the future. I am especially concerned that undue restrictions placed on insect collecting would effectively relegate it to the "paid professionals" only. I cannot overstate the importance of amateurs to entomological science and conservation - if we limit collecting to ill-defined "serious researchers" only, we will lose a huge A boy hunts for bugs in the badlands of Alberta. (photo: G.R. Pohl) resource of valuable specimens, information, and expertise.
Insect Conservation
Resource managers are beginning to recognise the importance of insect conservation (New et al. 1995; New 2004), but we cannot protect species that we do not know well. Many entomologists (including myself) sit on conservation boards such as the Arthropod Specialists Subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee. These are the bodies that assess species and make recommendations for protective legislation for them. The kind of information required to get protection for a species is derived from data from specimens in insect collections, most of which were collected by amateurs. Other than perhaps for the Monarch butterfly, there would be no formal protection of any insect species in Canada, if it were not for the work of amateur insect collectors.
Insects are also making a major contribution to the conservation of vertebrates and their habitats. An example of this is the yucca habitat in southeastern Alberta. The plant is already listed as Threatened federally and Endangered provincially. However, three moths and one skipper butterfly, all obligate yucca associates, have also been or are in the process of being evaluated (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada 2009). The addition of these four insects to the endangered species list will lend much greater voice to the protection of this unique community in southeastern Alberta. The same is true for dune habitats - several moths that are restricted to dunes (Copablepharon grandis, Melaporphyria immortua, Schinia avemensis, and S. verna) are in the process of being assessed nationally and provincially, based on
12 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______work carried out by several amateurs (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada 2009, Alberta’s Endangered Species Conservation Committee 2009). Listing of these species as threatened or endangered will help provide protection for all the animals and plants living in dune habitats. These insects can only be assessed if they are well known taxonomically, and their range and population levels are well enough known. All that information can only be gathered accurately by killing and collecting insect specimens, so it remains necessary to kill some insects, in order to protect the rest.
The COSEWIC Arthropod Specialist Subcommittee visits Norman Criddle’s historic entomology laboratory at Aweme, MB. (L-R): Gloria Goulet, Gary Anweiler, Ron Hooper, Donna Hurlbert, Laurence Packer, Rob Roughley, Jean-Francois Landry (with net), Ross Layberry, Henri Goulet, Greg Pohl, Donna Giberson, Rob Cannings, Colin Jones, Paul Catling (kneeling), Robb Bennett, and Dan Johnson. (photo: Brenda Kostiuk)
Collecting and Endangered Species: As detailed by Pyle (1992), insect collectors are a very minor mortality factor for insects, and their efforts generally do far more good than harm. The Lepidopterists' Society has developed a well-considered position on insect collecting (The Lepidopterists' Society 1996). Of all the insects listed as threatened or endangered in Canada by COSEWIC, not one of the species assessments lists insect collecting as a significant threat (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada 2009). In fact, without the work of collectors, we would not have had the background information required to measure their populations accurately enough to make such assessments in the first
13 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______place. Once these species are recognized as threatened or endangered and protected by legislation, it becomes illegal to collect them on crown lands, and it is illegal to collect them or any other species in provincial or national parks and protected areas without a research permit. This is adequate protection for these threatened species from overzealous collectors. For the vast majority of insects that are not yet well enough known to make accurate assessments of their rarity, we need MORE collecting, not less, in order to gather that information.
Conclusion
In the recent campaign against "bug collecting" that I mentioned earlier, a society of local entomologists (The Alberta Lepidopterists' Guild) decided to engage with naturalist groups in a constructive way, by joining the Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN), an umbrella group of local naturalists' groups, including the group that had launched the anti-collecting campaign. I think that we have effectively communicated what entomologists do, and we are working with FAN to draw up a specimen collecting policy. The Alberta Lepidopterists' Guild has also been drawn into a local fight over proposed gas well drilling in the Suffield National Wildlife Area in southern Alberta and we have been providing well- documented scientific information on rare and little-known insects there, which appears to have been instrumental in putting a halt to the proposed drilling. Time will tell, but so far this has been a mutually beneficial collaboration, resulting in a much greater understanding of "bug collecting" and entomology among the local naturalist community, and a greater contribution by scientists to specific habitat protection initiatives.
References cited
Acorn, J. 2001. Tiger Beetles of Alberta. Killers on the Clay, Stalkers on the Sand. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, 120 pp. Acorn, J. 2004. Damselflies of Alberta. Flying Neon Toothpicks in the Grass. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, 156 pp. Acorn, J. 2007. Ladybugs of Alberta. Finding the Spots and Connecting the Dots. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, 169 pp. Alberta’s Endangered Species Conservation Committee. 2009. Alberta’s Endangered Species Conservation Committee. http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/escc/default.aspx (Accessed 20 March 2009). Avibase. 2009. Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World. Canada. http://avibase.bsc- eoc.org/checklist.jsp?lang=EN®ion=ca&list=clements (Accessed: 20 March 2009) Bouchard, P., V.V. Grebennikov, A.B.T. Smith, and H. Douglas. 2009. Biodiversity of Coleoptera. In, R. G. Foottit and P. H. Adler (eds.), Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 632 pp. Cannings, R.A. 2002. Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver, 96 pp. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, 2009. Website: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm (Accessed 20 March 2009) Danks, H.V. 1979. Summary of the diversity of Canadian terrestrial arthropods, pp. 240-244. In: Danks, H.V. (ed.). Canada and its insect fauna. Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada 108: 1-573. Danks, H.V. 1991. Museum collections: fundamental values and modern problems. Collection Forum 7(2): 95-111. Huber, J.T. 1998. The importance of voucher specimens, with practical guidelines for preserving specimens of the major invertebrate phyla for identification. Journal of Natural History 32: 367-385.
14 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Jones, C.D., A. Kingsley, P. Burke, and M. Holder. 2008. The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Provincial Park and the Surrounding Area. The Friends of Algonquin Park, 263 pp. Klass, K.-D., O. Zompro, N.P. Kristensen, and J. Adis. 2002. Mantophasmatodea: A new insect order with extant members in the Afrotropics. Science 296(5572): 1456-1459. Layberry, R. A., P.W. Hall, and J.D. Lafontaine. 1998. The Butterflies of Canada. NRC Research Press, Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, in association with University of Toronto Press, Toronto, 280 pp. The Lepidopterists' Society. 1996. Statement on Collecting. http://www.lepsoc.org/statement_on_collecting.php (Accessed 20 March 2009). Marshall, S.A. 2006. Insects: their natural history and diversity. Firefly Books, Buffalo, 718 pp. Meusnier, I., G.A.C. Singer, J.-F. Landry, D.A. Hickey, P.D.N. Hebert, and M. Hajibabaei. 2008. A universal DNA mini-barcode for biodiversity analysis. BMC Genomics 9: 214. Miller, L.D. 1986. Presidential Address 1984: A tribute to the amateur. Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 40: 1-7. New, T.R. 2004. Moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) and conservation: background and perspective. Journal of Insect Conservation 8: 79-94. New, T.R., R.M. Pyle, J.A. Thomas, & P.C. Hammond. 1995. Butterfly conservation management. Annual Review of Entomology 40: 57-83. Pellmyr, O. 1999. Systematic revision of the yucca moths in the Tegeticula yuccasella complex (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) north of Mexico. Systematic Entomology 24: 243-271. Pohl, G. R., Langor, D. W., Landry, J.-F., & Spence, J. R. 2004 [2006]. Lepidoptera of the Boreal Mixedwood Forest near Lac La Biche, Alberta, including new provincial records. Canadian Field- Naturalist 118: 530-549. Pohl, G.R., B.D. Gill, J. Wheeler, and J.W. Jones. 2007. The Banded Elm Bark Beetle Scolytus schevyrewi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae); a New Exotic Pest Species in Western Canada, oral presentation abstract. Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada and the Entomological Society of Saskatchewan, 29 September - 3 October 2007, Saskatoon. Pyle, R.M. 1992. Handbook for Butterfly Watchers. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 280 pp. Pyle, R.M. 2002. The Butterflies of Cascadia. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, 420 pp. Tree of Life. 2009. Tree of Life website. http://www.tolweb.org/tree/ (Accessed: 20 March 2009) Wheeler, T.A. 2003. The role of voucher specimens in validating faunistic and ecological research. Biological Survey of Canada (Terrestrial Arthropods) Document Series 9: 1-21. Wiggins, G.B., S.A. Marshall, and J.A. Downes. 1991. Importance of research collections of terrestrial arthropods. Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada Supplement 23(2) 1-16.
15 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
IDENTIFICATION OF THE HICKORY HAIRSTREAK (SATYRIUM CARYAEVORUM)
by Ross Layberry
The Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum) has always been one of our most difficult identification problems. It is very similar in appearance to the Banded Hairstreak (S. calanus), which is very much more common, and very variable in precisely the features used to separate the two species. The other problem is that none of the distinguishing features gives an absolute “yes or no” answer, a feature is more than, or bigger than, or narrower than in the other species, so an identification depends to a large degree on which illustrations you are using for comparison.
When I first became interested in rearing butterflies, back in the 1970s, I went to a place in Quebec, just across the river from Ottawa, where for several years I had seen literally hundreds of hairstreaks. I beat on a few trees, mainly butternut and oak, and soon found about 20 lycaenid larvae. I was successful in rearing most of them, but to my surprise the adults looked much more like Hickory Hairstreaks than Banded. I took them in to the Canadian National Collection and showed Don Lafontaine. He felt that they should be dissected, to be certain; the only absolute distinguishing features between the species are in the genitalia. He taught me how to do this, and I dissected all my male reared specimens, and some others caught at the same place in previous years. I did the dissections at home with two butterfly pins in a saucer of water, put the genitalia in tiny glycerine-filled vials attached to the mounting pins, and took them back to the CNC for identification. All the reared specimens and a few caught in previous years were Hickory Hairstreaks, the rest were Banded Hairstreaks. I reared hairstreak larvae many times in the next decade, but never again found Hickories.
The illustrations on the next two pages show nine males of each species, all from my collection and all positively identified by genitalic dissection. In most you can see the vials, many with glycerine still in them, stained brown by contact with the cork. It is interesting to compare these specimens with each point in the “Similar species” feature in Butterflies of Canada (Layberry et al., 1998).
In Banded Hairstreak - “the white-edged dark band on the hindwing underside is a series of dark rectangular spots margined mainly on the outside with white”. Almost always true, and it also applies on the forewing: in the Hickory there is usually at least a little white on the inner margin of the spots.
“The top-most spot is similar in size and shape to the others”. Almost true, the top spot is sometimes a little bigger than the next but in the Hickory it is much bigger.
“[the top-most spot] is offset towards the base of the wings”. True, but so it is in the Hickory.
“[the top-most spot] is much narrower than the partial second band near the middle of the wing”. True; in the Hickory it is as wide as the partial second band, or a little wider. This is one of the best distinguishing features.
16 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Nine specimens of Hickory Hairstreak. (photo: Ross Layberry)
“The orange and black spot between the two tails (adjacent to the blue spot) is a reddish crescent above a black triangular spot and [the reddish crescent] is as large as the black spot”. True, and often the reddish crescent is even bigger than the black spot. In the Hickory the height (thickness) of the reddish crescent is usually about 30-35% of the height of the black triangle.
In Hickory Hairstreak - “the series of spots forming the dark band is progressively wider towards the top, so that the offset top spot is as wide as the partial second band”. True, and it can even be a little wider.
There are two other features, not mentioned in Butterflies of Canada, although the first one is often what people notice first on examining a specimen: the shape of the blue spot. In the Banded Hairstreak the blue spot is about as high as it is wide, or just a little higher, up to about 1.25 times the width. In the Hickory Hairstreak the spot is often much taller, from 1.2 to at least 1.6 times the width. There is some overlap, so this feature, taken by itself, does not prove identity.
The other feature is the dark spot band on the forewing; in the Hickory Hairstreak it also gets progressively wider towards the top, and the top spot (or spots) is almost always displaced towards the tip of the wing. Neither of these things is true in the Banded Hairstreak.
17 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Nine specimens of Banded Hairstreak. (photo: Ross Layberry)
If you compare each specimen in the illustrations with each of the points in these notes, you will probably find exceptions to most of them. But taken together, they will enable you to be almost certain of your identification, if you are examining a mounted specimen, a clear close-up photograph, or a live specimen in a small examining vial. But an ID based on a quick glimpse of a specimen nectaring on a milkweed will forever remain largely guesswork.
References
Layberry, R.A., P.W.Hall and J.D.Lafontaine. 1998. The Butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. 280 pp.
18 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
A SECOND CANADIAN RECORD OF WHIRLABOUT (POLITES VIBEX)
by Barry Harrison
July 25, 2008 was a hot, humid, sunny day, with the temperature reaching about 24°C. The day prior was cloudy in the morning but hot and sunny in the afternoon reaching a peak of about 26°C. The previous several days were also very hot and humid with a mixture of sun, some cloud and rain, and a daily high of 24°C to 30°C in the Toronto region.
The morning of July 25, I entered our garden at 9:20 to inspect the butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.). I soon noticed an average sized skipper nectaring six feet up on a Buddleia flower. I was now three to four feet away and observing it in good light. I am very familiar with anticipated Fiery Skippers (Hylephila phyleus) but this individual looked distinctly different above and below.
It was very dark-brown above, excepting three small but whitish spots on the central forewing and small whitish costal markings. The under hind wing appearance was generally olivaceous, and had variable dark shading. Overall, the underside was rather dull and unattractive. The skipper only remained for a few minutes (no time to rush back for a net, but certainly enough time to take in its features), then it bolted off quickly in a general east, northeast direction.
On perusing my books it seems that the ventral female Whirlabout (Polites vibex) can be quite variable, ranging from the illustrations/photos in Brock and Kaufman (2003), to Glassberg (1999), of which my observation seemed fairly close to, to Opler and Malikul (1992), to Pyle 1981. The under hind wing markings on the individual in my garden (smudges and one clear inner dot) were somewhat like plate 57, number 5 in Glassberg (1999), figure 151 in Pyle (1981), and plate 44 in Opler and Malikul (1992).
I have faithfully illustrated the sighting to the best of my ability, trying to particularly portray the unusual under hind wing. With all of the information I have gathered I cannot find any other species that comes close to this individual and have concluded that my observation was of a female Whirlabout.
There is only a single previous record of Whirlabout in Canada, a female collected in Toronto by Arthur Gibson some time before 1910 (Layberry et al., 1998).
19 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
References
Brock. J.P. and K. Kaufman. 2003. Butterflies of North American. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Cech, R. and G. Tudor. 2005. Butterflies of the East Coast: An Oberver’s Guide. Princeton University Press.
Glassberg, J. 1999. Butterflies Through Binoculars: The East. Oxford University Press.
Layberry, R.A., P.W.Hall and J.D.Lafontaine. 1998. The Butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. 280 pp.
Opler, P.A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Pyle, R.M. 1981. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Butterflies.
Scott. J. A. 1992. The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press.
THE MARINE BLUE (LEPTOTES MARINA) IN TORONTO – JULY 2008
by Bob Yukich
During the Toronto Centre Butterfly Count on July 12, 2008, Steve LaForest and Carolyn King discovered a fresh female Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) at the old World War II munitions factory site in Mississauga. This site is located immediately south of Lakeshore Blvd. next to Marie Curtis Park on the western Toronto waterfront (see photo on page 47). This abandoned site has no remaining man-made structures other than a centrally located tall wooden water tower, now in disuse. The property has reverted to a large overgrown field with abundant Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca), Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and lesser amounts of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), all suitable host plants for Marine Blue – this species uses various plants in the Legume family. A few copses of small trees and shrubs are scattered throughout and much of the field is bordered by trees and woodland. The field is mainly dry but there are some wetter areas, as well as two small ponds with emergent vegetation at the south end.
The Marine Blue was netted in the early afternoon during cloudy weather as it rested in a patch of Birdsfoot Trefoil at the north end of the field. It was brought back to the count round-up later in the day, where it was kept in a plastic bag inside a cooler for most of the time. Whenever the butterfly was taken out of the cooler to be shown to other participants or for photographs, it exhibited extreme restlessness. When taken back to the site of capture that evening at dusk (8:45 p.m.), it was removed from the cooler at the site, taken out of the bag and placed on Carolyn King’s hand, where it immediately became active and alert. Before I could manage to get a photo, it vigorously flew upward, disappearing into the top of the closest tree, a 7 m high Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo) about 50 m to the south.
20 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Thinking there may be a colony of Marine Blues at this site, John Carley, my wife Karen and I returned the next day, July 13, at around 11:30 a.m. We were joined there by Garth Riley, his wife Nancy McPherson, and their son Andrew. It had been cloudy overnight and throughout the morning, but it was now becoming sunny and warm. We went directly to where the Marine Blue had been released the previous evening. Within minutes John spotted a fresh female Marine Blue resting on the ground near the main pathway close to the tree the released individual had flown to the previous evening. It was quite tame and approachable, more so than the Eastern Tailed-Blues (Cupido comyntas) that were also present. It flew a short distance and began to nectar on Birdsfoot Trefoil. Several photos were taken. Within minutes, while I was still photographing the first Marine Blue, John spotted another fresh female about 50 m away. It was also nectaring on Birdsfoot Trefoil. I managed to get a photo of it before it flew off (see photo on page 47).
After these initial sightings, which lasted only about a half hour, no more Marine Blues were seen that day even though at least six others, besides our group, spent the afternoon combing the area.
Later that day I compared my photograph of the Marine Blue netted by Steve and Carolyn on count day with the photos I had just taken in the field. Based on variations in the underwing pattern, it was apparent that there were three individuals involved - all of them females.
The following day, July 14 at around 11:30 a.m., Barry Harrison and three friends observed another Marine Blue, a fresh male this time, perched briefly in a large patch of Cow Vetch not far from where we saw the two females the day before.
I visited this site again on July 15 and 19, and for the last time on August 14 with Glenn Richardson to look for a possible second brood, but no Marine Blues were ever found here again. Good numbers of other butterflies, especially Eastern Tailed-Blues, were present on all of our visits. A few others reported visiting this site in search of Marine Blues during the same period but found none.
On July 22 just after 2:00 p.m., having returned from a trip downtown along the Toronto waterfront on my bicycle, I stopped briefly at a wooden bridge at the southeast corner of Grenadier Pond in High Park to check a tiny wet meadow that often attracts butterflies. Dark clouds threatening rain were quickly rolling in from the north, but the sun was still shining.
As soon as I arrived I noticed what I thought was an Eastern-Tailed Blue, which would be unusual for this spot, as it fluttered up onto some Blue Vervain (Verbena hastate) and began to nectar. Luckily I had binoculars with me, but unfortunately no camera. As it twisted and turned on the flower head, I could see that it was a Marine Blue by the barred pattern on the underwing. As the clouds began obscuring the sun, the butterfly opened its wings, revealing the brownish upperside with purplish centre of a female. It was in fresh condition. It nectared briefly and then, unprovoked, fluttered upwards about 20 to 25 m, disappearing in the crown of a large oak (Quercus sp.) a short distance to the north.
I had moved a few feet into the vegetation for a closer look and was now returning to the pathway. I turned to take another look at the meadow and immediately saw what I thought was the same butterfly flutter down to the same Blue Vervain. I wondered how it had returned so quickly. After it landed on the flower and began to nectar I could see the striking underwing pattern of a Marine Blue. It had clouded over by now and the butterfly opened its wings, revealing the purple upperside of a male. It had two dark spots at the anal angle of each hindwing, and the dark barring on the underside bled through to the upperside and was clearly visible. It appeared quite fresh. When it started to rain the butterfly disappeared into the tall
21 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______vegetation. I waited a while until it stopped raining but did not see any more Marine Blues. I phoned a couple of friends who visited the site later in the day when it became sunny again, but no Marine Blues were found.
The only obvious host plant for Marine Blue at this location was White Sweet Clover (Melilotus alba), which was abundant this year along the south end of Grenadier Pond. A short time after my sighting, the High Park restoration crew removed virtually all of the White Sweet Clover here as this non-native plant is considered highly invasive. I checked the small meadow, as well as the south end of Grenadier Pond, many times during the rest of the summer but never found any more Marine Blues.
A total of six Marine Blues were seen in Toronto in July 2008. All were in fresh condition and in suitable breeding habitat, suggesting local emergence. High Park and the old munitions factory site are about 9 km apart and both are located along the Lake Ontario waterfront. It is reasonable to assume that more than one pregnant female Marine Blue arrived on the western Toronto waterfront sometime in June, laid eggs and colonized these sites.
All previous records of Marine Blue in Ontario are from Point Pelee National Park, where they first occurred in 1993 (Wormington 1994). Worn females arrived there in June of that year, forming a colony along West Beach that persisted throughout the summer. The only other record was of a female, apparently killed by a crab spider, found on White Sweet Clover near Delaurier House on July 31, 1999 (Wormington 2000).
The July 2008 Toronto sightings of Marine Blue constitute the most northerly record for this species in the province. Shortly after these sightings, Jerry Ball and Ross Macintosh briefly observed a single Marine Blue of undetermined sex at Seacliffe, just west of Leamington, on the annual Point Pelee butterfly count on August 9, 2008.
It is puzzling that, after the initial sightings, no Marine Blues were ever seen again at either of the Toronto sites, especially since they evidently bred. Perhaps after emergence and a brief period of nectaring they simply moved on, feeling the same urge to migrate as their predecessors.
References
Wormington, A. 1994. Marine Blue (Leptotes marina): New to Ontario. Page 24-26 in A.J. Hanks. Toronto Entomologists Association Occasional Publication #26-94: Butterflies of Ontario and Summaries of Lepidoptera Encountered in Ontario in 1993.
Wormington, A. 2000. Point Pelee Butterfly Highlights - 1999. Page 23-25 in A.J. Hanks. Toronto Entomologists Association Occasional Publication #32-2000: Butterflies of Ontario and Summaries of Lepidoptera Encountered in Ontario in 1999.
22 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
SUMMARY OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS IN 2008
Compiled by Ross A. Layberry and Colin D. Jones
Introduction
The following is a summary of the butterflies and skippers reported in Ontario in 2008. For each species, the total number of records submitted is indicated, followed by at least the earliest and latest records (that were submitted), as well as other noteworthy records to include: a) new information on range and new occurrence localities; b) data, when submitted, on flight periods, broods and population monitoring; c) life history data that is not well known or seldom reported including foodplants, nectar sources, larval description and habits, ovipositing data and behaviour, pupal description and siting, adult habits, predation, etc.; and, d) records of rare or seldom reported species.
Only those species for which there were reports from 2008 are listed. The full list of Ontario’s butterflies and skippers, along with superfamilies, subfamilies and genera, as well as taxon authors can be found in the Checklist of the Butterflies of Ontario (see page 61). Counties, Districts and Regional Municipalities (as listed on pages 5 and 6) in the text are truncated and printed in italics (e.g. Regional Municipality of Waterloo appears as Waterloo).
The full sets of over 8,852 records (comprising 132 species) submitted from 2008 are available to TEA members as a PDF file – contact Colin Jones at [email protected] to receive a copy. Records within these tables are sorted taxonomically by species, then by county (alphabetically), and then by date. The PDF file (Portable Document Format) can be opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader, which comes pre-installed on most computers, and is also available as a free download at www.adobe.com/support/downloads/. The table can be searched in a limited way using the Find function in Acrobat Reader. An additional PDF file including the key to observer’s initials will also be included. For TEA members without access to a computer or printer, a print-out of the butterfly and skipper tables can be requested from Colin Jones (Editor, Ontario Lepidoptera), see contact information on the inside front cover.
Each record within the tables includes county, locality, date, observers, numbers seen, and any special notes. Other valuable data that could not be included in the tables due to space limitations, such as georeferencing (UTM and Lat/Long), is retained in the TEA’s Ontario Butterfly Atlas Database, which is housed at and maintained by the Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough. Further inquiries or requests for information can be directed to the compiler.
Both the species accounts and the butterfly checklist are organized in accordance with Layberry et al. (1998) with some taxonomic updates from Opler and Warren (2003). The common names follow Layberry et al. (1998).
Data has been carefully checked by the compilers and every effort has been made to verify records for provincially rare and unusual species, as well as species in some particularly difficult groups. However, the majority of records are unverified reports and occasional identification errors may remain. Any corrections brought to the compiler’s attention will be published in future issues of Ontario Lepidoptera.
23 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
The 2008 Season
The winter of 2007/2008 was very wet (third wettest on record) in S Ontario whereas it was drier than average in the north.
Spring was about average for temperature and above average for precipitation across Ontario. The above average temperatures resulted in fairly early emergence times for most of the early spring species. For example, all of the regularly occurring elfins (the exceptions begin Bog and Frosted) emerged between April 24 and 27. The first American Copper emerged on April 20th – in Algoma District! Hobomok Skipper was first recorded on May 10 in Frontenac Co. (earlier than average). Several late spring/early summer species also emerged earlier than usual including Delaware Skipper (June 15 in Frontenac Co.) and a Common Branded Skipper that was recorded in the Thunder Bay area on June 23rd!
It was a fairly warm summer across Ontario (slightly higher than average) but it was very wet in the south (3rd wettest summer on record) and slightly wetter than average in the north. The wet weather, therefore, caused the butterfly activity to slow down a bit.
It was an excellent year for southern strays into Ontario with the following species recorded: Horace’s Duskywing, Common Checkered Skipper, Fiery Skipper, Whirlabout (Canada’s 2nd record), Sachem, Ocola Skipper, Spicebush Swallowtail (including three records from Thunder Bay District!), Southern Dogface, Cloudless Sulphur, Little Sulphur, White M Hairstreak, American Snout (2nd record for Ottawa) and Variegated Fritillary.
Giant Swallowtail continues to do well north of its historical range. In addition, there was an incredible record from Sault Ste. Marie in June (new to Algoma District)!
Two of the biggest highlights of the season were the discovery of a breeding colony of Southern Hairstreaks in Lambton County by Blake Mann – the first breeding colony recorded in Canada and a small colony of Marine Blues in Toronto discovered by Steve Laforest and Carolyn King.
Autumn temperatures were average in the south and above average in the north resulting in a few late season records but nothing especially noteworthy.
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Family: HESPERIIDAE
Epargyreus clarus SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 70 records. The first report was on May 17, one seen at the Back Pit Panne, Sandbanks P.P., Prince Edward (JD). Regular records started in early June, with another sighting at Sandbanks PP on June 5 (JD) and one at Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa on June 8 (CH). Records were continuous from then until August 7, another few seen at Sandbanks PP (JD), the last report of the first generation. The next generation was first reported on August 18, when two were seen on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB). There were five other August sightings, finishing with a very worn individual seen on August 27 at Centre Island, Metro Toronto (RJY). There was then a three- week gap, followed by the beginning of a third generation, a sighting of 28 individuals on September 20 at 24 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Sturgeon Creek and Bevel Line Rd., SE of Leamington, Essex (RJY) and a record on September 24 of a fresh one at Centre Island, Metro Toronto (RJY). On September 28 one was seen nectaring on Asteraceae at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH). The last three records were all from Essex: two seen on October 11 at Sturgeon Creek (RJY) and on October 12 one opposite Point Pelee National Park Headquarters and another on Hwy 18, 3.8 km W of Seacliffe, (AA).
Thorybes bathyllus SOUTHERN CLOUDYWING
In 2008 - Only two records: one seen on June 13 in a large clearing on Con 6. at St. Williams Forestry Station, Norfolk (RJY) and a sighting on July 6 at Newbury, Middlesex (BAM, PD).
Thorybes pylades NORTHERN CLOUDYWING
In 2008 - 102 records. The earliest record was on May 29, when two were seen on Pencil Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB), and the next were on May 30, two seen on the Howie Rd. extension, E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH) and two seen at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA). One was reported on June 22 from Algonquin PP, at the Hemlock Bluff Trail, Nipissing (LFo); the species is rare in the Park. The earliest reports from northern Ontario were on June 22, one seen on the Wolf Tree Trail, N of Raith, Thunder Bay (NGE) and one caught and released at Shale Lake, 18 km NW of Dorion, Thunder Bay (SB). The latest records were on July 10, 32 counted at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY) and one caught and released at Finnmark Rd., NW of the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (SB); on July 12, one caught and released at Lochlin Bog, Lochlin, Haliburton (EP, TLa, DBi, JiH) and one seen in Hwy 11 berween Beardsmore and Geraldton, Thunder Bay (NGE) and on July 25, seven seen at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY).
Erynnis icelus DREAMY DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 70 records. The earliest report was one photographed on May 9 at the Burnt Lands Provincial Nature Reserve, Ottawa (KA, DA). In the north, the earliest was on June 8, one seen on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). On June 25 NGE reported 20 at Sedgman Lake PNR, Thunder Bay and JB saw an individual at Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough. On June 26 SB caught and released eight at Pictured Lake, Thunder Bay. The latest reports were on July 14, a sight record at Elbow Lake, Frontenac (KFN), very late for a southern record, and one seen on the Sawbill Lake Trail in Sleeping Giant P.P., Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa).
Erynnis brizo SLEEPY DUSKYWING
In 2008 - The only record was one photographed on May 15 at Ojibway Prairie, Windsor, Essex (PH).
Erynnis juvenalis JUVENAL’S DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 108 records. The first three reports were on May 9: one at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH), one photographed at the Burnt Lands PNR, Ottawa (KA, DA), and in northern Ontario one seen at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa). An individual collected along a logging road (with no oak in sight) in Ethel Twp., Sudbury (CDJ, DAS) was quite far north for this species. The last records of the season include one seen on July 14 at Elbow Lake, Frontenac (KFN) and one reported in the Petroglyphs PP Count on July 19 (TB).
25 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Erynnis horatius HORACE’S DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 11 records, ten in Point Pelee NP, Essex. This was the best year ever for the species in Ontario beginning with a male photographed on June 14 in the Tip area (see photo on page 30), and watched for 15 minutes as it nectared on cinquefoil (RJY). This represents the first record of a first brood individual in Ontario – normally this species does not wander north into Ontario until the second brood. The second generation occurred from August 9 (AW) to September 14 (BAM), both at West Beach. The only one from outside the Park was a worn male seen on August 18 at Pelee Island Campground, Essex (AJH).
Erynnis martialis MOTTLED DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 2 records. The first was on May 28 at a new location, a semi-open alvar 2.8 km S of Marmora, Hastings (CDJ, DAS, JG); several were observed, and photographed by JG, and two specimens were collected. One was seen on June 6 at the Burnt Lands, N of Con. 12, Lanark (PH).
Erynnis funeralis FUNEREAL DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 1 record, on August 12 at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (JF, BH), exactly where it was last seen in 2006.
Erynnis lucilius COLUMBINE DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 49 records. The earliest reports were on May 10, a sight record on Co. Rd. 19 in the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER, PM), and on May 13, a single individual seen in a clearing in sandy pine woods at Constance Bay, Ottawa (CH). The first generation continued until June 12, when one was seen sunning at Wolf Grove Rd., 4 km SW Almonte, Lanark (DA). The second generation started with reports on July 12 of two very fresh individuals at the Burnt Lands, Con. 12, Lanark (DA) and one seen on July 13 at Burke Settlement, Frontenac (JK, MSa). There were many reports in July and early August, including a total of 71 on July 19 during the Petroglyphs PP Count, Peterborough (JB et al.) and a count of 300+ at Wylie & Alvar Rds., on the Carden Plain, Kawartha Lakes (AA). The latest reports were of eight seen on August 21 in the Burnt Lands N of Con. 12, Lanark (PH), and a sight record on September 10 on the Cataraqui Trail at MacGillivray Rd., Frontenac (BER).
Erynnis baptisiae WILD INDIGO DUSKYWING
In 2008 - 18 records. Once again this year, there were three generations, flying from May 10 at Eglinton Flats, Metro Toronto (RJY) to June 20 at “Toronto area” (BH), from June 27 at Eglinton Flats (RJY) to August 26 at “Toronto area” (BH), and from September 17 at James Gardens, Metro Toronto (RJY) to October 13 at Sturgeon Creek, 3 km SE Leamington, Essex (RJY). A female was noted laying eggs on Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis), a known food plant, on July 25 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY) – see photo on page 30. Two others were from new areas, one seen on May 28 at Heber Down CA, Durham (RJY) and one photographed on July 19 at the old munitions factory, W of Marie Curtis Park, Mississauga, Peel (RJY).
26 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Pyrgus communis COMMON CHECKERED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 10 records, all single sightings of fall migrants in the southwest. The earliest was on September 16 at Seacliffe, Essex, a very fresh female seen on alfalfa (AW) and the latest was on November 6 at Ojibway Prairie, Windsor, Essex, a sight record of one worn male (RJJ).
Pholisora catullus COMMON SOOTYWING
In 2008 - 1 record, a worn individual seen on August 31 at McKeough CA, Lambton (BAM).
Carterocephalus palaemon ARCTIC SKIPPER
In 2008 - 54 records. The season began on May 30 at Moscow Marsh, Lennox & Addington (BER, KH). The next record was on June 5, when a fresh individual was photographed at the Turner Tract, Halton Regional Forest, Halton (RJY), and one was on the Galway-Cavendish Forest Access Rd., Peterborough (JB). The first report from the north was of two on June 22, Wolf Tree Trail, Thunder Bay (NGE). The last report in the south was of one on June 30 on the Cedar Grove Trail, Marlborough Forest, Ottawa (CH), and in the north four were caught and released on July 2 at the Mills Block CA, Thunder Bay (SB).
Ancyloxypha numitor LEAST SKIPPER
In 2008 - 93 records. The earliest reports were on June 5 at the Scheck Site, 1.5 km N of Newburgh, Lennox & Addington (KH) and on June 9 on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH). There was a complete overlap between generations, records continuing without a break until early September. The highest daily total was 71, on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (JB). On August 10 four were caught and released at Sawmill Point on the Nipigon River, Thunder Bay (SB), the only northern record. There were a few probable third-generation reports, with the latest on September 20 at Sturgeon Creek & Bevel Line Rd., 3 km SE Leamington, Essex (RJY) and on October 12 at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS), the latest ever Toronto record.
Thymelicus lineola EUROPEAN SKIPPER
In 2008 - 247 records. The earliest reports were on June 6 at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH), and on June 8 on Moodie Dr., 3 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ) and on Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds and Grenville (KH). There were many reports of large numbers; the highest was an estimated 16,300 on July 1 on Charlie Allen Rd., W of Rockcroft, Peterborough (JB). The latest reports were: July 27 on Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, Thunder Bay (SB); August 9, one seen at the Smurfit-Stone Mill, Thunder Bay (NGE, BJM, JW) and possibly an all-time late record (second generation?) of two seen on August 21 at Courtcliffe Park, Carlisle, Hamilton-Wentworth (BVR).
Hylephila phyleus FIERY SKIPPER
In 2008 - 9 records. There were only late season reports this year, starting on September 18 at Sturgeon Creek, Essex, where about 90, both fresh and worn, were seen in a small alfalfa field (AW). The only Toronto report was on September 24 at Hanlan’s Point, Metro Toronto, where a fresh male was photographed (RJY). All the rest were from the southwest, finishing on October 13 when 14 were seen at Sturgeon Creek, Essex (RJY, BAM).
27 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Hesperia comma COMMON BRANDED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 6 records. The first reports were earlier than usual, individuals caught and released on June 23 at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay and on June 26 at Painted Lake, Thunder Bay (SB). One was photographed on August 17 in Wishart Park, Sault Ste Marie, Algoma (RJY). In Algonquin PP on August 21, BEP saw one at Mew Lake, Nipissing and one at the Whitefish Lake millsite, Haliburton. The latest report was of two caught and released on August 24 in a grassy meadow on the Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, Thunder Bay (SB).
Hesperia leonardus LEONARD’S SKIPPER
In 2008 - 32 records. The earliest report was of one observed on August 3 at the Visitor Centre tilebed, Algonquin P.P., Nipissing (KHo, NM). Then on August 14 one was seen on Co. Rd. 40, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough and four were seen on Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB). There were only three northern records, but the earliest and latest were both at Webbwood, Sudbury; one was photographed there on August 16 and four were seen on August 30 (TRa). In the south the last reports were from the end of Ridge Rd., Mer Bleue, Ottawa on September 16 (PH), and from the Cataraqui Trail at MacGillivray Rd., Frontenac on October 22 (BER).
Hesperia sassacus INDIAN SKIPPER
In 2008 - 45 records. The first reports were on June 6, at Bayview Bog, 1 km NW of Amherstview, Lennox & Addington (BER) and at the Burnt Lands N of Con. 12, Lanark, where PH saw about 20, and photographed some. On June 14 one was reported from the Cache Lake parking lot, Algonquin PP, Nipissing, only the second record for the Park (BHo). There were only two northern records, on June 18 at Agawa Campground, Lake Superior PP, Algoma and on June 22 on Hwy 17, 48 km W of Kenora, Kenora (TRa, MRa); in both cases the individuals were photographed. The latest date was July 4, a female captured and released E of Carnarvon, Haliburton (EP, KP), and one observed at the Howie Rd. extension, E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH).
Polites peckius PECK’S SKIPPER
In 2008 - 52 records. There seems to be little doubt that there were three generations of this species in 2008. The first ran from June 2 at Lambton Woods, Metro Toronto, two seen (RJY) to August 1, when one was reported NE of Villiers, on the railtrail between the Cameron and Blezard Lines, Peterborough (JB). Reports of the second generation started and finished at James Gardens, Metro Toronto, where 54 were seen on August 12 and 44 on September 3 (RJY). Also on September 3 was a sight record from the West Beach, Point Pelee N.P., Essex (BAM), the first Point Pelee record since 1996 (AW pers. comm.). There were two third-generation records, on October 6 at Port Lambton, Lambton (BAM) and on October 12 on Hwy 18, 3.8 km W of Seacliffe, Essex (AA).
Polites themistocles TAWNY-EDGED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 108 records. The first reports were sight records on June 2 and 4 at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA), and June 4 at the Scheck Site, 1.5 km N of Newburgh, Lennox & Addington (KH).The latest first-generation reports were of one seen on July 18 on Co. Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB) and 11 tallied on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (JB). In the north the
28 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______season was reported only from July 2 at the Mills Block CA, Thunder Bay (SB) to July 14 at the Sawbill Lake Trail, Sleeping Giant PP, Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa). On August 5 PH photographed a fresh individual at the end of Ridge Rd., Mer Bleue, Ottawa – the second generation is new to Ottawa in the last few years. The second generation was reported nine times between August 6 and September 3 from the railtrail between the Cameron and Blezard Lines, NE of Villiers Peterborough (JB).There were three other late reports; August 22 at Amherstview Sewage Lagoon, Lennox & Addington (BER); August 25 at Ridge Rd., Mer Bleue, Ottawa, (PH); and September 22 at Port Lambton, Lambton (BAM).
Polites origenes CROSSLINE SKIPPER
In 2008 - 17 records. The earliest reports were sight records, on June 15 at Opinicon Rd., Frontenac (PH) and on July 4 at Bayview Bog, 1 km NW of Amherstview, Lennox & Addington (BER). On August 4 a pair was observed in copula at the Burnt Lands off March Rd., Ottawa (DA). The last report was of one, only partially worn, on September 24 at Eastpoint Park Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH) – quite possibly a second generation individual.
Polites mysti LONG DASH SKIPPER
In 2008 - 127 records. First reported on June 8 on the railtrail between the Cameron and Blezard Lines, NE of Villiers Peterborough (JB). This was followed by four reports on June 11: at the Clay Bank Alvar, 6.5 km SSW of Arnprior, Renfrew (RAL); on the Roger Stevens Trail off Kettle Rd., Ottawa (LJ); on 8th Line N, Dummer Twp., Peterborough (JB); and on Hubble Rd., 12 km N of Havelock, Peterborough (JB). On June 17 CH counted 57 on Bertrand Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, by far the highest one-day total. There were records almost every day until July 25, when they were reported from Co. Rd. 46, S of Twin Lakes, Peterborough and from Fire Route 5857, off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB). There was one presumed second-generation record, a worn individual seen on August 17 in the pannes, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (IS).
Polites vibex WHIRLABOUT
On 2008 - 1 record, a female observed on July 25 by BH on Buddleia flowers at 51 Chestermere Blvd., Scarborough, Metro Toronto. This is only the second Canadian record. The first was caught by Arthur Gibson in Toronto some time before 1910. It was misidentified for about eighty years before finally being recognized; it was pictured in Butterflies of Canada and is currently in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa. See article on page 19.
Wallengrenia egeremet NORTHERN BROKEN-DASH
In 2008 - 26 records. The earliest sightings were on June 24 and July 1 on Charlie Allen Rd., W of Rockcroft, Peterborough (JB) and on July 4 at Bayview Bog, 1 km NW of Amherstview, Lennox & Addington (BER). On July 16 RJY reported 13 at High Park, Metro Toronto, the highest daily count. Records were continuous until August 9, when there were two reports, a worn individual seen at James Gardens, Metro Toronto (RJY), and one seen on Con. 11 on the Burnt Lands, 2 km N of Almonte, Lanark (KA, DA).
29 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Dreamy Duskywing near Marmora, Hastings on Horace’s Duskywing at Point Pelee, Essex on May 28, 2008 (photo: Colin D. Jones) June 14, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich)
Wild Indigo Duskywing eggs on Wild Lupine at High Park Common Checkered Skipper near Point Pelee, Essex Metro Toronto on July 25, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich) on September 20, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich)
Female Sachem at Sturgeon Creek, Essex on Little Glassywing perched beside Gray Treefrog, Rouge October 14, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington) Valley, Metro Toronto, July 1, 2008 (photo: Juha Varrela) 30 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Pipevine Swallowtail ovipositing on Dutchman's Pipe, Pipevine Swallowtail eggs on Dutchman's Pipe, Toronto, Toronto, Metro Toronto, July 11, 2008 (photo:Bob Yukich) Metro Toronto, July 11, 2008 (photo:Bob Yukich)
Predated Pipevine Swallowtail eggs on Dutchman's Pipe, Giant Swallowtail in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Toronto, Metro Toronto (photo:Bob Yukich) on June 22, 2008 (photo: Joy Cohen)
Southern Dogface at West Beach of Point Pelee National Edwards’ Hairstreak at West Becher (Reid Conservation Park, Essex on August 31, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington) Area), Lambton on July 1, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington) 31 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Pompeius verna LITTLE GLASSYWING
In 2008 - 7 records, starting with a single reported on June 30 at Snodden Rd., Georgina, York (RJY), four seen on July 1 at Altona Rd. & Taunton Rd., N of Cherrywood, Durham (JK), and one photographed on July 5 on Opinicon Rd., Frontenac (BER). One was reported on July 17 from West Kosh Rd. in the Kasshabog Lake area, Peterborough (TB). On July 19 another was reported from the Kasshabog Lake area, this time on North Shore Rd., Peterborough, and two more were reported from Post’s Rd, near Oak Lake, Peterborough (CK, SLa). The final report was on July 25 at the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER).
Atalopedes campestris SACHEM
In 2008 - 3 records, all by AW, the first Ontario records since 2003. On October 12, three fresh males were seen and two collected on Henderson Rd., S of Brown’s Rd., Pelee Island, Essex. The next day he saw two more fresh males in the same spot. Then on October 14 he photographed a worn female at Sturgeon Creek, just north of Point Pelee NP, Essex (see photo on page 30).
Anatrytone logan DELAWARE SKIPPER
In 2008 - 50 records. The first report was about two weeks earlier than usual, one seen on June 15 on the Opinicon Rd. at the Lindsay Lake Trail, Frontenac (PH). The next records are on more normal dates: July 5 at Beaverdale & Old Almonte Rds., NE of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH) and July 6 at the Office Meadow at Charleston Lake PP, Leeds and Grenville, three caught and released (CPR). On July 7, three were seen on Hydro Dam Rd., 16 km SW of Calabogie, Renfrew, only the second Renfrew County record (DLe), and on August 1 one was reported at Metcalfe St. and Slater St., in downtown Ottawa, Ottawa (DA). The species appears to have been widespread and abundant all season in Peterborough; JB reported it 33 times on 14 different dates, including the latest two records: August 5 at both Jack Lake Rd., Apsley and Clare Newnham’s Rd, S of Lasswade, Peterborough.
Poanes massassoit MULBERRY WING
In 2008 - 17 records. The first reports were of one photographed on July 5 at the Wylie Rd. marsh on the Carden Plain, Kawartha Lakes (RJY), and two observed on July 8 at Boundary Rd. at Con. 12, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH). On July 12 two were caught and released on the Milburn Rd., 4 km W of Irondale, Haliburton (EP, TLa, DBi, JiH). More were seen on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott- Russell on July 12 (CH) and on July 17 (PH). The remaining 12 reports are all from JB in Peterborough, ranging in date from July 10 at Petroglyphs P.P. and Stoney Point Rd., in the Kasshabog Lake area, to July 29, when eight were seen on Galway Rd.
Poanes hobomok HOBOMOK SKIPPER
In 2008 - 208 records. The first reports were very early: a sight record on May 10 on Co. Rd. 19 in the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER) and another on May 16 in Sandbanks P.P., Prince Edward (JD). The next reports were on May 28 at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH) and on May 30 at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA). In the north, the earliest reports were on June 9 at two locations on Hwy 144 in Ulster and Invergarry Twps., Sudbury, (CDJ, DAS), and the latest was on July 14: nine were seen on the Sawbill Lake Trail, Sleeping Giant PP, Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa). The highest daily count was
32 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
76, on June 21 on a Forest Access road off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB, RJY, AA). The last reports were on July 17, on Boundary Rd. at Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (PH) and NE of Keene, on the railtrail between David Fife and Settlers Lines, Peterborough (JB).
Poanes viator BROAD-WINGED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 49 records. The earliest reports were on July 7: two were noted on on a floodplain sedge marsh on the E side of Kettle’s Lake, Awenda PP, Simcoe (JK) and another two were seen on Fire Route 68 near Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB). On July 19 JB saw 105 on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough, and on July 25 he counted 116 at the same place. But the highest count of all was on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough, when 348 were recorded (JB et al.). The latest reports were sight records on August 6, at the Calf Pasture, Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland (DBr) and on August 15, NE of Villiers, on the railtrail between the Cameron and Blezard Lines, Peterborough (JB).
Euphyes dion DION SKIPPER
In 2008 - 15 records. The season started with three seen on July 7 at Eel’s Creek, Northey’s Bay Rd., Peterborough (DBr) and one seen at Rogers Pond in the Marlborough Forest, Ottawa (CH). The Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough had the highest daily tally at 17 (JB et al.). The latest records were one seen on July 31 in a sedge marsh on the NE side of Wye Marsh, Simcoe (JK) and another on August 4 on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB).
Euphyes dukesii DUKE’S SKIPPER
In 2008 - Just 3 records: on July 12 at East Beach, Point Pelee NP, Essex (BAM), on July 29 two seen at Reid CA, 8 km N of Wallaceburg, Lambton (BAM), and on August 9 six seen on the Shuster Trail, Point Pelee NP, Essex (BAM, HC, DPy, RCar).
Euphyes conspicua BLACK DASH
In 2008 - Only 1 record, of five photographed on July 18 on Blair Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo (RJY).
Euphyes bimacula TWO -SPOTTED SKIPPER
In 2008 - 14 records. The earliest reports were sight records on June 25: on the E side of the Minesing Wetlands, W of Fort Willow, Simcoe (CDJ, CE) and on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB). On July 1 JB counted 11 on Pencil Lake Rd., Peterborough, the highest one-day count. On July 2 three were reported on Sunday Creek at Sunday Lake Rd., Algonquin P.P., Nipissing during the Algonquin Butterfly Count (CDJ, KBa, CEa, NEa). The latest report was of one seen on July 29 on Pencil Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB).
Euphyes vestris DUN SKIPPER
In 2008 - 167 records. Strangely, the earliest record was from the north, one of only three northern reports: one was seen on June 21 at Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). Elsewhere, it was first reported on June 29 at Heber Down CA, Durham, when three were seen (RJY), and at the Dumfries CA, Waterloo where one was reported (BVR). There was no suggestion of a second generation; records were continuous
33 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______throughout July and August. Once again the highest count was on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough: JB et al. counted 2741! The latest reports were on August 27 on Co. Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB) and on August 30, a sight record on Con. 11 at the Burnt Lands, 2 km N Almonte, Lanark (KA, DA, RA).
Amblyscirtes hegon PEPPER AND SALT SKIPPER
In 2008 - 3 records: two seen during the Algonquin East Count on June 7 on the hydrocut between Barron Canyon Rd. and the Petawawa River, Algonquin P.P., Nipissing (CDJ, EH); four along a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd, Peterborough on June 12 (JB); and one at the same location on June 21 (AA).
Amblyscirtes vialis COMMON ROADSIDE SKIPPER
In 2008 - 32 records. The first reports were on May 23, one seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB) and on May 24: one seen on Con. 11 at the Burnt Lands, 2 km N of Almonte, Lanark (KA, DA); one seen at Ritchie Falls, Lochlin, Haliburton (EP); and four seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (RJY). The earliest Algonquin record was on June 7, ten counted on the hydrocut between Barron Canyon Rd. and the Petawawa River, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (CDJ, EH). There were five reports from the north, the earliest on June 18, five seen 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE). In the south the latest date was July 10 with sight records on a dirt track between Hwy 6 and Krug Fen, Bruce (CDJ, CE, RLB, TV, DAS) and at Petroglyphs P.P., Peterborough (JB). In the north, the last record of the year was on July 14 on the Sawbill Lake Lake Trail, Sleeping Giant PP, Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa).
Panoquina ocola OCOLA SKIPPER
In 2008 - 1 record, the first since 1999. On October 11, a worn individual was observed on the West Beach Trail, Point Pelee NP, Essex (BAM, KAM).
Family: PAPILIONIDAE
Battus philenor PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 8 records. The earliest report was of a ragged male seen on June 14 on the DeLaurier Trail, Point Pelee N.P., Essex (AW). On July 8, two were seen in Point Pelee N.P., S of the entrance (HTO). On July 8, 9 and 11 a female was photographed flying around Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia durior) in downtown Toronto, Metro Toronto (KRY). The one on the 11th was a different individual, and it laid 10 eggs on the petiole of a young leaf. These eggs were photographed, but were later destroyed by an insect or a spider, just before hatching (RJY, KRY) – see photos on page 31. On July 9 one was seen at Point Pelee N.P., Essex flying S along the surfline, under a strong W wind (AW). A probable second-generation individual was seen on July 30, on the main park road, S of the entrance in Point Pelee N.P. (AW), and another was seen on August 9 at the old dump site in Leamington, Essex (RMac, SMac).
Eurytides marcellus ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 1 record, the first since 2003, a fresh individual was seen on July 1 at the Visitor Centre in Point Pelee N.P., Essex (DAM, LiW).
34 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Papilio polyxene BLACK SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 99 records. The first reports were on May 5 on Blue Mountain Rd., S of Charleston Lake P.P., Leeds-Grenville (MVB), and on May 9 at the Scheck Site, 1.5 km N of Newburgh, Lennox & Addington (KH) and on Fallowfield Rd., 2 km SW of Fallowfield, Ottawa (KA), all single sightings. On May 30 LJ saw a pair exhibiting courtship display on Moodie Dr., 5 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa. There were many reports throughout May and most of June, but none between June 26, a sight record at the Wesleyville Generating Station Property, Durham (CDJ, KBa) and July 6, when the earliest second-generation individual was seen on Spruce Ridge Rd., 5.7 km S of Carp, Ottawa (KA, DA). On July 21 DBr saw a fresh individual sitting, and presumably feeding, on a dead gull, at Point Petre, Prince Edward. Records were continuous from early July until September 2, when one was seen at the Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH). There were three probable third-generation record: September 10 in the Day Use area in Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland (DBr); two on October 13, near Wheatley, Chatham-Kent (BAM); and a fairly fresh male at the E end of Brown’s Rd., Pelee Island, Essex (AW).
Papilio cresphontes GIANT SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 161 records, almost certainly the most records ever in a single year. The first report was of two seen at Dewey’s, 3 km NE of Elmbrook, Prince Edward on May 31, with nine more seen there on June 7 (JD). Between these dates, on June 5, a newly emerged individual was photographed resting in tall grasses on a cold, damp cloudy morning at the Currie Tract, Halton Co. Forest, Halton (RJY), and one was seen on June 6 and 7 at Middleton Rd., Flamborough, Hamilton-Wentworth (BVR). There were many reports throughout June and to July 5, including an individual photographed (see photo on page 31) on a hanging basket of Verbena in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma on June 22 (JCo), the FIRST RECORD FOR ALGOMA DISTRICT and the most northerly record of this species in Ontario! Several worn individuals seen at Rock Chapel Sanctuary, Hamilton-Wentworth on July 27 (XW) were probably the very latest first-generation individuals. So there was some overlap between generations; fresh ones seen at Rock Chapel on July 25 and August 2 (XW) must have been of the second generation. Records of adults were continuous throught August and September, with the last ones being one seen on September 25 at Dewey’s, 3 km NE of Elmbrook, Prince Edward (JD) and one photographed on September 28, 3 km E of Perth, Lanark (DaO), the FIRST LANARK COUNTY RECORD. Finally, 3 larvae were found on October 6 on Prickly Ash at Prince Edward Point, Prince Edward (CL, BBr).
Papilio glaucus EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 96 records. There were three records in May, one photographed on May 17 at Kopegaron Woods, 2.5 km SW of Wheatley, Essex (RJY), one seen on May 28 at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS) and two caught and released on May 30 at the HP property at Elbow Lake, Frontenac (DBr). Reports were mostly of small numbers, but IS reported “many” on July 15 in open areas at Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland. There was no gap in the records between the generations, but a fresh individual seen on July 21 on a dead Cormorant at Point Petre, Prince Edward (DBr) must have been among the earliest second generation individuals; it is unfortunate that so few people mention the condition (i.e. fresh or worn) of individuals with multiple generations, such as this species, as it would provide valuable information about flight times! There were many reports of second generation individuals by JB from Peterborough, and two from Charleston Lake P.P., Leeds-Grenville: one seen on August 1 atop Blue Mountain (CPR) and one seen on August 5 at the entrance to the Quiddity Trail (JFe). These are at about the limit of the normal range, and there was one record from well beyond it, one seen nectaring on a hosta on August 1 at Bennie’s
35 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Corners, 5 km NW of Almonte, Lanark (KA). A tattered individual seen on August 23 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY) was likely the last second-generation individual. A sighting on September 2 at Sylvan Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH) and a fresh individual seen on September 8 on Main St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward (HHe) must have been of a third generation.
Papilio canadensis CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 236 records. The earliest reports were of sightings on May 13 at Opinicon Rd., Frontenac (MCS), on May 15 at Con. 7 and Boundary Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH) and on May 18 at Constance Bay Sandhills, Ottawa (CH). In Algonquin P.P., Nipissing the first sightings were on May 28, one at the Lake of Two Rivers Parking Lot (CB) and two on Opeongo Rd. (JP, RDS, MPa), and in the north the first was on June 1 at Espanola, Sudbury (CBe). On June 23 SB counted about 100 in a sandy Jackpine forest at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay, the highest one-day total. The Algonquin flight season finished on July 11 when one was seen at the Trailer Sanitation Station, Nipissing (EH). In the north, the latest date was July 14, when one was photographed at Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Elliot Lake, Algoma (BHe), one was seen on the Sawbill Lake Trail, Sleeping Giant P.P., Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa), and another was seen on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE).
Papilio troilus SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL
In 2008 - 22 records, a very good year for this species. Unusually, there were five first-generation reports: one fresh male photographed on May 17 at Kopegaron Woods, 2.5 km SW of Wheatley, Essex (RJY); one seen on June 8, ovipositing on Sassafras at Churchill Park, Hamilton, Hamilton-Wentworth (XW); 29 seen on June 14 in Point Pelee N.P., Essex (RJY); and sightings on June 16 and 21 at Rock Chapel Sanctuary, Hamilton-Wentworth (XW). The earliest second-generation individuals were several fresh ones on July 25 and August 2 at Rock Chapel Sanctuary, Hamilton-Wentworth (XW), one female seen on August 3 on Pelee Island, Essex (RJY) and 12 seen on August 4 at Point Pelee N.P., Essex (RJY). There were nine reports from High Park, Metro Toronto, from August 11 to September 23, the latest report of all (RJY).
Family: PIERIDAE
Pieris oleracea MUSTARD WHITE
In 2008 - 124 records. The first reports were on April 27, one seen flying around small violets at noon on the NE side of Port Elgin, Bruce (TRa), and one on May 1 on Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA). At first glance it appears that there is no gap in the records between the first and second generation. But concentrating on the two areas with the most records produces a very different picture. In Peterborough, only three of 46 reports were between June 18 and July 8, while in the Ottawa area only one of 42 fell between July 12 and August 12. This suggests that the second generation may have started almost a month earlier in Peterborough than in Ottawa. On July 5 RJY saw and photographed at least 100 very fresh individuals at Wylie Rd. and Alvar Rd. on the Carden Plain, Kawartha Lakes; there the start of the second generation is about the same as in Peterborough. There were nine reports from the north, the first on June 7 ovipositing on mustard on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE) and the last two seen on August 9 at the Smurfit-Stone Mill, Thunder Bay (NGE, BJM, JW). In the south, the latest records were at the Burnt Lands, Con. 11, 2 km N of Almonte, Lanark, on August 30 (KA, DA, RA) and on September 1 (RAL), and on September 19 on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB).
36 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Pieris virginiensis WEST VIRGINIA WHITE
In 2008 - 7 records. The first report was a sighting on May 3 on Co. Rd. 19 in the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER). On May 5 three were reported on Blue Mountain Rd., just S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (MVB) and on May 12 two were seen on Beechwoods Trail, Charleston Lake P.P., Leeds-Grenville (CPR). There were three reports on May 19, two observed on the Galway-Cavendish Forest Access Rd., Peterborough (JB), one collected on Bass Lake Rd., 4.7 km NNW of Nogie’s Creek, Peterborough (CDJ, DAS) and one collected along Bass Line just E of Silver Creek, Peterborough (CDJ, DAS). The final report was of two observed on June 5 on Charlie Allen Rd., W of Rockcroft, Peterborough (JB).
Pieris rapae CABBAGE WHITE
In 2008 - 450 records. The first records were on April 16 at “Toronto area”, Metro Toronto (LS), on April 17 at Toronto Islands, Metro Toronto (AA) and on April 19 at Main St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward (DBr, YB). They were often abundant, and on July 21 DBr saw at least 1000 on Co. Rds. 1 and 2 at Bowermans, Prince Edward. RAL found larvae on Carp Rd., 5 km SE of Fitzroy Harbour, Ottawa, on July 19 on Brusssels Sprouts (and killed them) and on August 31 on Wormseed Mustard (Erysimum cheiranthoides). These pupated between September 2 and 12, two emerged on September 12 and 16, the others overwintered but died of a viral disease. The last reports were on November 4 at Monaghan Rd. and Romaine St., Peterborough, Peterborough (JB) and November 5 on the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (BH).
Euchloe ausonides LARGE MARBLE
In 2008 - 3 records. The earliest was on June 18, when at least two were seen 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE). SB had two reports, both catch and release: one on June 26 at a grassy forest edge at Pictured Lake, Thunder Bay, and a male on July 5 in an industrial meadow in the Current River waterfront area, City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay.
Euchloe olympia OLYMPIA MARBLE
In 2008 - 15 records. First reported on May 3 from Co. Rd. 19 in the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER), and on May 5, when one was observed on Blue Mountain, Charleston Lake P.P., Leeds-Grenville (MVB) and another was found on Monck Rd., 2.4 km SW of Uphill, Kawartha Lakes (CDJ, PSB, IR). It was recorded three times near Bishop Davis Dr., Constance Bay, Ottawa: three on May 17 (DLe), one on May 23 (PH) and three photographed on May 25 (PH). JB reported it on May 23 in four locations in Peterborough, including Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, where he counted 11, the most in any report. The latest reports were on May 29, at Tie’s Mountain Rd., NE of Nogie’s Creek, Peterborough (JB) and at Birch Point, Sturgeon Lake, Kawartha Lakes (CDJ, DAS), and on June 2 Carden Plain, Kawartha Lakes (LS).
Colias philodice CLOUDED SULPHUR
In 2008 - 345 records. Starting a little later this year, the earliest reports were on May 4 at Eastpoint Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH) and on May 5 at Cambridge, Waterloo (JGP). There were only two reports from the north, single males caught and released, on July 5 at the Current River area waterfront, in the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay and on July 10 on Finnmark Rd., NW of the city, Thunder Bay (SB).
37 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
There were 13 November reports, the last two on November 14, at Calf Pasture, Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland (DoSh), and at Eastpoint Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH).
Colias eurytheme ORANGE SULPHUR
In 2008 - 152 records. As with Clouded Sulphur, this species was first recorded later than usual this year. The earliest records were on June 7 at Bronte Creek P.P., Halton (RJY), and at Eastpoint Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH). There were three reports from Algonquin P.P., the earliest on June 24, a single sight record at Rock Lake Rd. and Hwy 60, Nipissing (LFo) and just two from the north, one seen on June 18, 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE) and two caught and released on August 28 on the east shore of the Nipigon River, opposite Nipigon Marina, Thunder Bay (SB). In late summer there were several reports of high numbers, with “many” reported on September 14 at Main St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward (HHe), and “thousands” on September 19, in an alfalfa field at Sturgeon Creek and Bevel Line Rd., 3 km SE Leamington, Essex (RJY). RJY reported that the species was present everywhere in the Pelee area in the biggest numbers he had ever seen. Later, at the Leslie Street Spit, Metro Toronto, RJY reported 309 on October 19 and 123 on November 4. There were 8 other November reports, the latest being: one at the Back Pit Panne, Sandbanks P.P., Prince Edward (YB) on November 7 and two at Eastpoint Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH), on November 16 and 29 – this last record the latest report of any species – one seen sheltering in the grass on a cold windy day, temperature 4° C.
Colias interior PINK-EDGED SULPHUR
In 2008 - 13 records, starting with at least 10 caught and released on June 21 on the Milburn Rd., 4 km W of Irondale, Haliburton (EP), and six counted on June 25 at Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB). On July 2 one was seen on the Visitor Centre driveway, Algonquin P.P., Nipissing (CDJ, KBa, CEa, NEa), the earliest Algonquin record. Five individuals seen on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (JB) constitute the last “normal” date. But there were two unusually late reports, one seen on August 21 at Mew Lake, Algonquin P.P., Nipissing (BER) and three, whose identity was verified by capture and release, on August 22 on the Milburn Rd., 4 km W of Irondale, Haliburton (EP).
Zerene cesonia SOUTHERN DOGFACE
In 2008 - 3 records, the first in Ontario since a Toronto report by Sidney M. Daniels on July 5, 1972. All were at Point Pelee N.P., Essex. On July 16 one was seen S of the Park entrance by HTO at 12.30 pm, and at 2.50 pm by AW, nectaring on Indian-hemp (Apocynum cannabinum). On August 31 at 10 am AW photographed another, at West Beach; it was very fresh and was landing in thickets off the trail (see photo on page 31). The final record was on September 12, also at West Beach, 2 very fresh individuals seen by JMT.
Phoebis sennae CLOUDLESS SULPHUR
In 2008 - An incredible 19 records, all but two in Point Pelee N.P., Essex, and all but one just single individuals. The earliest was on May 31 at the Tip (HTO) and the latest was on September 28 on the Tip Road (HTO). On June 14, two were seen flying north at eye level, along the main path at West Beach, one at 12.52 pm, the other at 2.27 pm (RJY). The two reports from outside the Park were at Wallaceburg, Chatham-Kent on July 9 (BAM), and a fresh individual seen on Calla, on Con. Rd. D, Essex, just 700 meters N of Point Pelee N.P., on September 17 (HTO).
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Pyrisitia lisa LITTLE SULPHUR
In 2008 - Just 2 reports, both from Point Pelee N.P., Essex: two seen on September 18, S of DeLaurier House and two on September 28 at the Tip (HTO).
Family: LYCAENIDAE
Feniseca tarquinius HARVESTER
In 2008 - 12 records, the first on May 25 at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS) and the second on May 30 when five were photographed and more were seen on at the Howie Rd. extension, E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH). On June 18 two were seen 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE). The last report of the first generation was on June 18, two caught and released at the 1st boardwalk on the Quiddity Trail, Charleston Lake P.P., Leeds-Grenville (TAG, ADW). The second generation began and finished at Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, on July 17 (PH) and August 27 (CH). In between there were two northern records: two caught and released on July 27 at the Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, Thunder Bay (SB), in an area where there are very few alders; and one reported on August 17 from Ouimet, Thunder Bay (NGE).
Lycaena phlaeas AMERICAN COPPER
In 2008 - 48 records. The first report, from northern Ontario, was very early, a few seen on April 20 at Esten Dr. N, Elliot Lake, Algoma (JGM). Elsewhere, the first dates were more normal: a few on May 13 at the Manestra Tract, St. Williams Forest, Norfolk (CDJ), three seen on May 24 at the Macoun Study Area, 2 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (DLe) and one seen on May 30 at the HP property at Elbow Lake, Frontenac (DBr). The highest count was 20 on June 11, at the end of Ridge Rd., in the Mer Bleue, Ottawa (PH). The latest records were on September 7 at the end of Ridge Rd. (PH), on September 10 at Battersea, Frontenac (BER), and on October 11 at the Ferguson Forest, NW of Kemptville, Leeds-Grenville (CH). Muliple generations, for sure, but without gaps in the dates it is impossible to tell how many.
Lycaena hyllus BRONZE COPPER
In 2008 - 35 records. The flight season started a little later than usual with reports on June 20 on Hubble Rd., 12 km N of Havelock, Peterborough (JB, TB), on June 26 on the railtrail between David Fife and Settlers Lines, NE of Keene, Peterborough (JB), and on June 27 on Long Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB) and in the Long Swamp at the S end of Beavertail Rd., E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH). There is a gap in the dates between July 26 – one photographed at Amherstburg Sewage Lagoons, Lennox & Addington (BER) – and August 9 a sighting at West Beach, Point Pelee N.P., Essex (BAM, PCar, AHR), the first of the second generation. The latest reports were on September 26 and October 3 on Cassels St. at Mud Lake, Britannia, Ottawa (DLe) – two individuals each time.
Lycaena epixanthe BOG COPPER
In 2008 - 19 records, the first on June 24 when several were collected at Beaverdale Bog, Grey (CDJ, CE, RLB). The earliest Algonquin report was on July 2 at Bab Lake Bog, where 26 were counted during the Algonquin Butterfly Count (CDJ, KBa, CEa, NEa). There were three late reports on July 25: Second Depot
39 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Lake, Frontenac (BER); three observed at a roadside bog NW of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP); and, three seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB). The latest was on August 4, one seen on the Milburn Rd., 2.5 km W of Irondale, Haliburton (EP).
Lycaena dorcas DORCAS COPPER
In 2008 - 1 record, six seen on July 21 at the Bruce Power Station, near Tiverton, Bruce (TRa).
Satyrium acadica ACADIAN HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 29 records. The first reports were on July 7, one seen on Fire Route 68, near Twin Lakes, Peterborough and two seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB), and on July 8, two seen at Con. 10 and Boundary Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (PH). On July 10, RJY saw one on the east side of High Park, Metro Toronto, his first in the Park in 14 years of observing there. On July 18 JB counted 55 on Co. Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough, and on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough, a total of 66 were tallied (JB et al.) The latest reports were of two seen on August 5 on Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB), and one partly worn individual observed on August 17 at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH).
Satyrium titus CORAL HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 32 records. The first two records were from Eglinton Flats, Metro Toronto – one photographed on June 20 and six seen on June 27 (RJY). In the south, the last two records were on August 7, one seen at the Sandbanks Beach Panne at Sandbanks P.P., Prince Edward (JD) and one seen on August 14 on Co. Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB). There was one later report from the north, a fresh individual seen on August 18 at Peoples Rd. and 4th Line, Sault Ste Marie, Algoma (RJY).
Satyrium edwardsii EDWARDS’ HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 4 records. 14 fresh individuals were photographed on June 28 at Reid C.A., N of Wallaceburg, Lambton (RJY, AA) and AW photographed another there on July 1 (see photo on page 31). Another fresh one was photographed on July 9 at Lambton Prairie, Metro Toronto (RJY). On July 19, five were recorded during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count (RP et al.) and on July 25 one was seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB).
Satyrium calanus BANDED HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 28 records. The first two reports were from Lambton Prairie, Metro Toronto – on June 23 when one was photographed, and on June 27 when four were observed (RJY). On June 28, about 100 fresh individuals were seen at Reid C.A., N of Wallaceburg, Lambton (RJY, AA), by far the greatest daily count. The season continued into early August, with one seen on August 3 at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa (DLe), another seen on August 4 on Co. Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB), and the last one seen on August 6 on Bayshore Rd., Presqu’ile P.P., Northumberland (BG), only the second record for the Park (DBr, pers. comm.).
40 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Satyrium caryaevorum HICKORY HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 8 records. The first report was on June 28 at Reid C.A., Lambton, when three fresh individuals were seen (RJY, AA). On July 4 one was photographed at the Howie Rd. extension, E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH). On July 5 it was reported on Co. Rd. 19 in the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary, Frontenac (BER). One was photographed on July 6 at Deroche Lake, Hastings (DBr), and on July 18 one was photographed on the Pangman Trail, Opinicon Rd., Frontenac (BER). On July 19, one was seen nectaring on Queen Anne’s Lace at Robertson Rd., 2 km W of Bells Corners, Ottawa (DA) and on July 22 three somewhat worn individuals were photographed at Mount Nemo Escarpment Woods, Halton (BVR). The final report was a worn female photographed on July 25 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY). The photos by PH, DBr, BER, and RJY, and one of the three by BVR have been positively identified as the Hickory Hairstreak.
Satyrium liparops STRIPED HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 14 records. The first reports were on July 5, one seen at High Park, Metro Toronto (AA), and on July 7, two seen at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa (CH). On July 22 BVR saw about ten, the most in a day, and photographed some, at Mount Nemo Escarpment Woods, Halton. The latest reports were two seen on July 25 at Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough, (JB) and on August 21 another at Mount Nemo Escarpment Woods, Halton (BVR).
Fixsenia favonius ontario SOUTHERN HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 14 records. A colony of this southern species was discovered at Reid C.A., N of Wallaceburg, Lambton by Blake A. Mann (BAM). This is the first breeding colony ever found in Canada and only the third time that the species has been reported here. The other records were of single individuals, presumably vagrants from the US, most recently a worn male at the Tip in Point Pelee N.P., Essex on June 14, 1999. The only other report was a specimen collected at Port Stanley, Elgin in 1868! This became the Type specimen of a newly described species, Strymon ontario, and is now preserved at the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa. Much later, however, it was determined to be a northern subspecies of the southern species, Strymon favonius, which soon changed to the current name Fixsenia favonius.
The colony at Reid C.A. was discovered on June 22 and visited by BAM 11 times between then and July 12; numbers varied from one to ten, on June 26 and July 1, respectively. On June 28, RJY and AA visited and photographed four fresh and three worn individuals and on July 1 AW also photographed individuals (see photos on front cover and on page 46). On June 29, at the Moore WMA, on Bickford Line, Lambton, BAM saw a worn male, and on July 5 a fresh female. This is about 13 km NE of Reid C.A., so must represent a second colony.
Callophrys gryneus JUNIPER HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 13 records. The earliest report was of three observed on May 15 in alvar habitat at the Scheck Site, 1.5 km N of Newburgh, Lennox & Addington (KH), and the second was on May 24, four photographed at Deroche Lake, Hastings (DBr). On June 7, a total of sixteen were counted in a woodlot at Forest Mills, Lennox & Addington (BER). The last first-generation record was of four worn individuals on June 23, nectaring at MacAuley Mountain CA, Prince Edward (DBr). There were two second-generation records, a sighting on July 14 at Elbow Lake, Frontenac (KFN) and a fresh individual seen on August 9 at West Beach Trail, Point Pelee NP, Essex (BAM).
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Callophrys augustinus BROWN ELFIN
In 2008 - 18 records. The earliest reports in southern Ontario were on April 24, when eight were seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB, TB) and on May 9 when one was seen at the Visitor Centre, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH). There were only two reports from the north, both very early: MRa reported 14 on April 28 and five on May 9 in a five-year-old clearcut in a sandy pine forest at Espanola, Sudbury. The latest reports were on June 8, when two were seen on a dirt track NW of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP) and on June 9, when two were observed at the old airfield in Algonquin PP, Nipissing (LFo).
Callophrys polios HOARY ELFIN
In 2008 - 19 records. There were three April records: on the 27th, at the Burnt Lands PNR, Ottawa, about 150 were seen in a burnt alvar woodland, at the site of a very intense fire in 1999 (BK, PMC); also on the 27th, at least ten were reported in a clearing in pine woods at Constance Bay, Ottawa (JSk). On the 28th three were seen at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa), and on May 30 five were seen on the Corkery Rd. extension into the Long Swamp, SE of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH). The latest report was of one caught and released on June 7 on a fire road off the Lake Traverse Rd. at km 69.3, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (RAL, DLG, CB).
Callophrys henrici HENRY’S ELFIN
In 2008 - 32 records. On April 24, on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough, thirty were seen, not only the earliest record but also the highest count (JB, TB). There were four other April records: on the 26th one was seen on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (DLe); and on the 27th one was seen at the Burnt Lands PNR, Ottawa, in a burnt alvar woodland (BK, PMC), one was seen at a clearing in pine woods at Constance Bay, Ottawa (JSk), and 12 were seen W of Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH). On May 11, on the Carp Ridge, 6 km SW of Dunrobin, Ottawa, CL and BBr saw two and caught and released one. Also on May 11, at Lochlin Bog, Haliburton, three freshly-emerged individuals were caught and released (EP, Tla); this shows very clearly how much emergence can be delayed in a bog. The latest reports were on June 13, one seen on a trail off Roger Stevens Dr., in the Marlborough Forest, Ottawa (DLe), and another seen on June 21 on a fire road off the Lake Traverse Rd. at km 67.4, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (DBo).
Callophrys niphon EASTERN PINE ELFIN
In 2008 - 29 records. There were four April records, all on April 27: one was seen at the Burnt Lands PNR, Ottawa, in a burnt alvar woodland (BK, PMC); two were seen (J Sk) and one was caught and released (RAL) in the Constance Bay Sandhills, Ottawa; and others were photographed at Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (KH). Surprisingly, the only Algonquin record was one seen on May 28 at the Lake of Two Rivers Trail parking lot, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (CB). The latest reports were on June 12, one photographed on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (PH), and three seen on a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB), and on June 23, one caught and released at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay (SB), the only northern record.
42 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Callophrys eryphon WESTERN PINE ELFIN
In 2008 - 3 records. On April 24, one was photographed at the beginning of the Mizzy Lake Trail, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (AY) – see photo on page 46. This is a record early date for Algonquin, by one day. Another was one seen on May 25 at the Old Airfield, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH), and NGE counted at least six on June 18, 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay.
Parrhasius m-album WHITE M HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 8 records, mostly from Pelee Island, Essex; the most ever reported. This has always been considered a very rare migrant, with usually worn wind-blown individuals found in extreme SW Ontario. On Pelee Island, Essex, one was seen on August 2, N of Fish Point (RJY, KRY), and another was photographed on West Shore Rd. (RJY) – see photo on page 47. On August 3, another was seen N of Fish Point (CE et al.) and two were seen at different spots on Garno Rd. (RJY, KRY) – see photo on page 46. On August 12 one was seen on the N side of Brown’s Rd. (BAM). All of these were very fresh, and quite likely had recently emerged; on Garno Rd. the habitat was exactly right, with the foodplant, Chinquapin Oak, present. There were two reports from elsewhere; one very fresh individual seen on August 2 at the North Dike, Point Pelee NP, Essex (AW, WGL, KAM) – photo on page 46, and the latest report, probably of the next generation, one very fresh individual seen on September 28 at Sturgeon Creek, Essex (STP).
Strymon melinus GREY HAIRSTREAK
In 2008 - 19 records. The earliest reports were of a very fresh individual photographed on May 24 on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (RJY), and another photographed on May 30 at Second Depot Lake, Frontenac (BER, KH). During the Algonquin East Butterfly Count on June 7, one was reported on the hydrocut between Barron Canyon Rd. and the Petawawa River, Nipissing (CDJ, EH), and two were caught and released, one by CB, the other by DLG, on a fire road at km 69.3 on the Lake Traverse Rd., Nipissing. All these were part of the resident population, but most of the remaining records almost certainly were not. Two photographed at Point Pelee NP, Essex on June 14 (RJY) were recent migrants. There were no more records until one fresh individual was seen on August 3 at High Park, Metro Toronto (BH), and another was seen on August 6 at the Southwold Earthworks at Iona, Elgin (BAM). There were nine additional reports from Essex, ranging in dates from August 9 on the West Beach Trail, Point Pelee NP (BAM, PCar) to the latest of all, October 12, one photographed in an alfalfa field opposite Park HQ, Point Pelee NP, Essex (AA). There was also one sighting on September 21 of three on the South Point Trail, Rondeau PP, Chatham-Kent (BAM). This distribution reinforces the view that these were migrants and/or their descendants. The only exception among late records was one seen on September 23 at the Visitor Centre parking lot, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (JP); it likely represented a second, or possibly even a third generation of the resident population.
Leptotes marina MARINE BLUE
In 2008 - 5 records. On July 12, one was seen at Marie Curtis Park, Metro Toronto (CK, SLa) – the third Canadian record and the first outside of Point Pelee NP. The next day, July 13, RJY photographed two females nectaring on Birds-Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) just across the river in Mississauga, at the old munitions factory, W of Marie Curtis Park, Peel (see photo of individual and habitat on page 47). On July 14, the Marie Curtis Park site was visited by BH, LS, JF and JS and they were fortunate enough to find another individual. On July 22 RJY saw a male and a female, both nectaring briefly on Blue Vervain
43 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
(Verbena hastata) in a small wet meadow at the NE corner of Grenadier Pond, High Park (Metro Toronto). Finally, on August 9, a fresh individual was observed at Seacliffe, Essex (JB, RMac).
See the full article on the Toronto colony on page 20.
Cupido comyntas EASTERN TAILED BLUE
In 2008 - 114 records. The three earliest records were in Metro Toronto on May 10, singles at Eglinton Flats (RJY), Toronto Islands (AA) and Scarborough, (BH). Elsewhere the earliest was a single seen on May 12 at Hazeldean Woods Park, Kanata, Ottawa (RA). There were regular reports through May and up to June 5, when at least ten were reported from Moodie Dr. near Fallowfield Rd., 5 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ). In Ottawa, where there are a very large number of records, there was a gap of more than a month, apart from one record on June 14 – one on Corkstown Rd. W of Moodie Dr. (KA, RA). In the south there was one additional record, outside of Ottawa during that one-month gap, a sight record on June 8 at Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (KH). There was one northern record, one seen on June 25 at the Sedgman Lake PNR, Thunder Bay (NGE). The records started up again on July 4 when one was seen NE of Keene, on the railtrail between David Fife and Base Lines, Peterborough (JB) and on July 7 when one seen at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa (CH) and at least 12, males and females including one mating pair, were present on Moodie Dr. near Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (LJ). Records continued, without gaps, until late September, so the number of generations is unclear. Most of the records were of small numbers, but RJY reported 42 on August 14 in Mississauga at the old munitions factory, W of Marie Curtis Park, Peel, and 48 on September 19 at Point Pelee NP, Essex. The latest reports were: one seen at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa on September 24 (CH); a male and a female caught and released on Moodie Dr. near Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa, also on September 24 (LJ); and the last, a sighting on September 28 at Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH).
Cupido amyntula WESTERN TAILED BLUE
In 2008 - 5 records. On June 21 one was seen on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). The other four records were all catch-and-releases by SB, also in Thunder Bay: on June 18 three on the rail lines at the Current River mouth in the City of Thunder Bay; on June 22 one at Shale Lake, 18 km NW of Dorion; on June 23, four at MacKenzie Station, E of the city; and, on July 5 two at the Current River area waterfront, in the City of Thunder Bay.
Celastrina ladon SPRING AZURE
In 2008 - 182 records. First reported on April 20, a single individual was seen at Beaver Meadows CA, Prince Edward (DBr). Two days later, on April 22, there were five reports: at Toronto Islands, Metro Toronto (AA); on the Quiditty Trail in Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (CPR); at the end of Maple Hills Rd., 4 km SW of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP); on the Visitor Centre tilebed in Algonquin PP, Nipissing (JP) and at the Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Elliot Lake, Algoma (JGM). The first Ottawa records were on April 24, at Fletcher Wildlife Garden (CH) and on Carp Rd., 5 km SE of Fitzroy Harbour (RAL). There were reports almost every day until mid-June with a few more continuing until the end of the month. Some of these late reports probably were Spring Azures, for example two reports of very worn individuals on June 21, a female captured and released on a dirt track NW of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP), and one sighted on a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB). But for others it is equally likely that they were Cherry Gall Azures or even very early Summer Azures. In the north the timing is quite
44 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______different. Reports from between June 15 and June 21 in Thunder Bay and Kenora (TRa, MRa), and between June 21 and July 2 in Thunder Bay were almost certainly worn Spring Azures, but Cherry Gall Azures are also possible. The most northwesterly Ontario record of the Cherry Gall Azure is from Espanola, Sudbury, larvae and an adult reported in 2007. But on June 23, 2008 Tony and Mary Rapati photographed a larva in Spruce Woods PP., Manitoba, 300 km W of the Ontario border - observers in the north should keep an eye open for Cherry Gall Azure larvae feeding on the very distinctive galls on cherry (Prunus sp.)
Celastrina neglecta SUMMER AZURE
In 2008 - 190 records. There were six reports from Hamilton-Wentworth, Metro Toronto and Peterborough between June 6 and June 14: it is more likely, however, given the dates, that these were Cherry Gall Azures. The report by RJY of about 800 on June 14 at Point Pelee NP, Essex, likely represents Summer Azure (and perhaps also Cherry Gall Azure) given the high numbers. There were three reports on June 20, all single sightings: on 8th Line N, Dummer Twp., Peterborough (JB), at Fork Meadow, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (CPR, TAG) and at Sixteen Mile Creek and Hwy 407, Halton (BVR). After that the records continued without a break well into September. Most reports were of very small numbers; exceptions were 53 reported on June 24 at High Park, Metro Toronto and 125 counted on August 1 at Point Pelee NP Essex (RJY). The latest reports were on September 23 in Larose Forest, on Rd. 25 between Cons. 8 and 9 (CH) and at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY), on October 1 at the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (BH) and on October 14 once again at High Park (RJY), the latest Toronto record by 11 days (R. Yukich, pers. comm.). This must involve two generations, if not more. There were very few statements of condition of specimens to confirm this, but one seen on July 25 at the Roger Stevens Trail, off Kettles Rd., Ottawa was very worn (LJ), and one seen on September 3 on the Bill Holland Trail on Petrie Island, Ottawa was a female, ovipositing on Hog-Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) (PH).
Celastrina serotina CHERRY GALL AZURE
In 2008 - 7 records. The earliest report was of two fresh individuals seen on May 30 on Carp Rd., 5 km SE of Fitzroy Harbour, Ottawa (RAL). On June 12 one was photographed on Perron Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (PH) and on June 13 one was observed nectaring on Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) at Bruce Power, near Tiverton, Bruce, (TRa). The latest reports were of two very worn females caught and released on July 1 at Ritchie Falls, Lochlin, Haliburton (EP, JiH) and two worn individuals observed on July 10 at Beaver Meadows CA, Prince Edward (DBr).
Glaucopsyche lygdamus SILVERY BLUE
In 2008 - 157 records. The earliest reports were on May 5, one photographed at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd. (KA), and seven counted at Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS). Records were continuous until early July; most were of small numbers, but on May 28, 35 were seen at Heber Down CA, Durham (RJY). On May 31, 40 were seen at Blackburn Hamlet, Ottawa (DLe) and another 40 at the Old Quarry Trail, Kanata, Ottawa (KA, DA). One week later, on June 7, KA and DA saw even more – 50 on the Old Quarry Trail. In the north, records ran from June 18, five caught and released on the rail lines at the mouth of the Current River, on the Lake Superior waterfront, Thunder Bay (SB) to July 12, one worn individual seen on Hwy 11 between Beardsmore and Geraldton, Thunder Bay (NGE). In the south the latest reports were one photographed on July 12 at Wolf Grove Rd., 4 km SW of Almonte, Lanark (DA) and one seen at Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa on July 14 (PH).
45 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Southern Hairstreak at Reid Conservation Area, Lambton Southern Hairstreak at Reid Conservation Area, Lambton on July 1, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington) on June 28, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich)
Southern Hairstreak habiatat at Reid Conservation Area, Western Pine Elfin on Mizzy Lake Trail, Algonquin Park, Lambton on June 28, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich) Nipissing on April 24, 2008 (photo: Aaron Yukich)
Female White-M Hairstreak, North Dike, Point Pelee N.P., White-M Hairstreak, Harris-Garno Rd., Pelee Island, Essex, Essex, August 2, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington) August 3, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich) 46 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
White-M Hairstreak, West Shore Rd., Pelee Island, Essex, Grey Hairstreak at West Beach of Point Pelee National August 2, 2008 (photo: Bob Yukich) Park, Essex on August 26, 2008 (photo: Alan Wormington)
Marine Blue at Old Munitions Factory, Toronto, Metro Marine Blue site at Old Munitions Factory, Toronto, Toronto on July 13, 2008 (photo:Bob Yukich) Metro Toronto (photo:Bob Yukich)
American Snout, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, American Snout, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, Ottawa, August 1, 2008 (photo: Christine Hanrahan) Ottawa, August 1, 2008 (photo: Christine Hanrahan)
47 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Lycaeides idas NORTHERN BLUE
In 2008 - 1 record, two males caught and released on July 10 on Finnmark Rd, NW of the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (SB).
Family: NYMPHALIDAE
Libytheana carinenta AMERICAN SNOUT
In 2008 - 11 records, of which six were from Essex, including the first and last, both at Point Pelee NP: RJY photographed 11 on June 14 and a fresh one on October 10, right at the Tip. On July 13 they were reported from the Visitor Centre Parking Lot at Rondeau PP, Chatham-Kent (BAM). One was observed by JB on August 12 beside the Trent River at the end of the Mervin Line, 3 km S of Peterborough, Peterborough. On August 29 one was photographed at Feeder Canal Rd. S and Bird Rd., ENE of Stromness, Haldimand (AA), and on September 28 a very worn individual was observed at Reid CA, 8 km N of Wallaceburg, Lambton (BAM). The most surprising report was from the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, where on August 1 CH saw and photographed two (see photos on the facing page). This is only the second report from Ottawa; it is so far beyond the normal range of the species that the only likely explanation is that a migrant female, by sheer luck, found a Hackberry tree in the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm, very close to the Wildlife Garden, and at least two of her offspring survived to emerge.
Euptoieta claudia VARIEGATED FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 6 records, all late season migrants. The earliest report was of four seen at Cambridge, Waterloo in August (no exact date) (JGP). The next two were on September 6, one seen near Breslau, Waterloo (JGP, DD), and another in Port Elgin, Bruce (TRa). On September 20 one was photographed by RJY in an alfalfa field near Sturgeon Creek, SE of Lemington, Essex. Finally, on September 20 and 21, one was seen each day on the South Point Trail, Rondeau PP, Chatham-Kent (BAM).
Speyeria cybele GREAT SPANGLED FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 205 records. The first report was on June 19, a sighting at Marble Rock CA, Leeds-Grenville (BER et al.). The next two were on June 21, four seen on Perron Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH), and one seen on Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB, RJY, AA,). There were only two reports from Algonquin PP, Nipissing, three seen on July 11 at the Trailer Sanitation Station (EH) and one seen on August 19 on Brule Lake Rd. (LE, DLG). Also, there were only two reports from the north, one caught and released on July 27 at the Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, Thunder Bay (SB), and one worn individual seen on September 1 on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). The latest records were on September 16, one seen on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB) and on September 20, one photographed on Wolf Grove Rd., 4 km SW of Almonte, Lanark (KA, DA).
Speyeria aphrodite APHRODITE FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 51 records. The earliest records were on June 30, four seen on Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott- Russell (DLe) and on July 1, one seen 1.8 km NW of Prospect, Lanark (RAL) and one observed on the Galway Cavendish Forest Access Rd., Peterborough (JB). On July 19, 175 were reported during the
48 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (JB et al.), the highest daily count. Sandy Lake Rd., Peterborough was a hot-spot, with 48 counted on July 15 and another 53 on July 25 (JB). There were two reports from Algonquin PP, Nipissing, one on July 22 at the Trailer Sanitation Station (EH) and two on August 16 on the East Side Hydrocut (EH, PMi). There was a single report from the north, one caught and released on July 24 at the Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, Thunder Bay (SB). On September 6, BAM reported one at Cabot Head, Bruce and three at Dorcas Bay, Bruce. The final record was on September 17, one caught and released on the rail trail 2 km N of Donald, Haliburton (EP).
Speyeria atlantis ATLANTIS FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 48 records. The first report was of three seen on June 21 on a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB, RJY, AA). This was followed by two reports on June 25, two seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB) and one on Stringer Rd., Algonquin PP, Haliburton (LFo). There were eight reports from the north, ranging in time from July 10, two caught and released at Muskeg Lake, 35 km E of Upsala, Thunder Bay (SB) to the latest report of all, one seen on August 29 in the Everard Rd. Fen, on the Black Bay Peninsula, Thunder Bay (SB). In the south the latest reports were on August 21, one seen on the Burnt Lands, N of Con. 12, Lanark (PH) and another at Mew Lake, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (BER).
Boloria eunomia BOG FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 7 records. One seen on June 6 in a floating bog on Beaver Lake Rd., E of Catchacoma, Peterborough was the earliest report (JB, TB). There were 3 reports from Haliburton, all of good numbers of individuals seen and some caught and released: on June 8, more than 100 were seen at Amaleen Lake, 3 km N of Haliburton (EP, TLa), and 50+ were seen at a roadside bog NW of the Haliburton dump (EP), and on June 15, at least 30 were seen at Lochlin Bog, Lochlin (EP). There were also three reports from the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Algonquin PP, Nipissing: at least 25 on June 11(BHo), 40+ on June 12 (BHo) and one last individual on June 20 (TCa).
Boloria selene SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 75 records. The first reports were of a roadkill found on May 31 on Wolf Grove Rd., 4 km SW of Almonte, Lanark (DA), and one seen on June 2 on Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB). On June 11, three were reported on the Hay Lake Rd. Hydroline at km 6, Algonquin PP, Haliburton (LFo), and on July 2 one was caught and released at the Mills Block CA, Thunder Bay (SB). There was something of a gap in dates between the two generations, July 12 to August 3 in the Ottawa area, July 19 to August 1 in Peterborough, but there was a little overlap: one seen on July 12 on Wolf Grove Rd., Lanark was very fresh (DA). The second generation was first noted on August 1 on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB) and on August 3 on the Lowe Rd. extension, 5 km S of Manion Corners, Ottawa (DLe). There were no reports of good numbers, the highest count being 11, on August 17 on Trail 2 between Con. 8 and Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH). The last Algonquin record was on August 17, one seen at Odenback, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH, PMi), and the last two in the north were on July 12, one worn individual seen on Hwy 11 between Beardsmore and Geraldton, Thunder Bay (NGE) and six caught and released on a sandy beach on the Lake Superior shore at Jarvis Bay, Thunder Bay (SB). In the south, the latest reports were of three seen on August 27 on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott- Russell (CH) and one seen on August 30 on Con. 11 in the Burnt Lands, 2 km N of Almonte, Lanark (KA, DA).
49 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Boloria bellona MEADOW FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 48 records. The earliest reports were on May 13, a sight record on Opinicon Rd., Frontenac (MCS) and one seen at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA). On July 1, DLe counted 18 at the Perth Wildlife Reserve, Lanark, by far the highest count for the year. There were no Algonquin reports and only two from the north, six counted on June 18, 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE) and two caught and released on June 23 at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay (SB). The latest records were one seen on September 3 at the Rideau Trail off Kettles Rd., Ottawa (LJ), and another on September 16 on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB).
Boloria frigga FRIGGA FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 1 record, four seen on June 25 on an open bog mat around a small lake in Sedgman Lake PNR, Thunder Bay (NGE).
Boloria freija FREIJA FRITILLARY
In 2008 - 1 record, two worn individuals seen in a bog 5 km N of Raith, Thunder Bay (NGE).
Chlosyne gorgone GORGONE CHECKERSPOT
In 2008 - Only 1 record, at least 100 were seen on July 17 in a large field full of the larval foodplant, Brown-Eyed Susan, on Co. Rd. 18, 4.1 km S of Oxford Mills, Leeds-Grenville (PH).
Chlosyne nycteis SILVERY CHECKERSPOT
In 2008 - 30 records. The earliest reports were on June 7, two on Rd. 25 in Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (DLe), several at a Jack Pine cut at Lake Travers, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH) and 27 tallied on the hydrocut between Barron Canyon Rd. and the Petawawa River, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (CDJ, EH), during the Algonquin East Count. On June 21, at least 20 were seen, some caught and released, on Milburn Rd., 4 km W of Irondale, Haliburton (EP), the second highest count of the year, and on the same day one was reported at Painted Lake, Thunder Bay (SB), the earliest northern record. One seen on July 14 on the Sawbill Lake Trail, Sleeping Giant PP, Thunder Bay (TRa, MRa) was the latest from the north, but they went much later in the south: one was photographed on August 2 on Haanel Dr., 2 km W of Bells Corners, Ottawa (KA, RA) and a small individual was reported on August 24 at Moore WMA, Lambton (BAM).
Chlosyne harrisii HARRIS’S CHECKERSPOT
In 2008 - 49 records. An individual seen on June 10 on Blue Mountain Rd., S of Tilley, Leeds-Grenville (KH) was the earliest of the year. The next day there were four reports: one seen at the end of Ridge Rd., in the Mer Bleue, Ottawa (PH), four on Fire Route 84, Peterborough and two on Sandy Lake Rd, Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB), and three sighted on the Hay Creek Rd. hydroline at km 6, Algonquin PP, Haliburton (LFo). The highest count was 32, on June 21 on a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB, RJY, AA). The last reports were one seen on July 12 at the Burnt Lands, Con. 12, Lanark (DA) and one caught and released on July 20 at Williams Bog, Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (SB).
50 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Phyciodes tharos PEARL CRESCENT
In 2008 - 66 records, clearly separating into three generations (at least in the south), from May 12 to July 4, from July 12 to August 4, and from August 14 to September 28. The earliest reports were on May 12 and 17 at the Back Pit Panne, Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD) and on May 23 at the Burnt Lands off Burnt Lands Rd., Ottawa (PH) and on Petticoat Point Rd., Prince Edward (DBr). The latest were on September 25, five seen at Lambton Prairie, Metro Toronto (RJY) and one seen on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB) and on September 28 a sight record (no exact number) at “Toronto area”, Metro Toronto (BH). Most reports were of very small numbers, but there were three high counts, 184 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count on July 19 (JB et al.), and on Post’s Road, in the Oak Lake area, Peterborough 110 were counted on July 18 and 106 on July 25 (JB).
Phyciodes cocyta NORTHERN CRESCENT
In 2008 - 291 records. The season began on May 24, with two reports from the Burnt Lands, Lanark: six were seen on Con. 11 (KA, DA) and two more S of Con. 12 (PH). On the same day one was observed at the Macoun Study Area, 2 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (DLe) and a fresh male was reported on Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough (RJY). In the north the season ran from June 7, one seen on the Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Elliot Lake, Algoma (JGM) to August 29, one caught and released in the Everard Road Fen, on the Black Bay Peninsula, Thunder Bay (SB). The season ended with single sightings on September 24 on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough (JB) and on September 22 and 25 at Carp Rd., 5 km SE of Fitzroy Harbour, Ottawa (RAL). There was complete overlap between generations, ie there were absolutely no gaps in the dates. There were 39 reports of “Crescents” from Sandbanks and Presqu’ile PPs, and other places, between June 2 and September 23. These likely contained both Pearl and Northern Crescents, but without photos or specimens they can only remain unidentified.
Phyciodes batesii TAWNY CRESCENT
In 2008 - 19 records. The earliest reports were on June 7, when two were photographed on Berry Side Rd., on the N side of Constance Lake, Ottawa (KA) and on June 8 when two were seen on Timm Dr., 2 km W of Bells Corners, Ottawa (KA, DA). On June 12, RAL caught and released nine on a granitic barren, a very unusual habitat for this species, on the Carp Ridge, 2.5 km N of Carp Rd., Ottawa. There was one northern record, one caught and released on June 23 at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay (SB). On June 24 PH saw and photographed at least 20 in an alvar habitat on the trail from Kerwin Rd. to Mud Lake, Ottawa, the largest number reported. The last reports were on June 27, singles seen on Anstruther Lake Rd., Peterborough and on a Forest Access Rd. off Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB, TB), on June 30, two observed on Con. 10 in the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, DLe, the first record from Prescott-Russell, and on July 19, one reported during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (TB).
Euphydryas phaeton BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT
In 2008 - 42 records. The first record was on June 7, one seen on Rd. 25 in the Larose Forest, Prescott- Russell (DLe). On June 8 one was photographed at Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (KH), and on June 9 there were two more reports from the Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, one seen on De la Tours Rd. and two on Perron Rd. (CH). On June 19, CDJ and CE found many larvae in a semi-open seepage-fed cattail meadow on the E side of the Minesing Wetlands, Simcoe, and on June 22 BVR found
51 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______two adults and a chrysalis, a very rare find, at Christie Lake CA, Hamilton-Wentworth. On June 21 CH counted an incredible 137 at Perron Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, and even as late as July 1 another 31 on Rte. 200, W of Bertrand Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell. On July 17, there were two records on the rail trail NE of Keene, Peterborough: seven seen between David Fife and Base Lines, and two seen between David Fife and Settlers Lines (JB). The last adult record was on July 25 at Second Depot Lake, Frontenac (BER), but on August 14 RAL found a colony of second-instar larvae on Turtlehead beside a stream in mixed woodland, at the N end of Perron Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell.
Polygonia interrogationis QUESTION MARK
In 2008 - 70 records. The first reports were much earlier than usual, suggesting overwintering rather than migration; these were sight records on April 16 and 17 at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa), one on April 26 at Frontenac PP, Frontenac (NSp) and one seen on April 24 at Ritchie Falls, Lochlin, Haliburton (EP). The species was not at all abundant; the highest number for the year was six seen by RJY at Point Pelee NP, Essex, on June 14. There was no gap in dates between the first migrant generation and the dark summer form, but this form finished in mid-August; a sighting on August 14 at Owen Point, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (IS) was said to be “worn”. There was a gap between the summer and light winter forms, between August 18 and September 1, when one very fresh individual was sighted on Con. 11 in the Burnt Lands, 2 km N of Almonte, Lanark (RAL). On September 10 RJY reported one “fresh winter form” individual at High Park, Metro Toronto, and on September 11 BH reported one “light form” at Chestermere Blvd., Scarborough, Metro Toronto. There were two late records from Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland: one on September 22 at Beach 1 to 3 (DoSh) and one on September 23 at Beach 4 (DBr). The last report was one seen much later than usual on October 19 at the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (RJY).
Polygonia comma EASTERN COMMA
In 2008 - 180 records. The season began with singles on April 5 on the North Shore Trails of the Royal Botanical Garden, Hamilton-Wentworth (AA) and on April 6 at Lambton Prairie, Metro Toronto (RJY) and Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS). On April 16, several were observed on Opeongo Rd., Algonquin PP, Nipissing (JSk) and one was seen in sandy pine woods at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa), the only northern record. There were no reports between June 5 and June 13, when JB saw one on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough. The next day, June 14, RJY saw 10 at Point Pelee NP, Essex. These two reports were probably the beginning of the summer generation; it would be unusual to see over-wintered individuals congregating like that. There were two definitive summer brood reports on June 20 from Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville: ADW and JFe saw six on the Sandstone Island Trail, and IS saw at the Tallow Rock West Meadow. There were only five reports in the first half of August; this likely represents the end of the flight of the summer form. There was one “summer form” report on August 16, but this was from Algonquin PP, four seen on the East Side hydrocut, Nipissing (PMi, EH); one would expect it to fly a little later there. There were records most days from then on, with fresh individuals of the overwintering generation reported on August 21 at the Visitor Centre meadow, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (TAG), on August 27 at Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD), on September 1 at Lighthall Rd., 5.5 km NE of Point Petre, Prince Edward (DBr) and on September 10 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY). On September 8 CH reported 11 individuals on Boundary Rd. and Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell, almost certainly fresh individuals. The latest records were on October 31, one seen at Southampton, Bruce (MRa), one photographed at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY), and one seen on the Quiddity Boardwalk, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (CPR); CPR noted that this was after half an inch of snow has fallen two days previously.
52 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Polygonia satyrus SATYR COMMA
In 2008 - 3 records, the first two of over-wintered individuals. One slightly worn individual was photographed on May 29 in a small gap in coniferous forest at Cloud Bay, Thunder Bay (JK) and another was observed on June 14 ovipositing on nettle on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). The other was of the next generation, two caught and released on August 10 in mixed woodland on the W shore of the Nipigon River at Sawmill Pont, Thunder Bay (SB).
Polygonia faunus GREEN COMMA
In 2008 - 28 records. The first reports were: April 19, one seen on Wolf Grove Rd., SW of Almonte, Lanark (KA); April 23, two photographed from among a mixed group of six anglewings at the Grand Lake Gate, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (JSk); and April 24, two seen 2 km SW of Riceville, Prescott-Russell (PH). The latest reports of overwintered individuals were on June 14, one seen on Opeongo Rd., Algonquin PP, Nipissing (BHo), and, in the north, a worn individual observed on July 12 on Hwy 11 between Beardsmore and Geraldton, Thunder Bay, (NGE). The second generation was first reported on July 6, at Newbury, MIDD, the second county record. (BAM, PD, HC, DPy, PCar) and on July 8 on Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH). On August 16 one was reported at Webbwood, Sudbury (TRa, MRa) and on August 21 NM reported one on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Algonquin PP, Nipissing. The last reports, both from the Burnt Lands, Lanark were unusually early, on August 21 on Con. 12 (PH) and on August 30 on Con. 11 (KA, DA).
Polygonia progne GREY COMMA
In 2008 - 93 records. There were five April reports, all singles, beginning on April 14 at Jobe’s Woods Trail, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (DBr) and on April 19 at Monaghan Forest, 5 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ). There were only two records in May and continuous reports from June 2 to late September, so there is no sure way of distinguishing between generations, apart from the overwintered one. On July 2 JB counted a total of 16 in three different localities in Peterborough, likely representing the start of the summer brood. But the first one reported as “fresh” was on July 27, one photographed on Purple Coneflower at the Children’s Garden in High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY). On June 18 NGE reported one 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay, and on August 10 SB caught and released one on the W shore of the Nipigon River at Sawmill Point, Thunder Bay, the only reports from the north. Four fresh individuals reported on August 22 from the railtrail between David Fife and Base Lines, NE of Keene, Peterborough (JB) could only have been of the final generation.There were three reports of singles on September 20, in a backyard in Port Elgin, Bruce (TRa, MRa), on the Lowe Rd. extension, 5.3 km SE of Manion Corners, Ottawa (RAL) and at Prince Edward Point, Prince Edward (BER). The final one was one seen on September 25 on Jack Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB).
Nymphalis vaualbum COMPTON TORTOISESHELL
In 2008 - 112 records. The earliest reports were on March 30, on the Jack Pine Trail, 2.5 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (PH), on April 2 at the Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS), and on April 5 on the NE side of Port Elgin, Bruce (TRa, MRa) and at Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (KH). The north was only a little later; one was photographed on April 13, sunning on a tree trunk at Chutes PP, Sudbury (JJL) and one was seen on April 15 at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa). The last reports of over-wintered individuals were on May 25 on the Big Pines Trail, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH), and, in
53 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______the north, on June 18, a very worn individual seen 6 km N of Shabaqua, Thunder Bay (NGE). The next generation was first reported on July 7 between the boardwalks on the Quiddity Trail, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (ADW) and on July 4 and 5 at the Howie Rd. extension, E of Manion Corners, Ottawa (PH). On July 15 JB counted 15 on Clare Newnham’s Rd., 3 km S of Lasswade, Peterborough, the highest count of the season. In Algonquin PP the first report was on April 8, one seen on Opeongo Rd., Nipissing (RHC, GSl) and the last was on October 8, one seen at the Vistor Centre, Nipissing (EH). In the north the latest was on August 30, one caught and released at Chippewa Park in the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (SB). The latest reports were on October 23 and November 5 and 6, at the Office in Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (CPR).
Nymphalis antiopa MOURNING CLOAK
In 2008 - 420 records. The first report was on March 28, the earliest date of any species: a single individual seen on Main St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward (HHe). On April 3 BH reported one at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto and RJY reported 11 at Lambton Prairie, Metro Toronto. The first report in Algonquin PP was one seen on April 5 at Mew Lake Campground, Nipissing (CLa, BLa) and in the north, twelve seen on April 19 at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa). As usual there was complete overlap of generations. Fresh individuals binoculared on June 6 at Lochlin Lake, Haliburton and on June 9 at Burnt River, 1.5 km W of Blue Hawk Lake, Haliburton (EP) must have been early individuals of the summer generation. A worn individual seen on June 21 at Rock Chapel Sanctuary, Hamilton-Wentworth (XW) and another seen nectaring on Common Milkweed on July 4, on Moodie Dr., S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ) were likely survivors of the over-wintered generation. Larvae were observed twice, at least 30 on willow on July 9, at a bog 1 km SW of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP, DPa, CPa, LPa) and hundreds on willow and cottonwood on July 22 on High Bluff Beach, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (IS); these would be from eggs laid by the summer generation. The latest reports were all of single sight records: on October 31 at Southampton, Bruce (MRa) and on Hwy 7, E of the Villiers Line, Peterborough (JB), on November 4 at the Opeongo Lake Access Point, Algonquin PP, Nipissing (EH, JP, TRS), on November 6 at Bruce Power, near Tiverton, Bruce (TRa), and on November 8 on Kingston Rd. near Midland Ave., Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH).
Aglais milberti MILBERT’S TORTOISESHELL
In 2008 - 58 records. The earliest reports were on April 3, one seen atop Blue Mountain, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (CPR), on April 24, a sighting in Rouge Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS) and on May 6, one caught and released on Maple Hills Rd., 4 km W of Haliburton, Haliburton (EP). There was complete overlap of generations, but there are normally at least three per year. There were only two reports from Algonquin PP, both at the Whitefish Lake Millsite, Haliburton, on June 16 (RGT) and August 21 (BER), and just three from the north, on May 20 in Chippewa Park, S of the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (SB) and on July 10 and July 12 at Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). The latest records were singles observed on October 3 at Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa (CH) and on Occtober 9 at Main St., Bloomfield, Prince Edward (HHe).
Vanessa virginiensis AMERICAN LADY
In 2008 - 62 records, not a great year for this migrant, although it started very early, with sightings on April 25 at Owl Woods, Amherst Island, Lennox & Addington (BER), on April 27 at Eastpoint Park, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (BH) and on April 29 at Bruce Power, near Tiverton, Bruce (TRa). There were four reports from Algonquin PP, the earliest on June 6 at McManus Lake, Nipissing (EH, CB) and
54 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______two from the north, one seen on June 20 at Agawa Campground, Lake Superior PP, Algoma (TRa, MRa) and one photographed at Sherriff Creek Wildlife sanctuary at Elliot Lake, Algoma (BHe). The species never became numerous; the highest daily counts were seven during the Petroglyphs PP Count, Peterborough (JB) and six, at High Park, Metro Toronto on September 23 (RJY). The latest reports were also from High Park, on October 13 (AA) and 14 (RJY).
Vanessa cardui PAINTED LADY
In 2008 - 42 records, another poor year for this species. The earliest reports were all from along Lake Ontario, on May 9 at the parking lot, Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (DBr, YB), on May 10 at Petticoat Point Rd., Prince Edward (DBr) and on May 15 at Denson, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (IS). By June 8 they had reached Elliot Lake, Algoma (JGM) and by June 22 Shale Lake, 18 km NW of Dorion, Thunder Bay (SB). Most reports were of very low numbers, but AW reported 280 fresh individuals on September 7 in Point Pelee NP, Essex, between White Pine Beach and the Tip, and RJY counted 68 on September 20, in an alfalfa field at Sturgeon Creek and Bevel Line Rd., SE of Leamington, Essex. They were still emerging further north, as well: JB reported a fresh individual on September 24 on the railtrail between the Blezard and Cameron Lines, NE of Villiers, Peterborough. The latest reports were in High Park, Metro Toronto, on October 9 (RJY), October 13 (AA) and October 14 (RJY), and on October 25 at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS).
Vanessa atalanta RED ADMIRAL
In 2008 - 82 records. There were seven April reports, reinforcing the suspicion that this species does sometimes overwinter. The earliest were from Bruce: on April 20 on Hwy 21, 4 km SW of Port Elgin (MRa) and on April 21, at Hwy 21 at North Bruce (MRa) and on the NE side of Port Elgin (TRa). On April 22 they were observed at the Toronto Islands, Metro Toronto (AA) and on April 25 at Hazeldean Woods Park, Kanata, Ottawa (KA). There were no reports from Algonquin PP, and only one from the north, one seen on June 9 at Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin (MRa). Numbers were low everywhere; the highest count was 17, in High Park, Metro Toronto on September 24 (RJY). The latest reports were on October 3 from Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (DBr), on October 9 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY) and on November 4, three fresh individuals photographed, two nectaring on thistle, at Peninsula A on the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (RJY).
Junonia coenia COMMON BUCKEYE
In 2008 - 26 records. There were only four reports of migrants in June: June 10 at Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (FL); June 10 and 11 at Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD); and June 11 at the base of the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (BH). The earliest of the next generation were essentially in the same places, on July 24 at Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD), and on July 25 in Metro Toronto: at the Leslie St. Spit (AG) and at High Park and Lambton Prairie (RJY). The last reports were on September 25 at Beach 1 to 3, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (DBr), on October 3 at the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto, a fresh individual seen by AG, and on October 13, one seen in High Park, Metro Toronto (AA).
Limenitis arthemis arthemis WHITE ADMIRAL
In 2008 - 257 records. The first reports were on June 8, one seen on Burns Lane, S of Charleston Lake, Leeds-Grenville (KH) and, on June 9 in Peterborough: JB saw one on the East Drumlin Trail,
55 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Peterborough, three on Baseline Rd., E of Lang, and another three on David Fife Rd., W of Villiers. There was no gap in the dates betwen the two generations; the reports were continuous until early September. In Algonquin PP, Nipissing the first one was seen on June 21 at the Logging Museum, (RWi) and the last was one noted on August 25 on the Mizzy Lake Trail, (EH, TCa). In the north the season ran from July 2, one seen at the Mills Block CA, Thunder Bay (SB) to August 20, one seen at Webbwood, Sudbury (TRa, MRa); probably only one generation there. In the south the latest reports were on September 4 at Ted’s Lake, 1 km S of South Wilberforce, Haliburton (EP, TLa), on September 8 and 11 at Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott- Russell (CH), and on September 17 on the railtrail between the David Fife and Settlers Lines, NE of Keene, Peterborough (JB).
Limenitis arthemis astyanax RED-SPOTTED PURPLE
In 2008 - 13 records. The earliest reports are by BVR, on July 1 at Christie Lake CA, Hamilton-Wentworth and Valens CA, Hamilton-Wentworth, and on July 2 at Crawford Lake CA, Halton. Next, two were observed on July 10 at High Park, Metro Toronto (RJY). The lack of June records is somewhat puzzling. RJY counted 31 on August 3 at Pelee Island, Essex (RJY), the only good count. The last two reports were on August 27, singles reported at Booker Rd., 3 km SE of Mount Carmel, Haldimand (AA) and at Wainfleet Bog PNR, Haldimand (AA).
Limenitis archippus VICEROY
In 2008 - 214 records. The flight season began with sightings on June 5 on Blue Mountain Rd., S of Tilley, Leeds-Grenville (KH) and at the E end of the Dolman Ridge, in the Mer Bleue, Ottawa (DLe) and on June 7 on Rd. 25 in Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (DLe). On June 12, RAL caught and released a tiny individual, about the size of a Northern Crescent, 1.4 km E of Clarendon Station, Frontenac. There was no separation of dates, but fresh individuals noted on August 7 and 22 at two locations on the railtrail, NE of Keene, Peterborough (JB) must have been of the second generation. There were three reports from Algonquin PP, and only two from the north, two seen on July 3 at the Everard Rd. Fen, Thunder Bay (NGE, CEs) and two seen on August 17 at Webbwood, Sudbury (T Ra, MRa). On August 24, RJY photographed one in High Park, Metro Toronto, where they are rare (Bob Yukich, pers. comm.). The latest reports were on September 27 in a back yard in Port Elgin, Bruce (TRa, MRa), on October 1 at the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto (BH) and finally a very worn individual observed on October 12 on Rd. 25, between Con. 6 and Con. 7, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH).
Asterocampa celtis HACKBERRY EMPEROR
In 2008 - 7 records. The first report was of three seen on July 6 at Deroche Lake, Hastings (DBr). On July 19 one was photographed at Forest Mills, Lennox & Addington ( BER) and five worn individuals were photographed on September 19 at Point Pelee NP, Essex (RJY), the latest record. All the other reports were from the end of the Bill Holland Trail, on Petrie Island, Ottawa, at exactly the spot where the colony was discovered in 2006 by Steve Ansell. On July 19, BBo observed five, flying high in the treetops, never lower than 15-20 feet. On July 22 he saw 6, and photographed one on banana bait. On July 27, RAL saw two, and on July 28 three more, but only flying through the trees; none were lured to his fermented banana/molasses/beer bait.
56 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Asterocampa clyton TAWNY EMPEROR
In 2008 - 1 record, twelve counted by RJY on August 3 on Pelee Island, Essex.
Enodia anthedon NORTHERN PEARLY-EYE
In 2008 - 95 records. The first reports were sight records on June 25 and 26 at ADRI, Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa (KA), on June 26 on the railtrail between David Fife and Base Lines, NE of Keene, Peterborough (JB) and on June 29 at Heber Down CA, Durham (RJY). On July 4, PH recorded about 30 on the Howie Rd. extension, Ottawa, and 27 were counted on July 19 during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough (JB), the highest numbers. There were two reports from Algonquin PP, but both were very late, on August 18 on the East Side hydrocut, Nipissing (EH) and on August 23 at the Lake Travers Radio Observatory, Nipissing (LE, TS, SMa). In the north, NGE reported two on July 6 at William Bog, Thunder Bay (NGE), and SB had four reports from Thunder Bay, two of them very late: one caught and released at the Thunder Cape Bird Observatory in Sleeping Giant PP on August 20, and another on August 24 at the Pennock Creek Hiking Trail, the latest of all.
Satyrodes eurydice EYED BROWN
In 2008 - 102 records. The earliest reports were on June 19 at Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (BER, KH), on June 20, 12 observed at Sixteen Mile Creek at Hwy 407, Halton (BVR) and on June 23, one seen at the Hilton Falls Complex, 2.5 km NE of Campbellville, Halton (BVR). There were no reports from the north and only three from Algonquin PP, Nipissing the first on June 26 (LFo) and the last on August 3, one on the East Beach of Lake of Two Rivers (LE). The latest records were on August 4, two seen on County Rd. 46, N of Twin Lakes, Peterborough (JB), and two very late ones, which probably represent a second generation: one seen on September 8 on Con. 10, Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH), and one photographed on September 20 at the Amherstview Sewage Lagoons, Lennox & Addington (BER).
Satyrodes appalachia APPALACHIAN BROWN
In 2008 - 21 records. The first reports were on June 30, two seen on the Cedar Grove Trail, Marlborough Forest, Ottawa (CH), on July 1, six seen on Rte. 200, W of Bertrand Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (CH), and on July 2, one seen at Dwyer Hill Rd. and March Rd., Ottawa (PH). The largest number reported was 20, counted by DA on July 12 on Con. 12 in the Burnt Lands, Lanark. There were three reports in August: on August 1 one was seen at Dunes Beach, Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD) and another was caught and released at Mossy Lake, Charleston Lake PP, Leeds-Grenville (TAG, CPR), and on August 14 one was caught and released at the N end of Perron Rd., Larose Forest, Prescott-Russell (RAL). There was one very late (second generation?) record, two observed on September 3 in a Green Ash swamp at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Simcoe (JK).
Megisto cymela LITTLE WOOD SATYR
In 2008 - 160 records. The season began on June 2 with three individuals sighted at Eglinton Flats, Metro Toronto (RJY), and another seen on Coon Lake Rd., Peterborough (JB). On June 4, EP saw one in Haliburton, Haliburton, behind J. D. Hodgeson Elem. School, and on June 5, DLe reported three at the E end of the Dolman Ridge, in the Mer Bleue, Ottawa. On June 15 at least 60 were reported on Robertson Rd., 2 km WSW of Bells Corners, Ottawa (DA) and on June 20 RJY counted 107 at Eglinton Flats, Metro
57 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Toronto. The latest records were singles seen on July 21 at Bruce Power near Tiverton, Bruce (TRa), on July 22 at Mount Nemo Escarpment Woods, Halton (BVR), and on July 27 on Timm Dr., 2 km W of Bells Corners, Ottawa (KA, DA).
Coenonympha tullia COMMON RINGLET
In 2008 - 272 records. The first reports were on May 24 at Little Cataraqui Creek CA, Frontenac (MCS), on May 25 at West Point, Sandbanks PP, Prince Edward (JD), and on May 28 on Moodie Dr., 1 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ) and at Heber Down CA, Durham (RJY, BH). The first generation flew until July 19, when they were observed at the Burnt Lands, off Golden Line Rd., Ottawa (DA) and during the Petroglyphs Butterfly Count, Peterborough, where, significantly, only one was seen (JB et al.). There was only one northern report, of 20+ counted on July 12 on Hwy 11 between Beardsmore and Geraldton, Thunder Bay (NGE). The second generation was first reported on August 2, one seen at the main entrance to Mountsberg CA, Hamilton-Wentworth (BVR) and on August 3, one reported from Lynwood Park, Bells Corners, Ottawa (LJ). As usual, the first generation had a larger population than the second; JD saw “hundreds” on June 7 on Elmbrook Rd., 3 km NE of Elmbrook, Prince Edward. But there were some good counts later as well; DA counted 47 on August 16 at the Burnt Lands, off Golden Line Rd., Ottawa, and LJ saw 50 on September 1 on Moodie Dr., 5 km S of Bells Corners, Ottawa. The season ended with singles seen on September 19 and 20, on Carp Rd., 5 km SE of Fitzroy Harbour, Ottawa (RAL), on September 20 at the Burnt Lands Nature Reserve, Ottawa (KA, DA), on September 22 at Bellamy Ravine, Scarborough, Metro Toronto (LS, BH) and on September 23 on Baseline Rd., SE of Lang, Peterborough (JB).
Cercyonis pegala COMMON WOOD-NYMPH
In 2008 - 150 records. The earliest reports, strangely, were from Northern Ontario, singles seen on June 8 at Webbwood, Sudbury and on June 9 at Espanola, Sudbury (MRa). Also on June 9, one was observed flying across Hwy 21 at North Bruce, Bruce (TRa). On June 27 RJY reported one at Eglinton Flats, Metro Toronto, and on June 30 DBr saw four at Demorestville CA, Prince Edward. There were no reports from Algonquin PP and only a few from the north, most of them late season, the latest being singles seen on August 29 in Everard Rd. Fen, on the Black Bay Peninsula, Thunder Bay (SB) and on August 31 at Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). In the south the flight season ended with one seen on August 30 on Con. 11 in the Burnt Lands, Lanark (KA, DA), one binoculared on August 31 on the N side of Devil’s Lake, SW of Minden, Haliburton (EP), and one observed flying on September 1 at Perth Nature Reserve, Lanark (DLe). The highest count in a day was more than 100, reported on July 10 by RJY at Blair Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo.
Erebia mancinus TAIGA ALPINE
In 2008 - 1 record, one seen on June 25 on Reckett Rd. in the Sedgman Lake PNR, Thunder Bay (NGE).
Erebia discoidalis RED-DISKED ALPINE
In 2008 - 1 record, one seen on June 7 on Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE).
58 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Oeneis macounii MACOUN’S ARCTIC
In 2008 - 10 records, mostly from Algonquin Park, Nipissing. Three were seen and one caught, on June 7, on a fire road N of the Lake Travers Rd. at km 67.4 (RAL, DLG, CB). At a Jack Pine cut at Lake Travers, EH saw three on June 8 and five on June 9, and at a Jack Pine cut at Poplar Rapids he saw 10 on June 10. On June 21 a few were seen on the fire road at km 67.4 on the Lake Travers Rd., and a few more on another fire road at km 69.3 (DBo). On June 21, two were seen at Pictured Lake, Thunder Bay, hilltopping on a bare rocky dome with Jack Pines (SB). On June 23, SB saw seven at MacKenzie Station, Thunder Bay, and caught five for a researcher. On June 29 three were seen on the Wolf Tree Trail, N of Raith, Thunder Bay (NGE, JW), and on July 4 NGE watched the last one of the year at Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay as it landed on the wall of his house!!
Oeneis chryxus CHRYXUS ARCTIC
In 2008 - 12 records. On May 15 EP reported one on Mountain St., near Parish Line, 2.5 km S of Haliburton, Haliburton, and on May 17 RAL saw four on a granite barren on the Carp Ridge, NW of Carp, Ottawa. PH saw three at the same place on May 23. Also on May 23, four were seen at the old airfield in Algonquin PP, Nipissing (CB, EH). Sandy Lake Rd., Twin Lakes, Peterborough was a real hot spot; 22 were seen on May 23 (JB, TB), 43 on May 24 (RJY), eight on June 2 (JB) and one in June 7 (JB). On May 24 one was seen at Con. 12 on the Burnt Lands, Lanark (RAL, PH, BBr, CL, JG) and one was caught and released at Ritchie Falls, Lochlin, Haliburton (EP). RJY reported one on May 25 on Alvar Rd., on the Carden Plain, Kawartha Lakes. The last record of the year was on June 11 at the old airfield in Algonquin PP, Nipissing (BHo).
Oeneis jutta JUTTA ARCTIC
In 2008 - 4 records, all from Thunder Bay: one caught and released on June 25 on a bog mat at Jourdain Lake, S of Muskeg Lake (SB), and three sight records from NGE, on June 18 at a bog 5 km N of Raith, on June 25 at Reckett Rd. in Sedgeman Lake PNR, and on July 6 at William Bog, in the City of Thunder Bay.
Danaus plexippus MONARCH
In 2008 - 616 records. The first report was very early: on April 27 one was observed through binoculars, at Port Glasgow, Elgin by DMa and four others; this data was received from Don Davis of Monarch Watch. The next reports are on more normal dates: May 8 at Point Pelee NP, Essex (JB); May 10 and 15 at West Elgin, Elgin (AJH); and May 15 at “Toronto”, Metro Toronto (BH). In Algonquin PP, the earliest report was of one seen at McManus Lake, Nipissing on June 5 (CB, EH). In the north, the season started on June 4 with one seen at “Manitoulin Island”, Manitoulin (BRi) with another seen on June 6 at Englehart, Timiskaming (SRi) and a third on June 7 at Alice Ave., Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay (NGE). Monarchs were everywhere in lower numbers than usual, and this was not helped by the large number of cloudy and rainy days in May and June. But the numbers picked up somewhat in late summer. At Oakville Harbour, Halton, DD captured, tagged and released 65 Monarchs on August 25 and another 156 on September 4. He also tagged 65 on September 2 on the Lake Ontario shore near Barnes Rd, E of Colbourne, Northumberland, and 93 on September 23 at Cranberry Marsh, Whitby, Durham. On September 12 LAM caught and released at Long Point Tip, Norfolk a Monarch which had been tagged on September 4 by Lisa Johnson at Ann Arbour, Michigan. In eight days it had flown 300 km, in a direction slightly north of east. On September 15 DaB reported a roost of about 100 at Hawk Cliff, Port Stanley, Elgin, and on September 17 DBr reported at
59 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______least 100 and good movement through Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland and RJY counted 214 at South Humber Park, Metro Toronto. On September 19 and 20 DaB reported thousands migrating past Hawk Cliff, Port Stanley, Elgin. On August 28 SB saw two on the E shore of the Nipigon River, opposite Nipigon Marina, Thunder Bay, and on September 24 SMa saw one in the parking lot of the Visitor Centre, Algonquin PP, Nipissing, the last Algonquin record. There were no more reports of large numbers, but sightings continued throughout October into November, with four November records, all singles: on November 7 at Calf Pasture, Presqu’ile PP, Northumberland (KAn), on November 8 at Cranberry Marsh, Whitby, Durham (GC), and at the Leslie St. Spit, Metro Toronto on November 4 (RJY) and November 17 (AG): amazingly, these last two individuals were reported as “fresh”.
60 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
CHECKLIST OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS
by Colin D. Jones
Superfamily: HESPERIOIDEA Latreille Family: HESPERIIDAE Latreille SKIPPERS Subfamily: Pyrginae Burmeister PYRGINE SKIPPERS
___ Epargyreus clarus (Cramer) SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER a) clarus ___ Urbanus proteus (Linnaeus) LONG-TAILED SKIPPER ___ Achalarus lyciades (Geyer) HOARY EDGE ___ Thorybes bathyllus (J.E. Smith) SOUTHERN CLOUDYWING ___ Thorybes pylades (Scudder) NORTHERN CLOUDYWING a) pylades ___ Staphylus hayhurstii (W.H. Edwards) HAYHURST'S SCALLOPWING ___ Erynnis icelus (Scudder & Burgess) DREAMY DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis brizo (Boisduval & Leconte) SLEEPY DUSKYWING a) brizo ___ Erynnis juvenalis (Fabricius) JUVENAL'S DUSKYWING a) juvenalis ___ Erynnis horatius (Scudder & Burgess) HORACE'S DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis martialis (Scudder) MOTTLED DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis zarucco (Lucas) ZARUCCO DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis funeralis (Scudder & Burgess) FUNEREAL DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis lucilius (Scudder & Burgess) COLUMBINE DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis baptisiae (Forbes) WILD INDIGO DUSKYWING ___ Erynnis persius (Scudder) PERSIUS DUSKYWING a) persius b) borealis (Cary) ___ Pyrgus centaureae (Rambur) GRIZZLED SKIPPER a) freija (Warren) ___ Pyrgus communis (Grote) COMMON CHECKERED SKIPPER ___ Pholisora catullus (Fabricius) COMMON SOOTYWING
Subfamily Heteropterinae Aurivillius INTERMEDIATE SKIPPERS
___ Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas) ARCTIC SKIPPER a) mandan (W.H. Edwards)
Subfamily Hesperiinae Latreille BRANDED SKIPPERS
___ Lerema accius (J.E. Smith) CLOUDED SKIPPER ___ Ancyloxypha numitor (Fabricius) LEAST SKIPPER ___ Oarisma garita (Reakirt) GARITA SKIPPERLING ___ Thymelicus lineola (Ochsenheimer) EUROPEAN SKIPPER ___ Hylephila phyleus (Drury) FIERY SKIPPER a) phyleus ___ Hesperia comma (Linnaeus) COMMON BRANDED SKIPPER a) manitoba (Scudder) b) borealis Lindsey c) laurentina (Lyman) ___ Hesperia leonardus Harris LEONARD'S SKIPPER a) leonardus ___ Hesperia sassacus Harris INDIAN SKIPPER ___ Polites peckius (W. Kirby) PECK'S SKIPPER ___ Polites themistocles (Latreille) TAWNY-EDGED SKIPPER ___ Polites origenes (Fabricius) CROSSLINE SKIPPER a) origenes ___Polites mystic (W.H. Edwards) LONG DASH SKIPPER
61 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
___ Polites vibex (Geyer) WHIRLABOUT a) vibex ___ Wallengrenia egeremet (Scudder) NORTHERN BROKEN-DASH ___ Pompeius verna (W.H. Edwards) LITTLE GLASSYWING ___ Atalopedes campestris (Boisduval) SACHEM ___ Anatrytone logan (W.H. Edwards) DELAWARE SKIPPER a) logan ___ Poanes massasoit (Scudder) MULBERRY WING a) massasoit ___ Poanes hobomok (Harris) HOBOMOK SKIPPER = form “pocahontas” (Scudder) ___ Poanes zabulon (Boisduval and Leconte) ZABULON SKIPPER ___ Poanes viator (W.H. Edwards) BROAD-WINGED SKIPPER a) viator ___ Euphyes dion (W.H. Edwards) DION SKIPPER a) dion ___ Euphyes dukesi (Lindsey) DUKES' SKIPPER ___ Euphyes conspicua (W.H. Edwards) BLACK DASH a) conspicua ___ Euphyes bimacula (Grote & Robinson) TWO-SPOTTED SKIPPER a) bimacula ___ Euphyes vestris (Boisduval) DUN SKIPPER a) metacomet (Harris) ___ Atrytonopsis hianna (Scudder) DUSTED SKIPPER a) hianna ___ Amblyscirtes hegon (Scudder) PEPPER AND SALT SKIPPER ___ Amblyscirtes vialis (W.H. Edwards) COMMON ROADSIDE SKIPPER ___ Calpodes ethlius (Stoll) BRAZILIAN SKIPPER ___ Panoquina ocola (W.H. Edwards) OCOLA SKIPPER
Superfamily PAPILIONOIDEA Latreille Family PAPILIONIDAE Latreille Subfamily Papilioninae Latreille SWALLOWTAILS ___ Battus philenor (Linnaeus) PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL a) philenor ___ Eurytides marcellus (Cramer) ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL ___ Papilio polyxenes Fabricius BLACK SWALLOWTAIL a) asterias Stoll ___ Papilio machaon Linnaeus OLD WORLD SWALLOWTAIL a) hudsonianus A.H. Clark ___ Papilio cresphontes Cramer GIANT SWALLOWTAIL ___ Papilio glaucus Linnaeus EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL a) glaucus ___ Papilio canadensis Rothschild & Jordan CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL ___ Papilio troilus Linnaeus SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL a) troilus
Family PIERIDAE Duponchel Subfamily Pierinae Duponchel WHITES AND MARBLES
___ Pontia protodice (Boisduval & Leconte) CHECKERED WHITE ___ Pontia occidentalis (Reakirt) WESTERN WHITE a) occidentalis ___ Pieris oleracea Harris MUSTARD WHITE a) oleracea ___ Pieris virginiensis W.H. Edwards WEST VIRGINIA WHITE ___ Pieris rapae (Linnaeus) CABBAGE WHITE ___ Ascia monuste (Linnaeus) GREAT SOUTHERN WHITE ___ Euchloe ausonides Lucas LARGE MARBLE a) ausonides ___ Euchloe olympia (W.H. Edwards) OLYMPIA MARBLE
62 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Subfamily Coliadinae Swainson SULPHURS
___ Colias philodice Godart CLOUDED SULPHUR a) philodice ___ Colias eurytheme Boisduval ORANGE SULPHUR ___ Colias gigantea Strecker GIANT SULPHUR a) gigantea ___ Colias pelidne Boisduval & Leconte PELIDNE SULPHUR a) pelidne ___ Colias interior Scudder PINK-EDGED SULPHUR ___ Colias palaeno (Linnaeus) PALAENO SULPHUR a) chippewa (W.H. Edwards) ___ Zerene cesonia (Stoll) SOUTHERN DOGFACE ___ Phoebis sennae (Linnaeus) CLOUDLESS SULPHUR a) eubule (Linnaeus) ___ Phoebis philea (Linnaeus) ORANGE-BARRED SULPHUR ___ Eurema mexicanum (Boisduval) MEXICAN YELLOW ___ Pyrisitia lisa (Boisduval & Leconte) LITTLE YELLOW ___ Abaeis nicippe (Cramer) SLEEPY ORANGE ___ Nathalis iole (Boisduval) DAINTY SULPHUR
Family LYCAENIDAE Leach Subfamily Miletinae Corbet HARVESTERS
___ Feniseca tarquinius (Fabricius) THE HARVESTER
Subfamily Lycaeninae Leach COPPERS
___ Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus) AMERICAN COPPER a) americana Harris ___ Lycaena dione (Scudder) GREY COPPER ___ Lycaena hyllus (Cramer) BRONZE COPPER ___ Lycaena epixanthe (Boisduval & Leconte) BOG COPPER a) michiganensis Rawson ___ Lycaena dorcas W. Kirby DORCAS COPPER a) dorcas ___ Lycaena helloides (Boisduval) PURPLISH COPPER
Subfamily Theclinae Swainson HAIRSTREAKS
___ Satyrium acadica (W.H. Edwards) ACADIAN HAIRSTREAK a) acadica ___ Satyrium titus (Fabricius) CORAL HAIRSTREAK a) titus ___ Satyrium edwardsii (Grote & Robinson) EDWARDS’ HAIRSTREAK ___ Satyrium calanus (Hübner) BANDED HAIRSTREAK a) falacer (Godart) ___ Satyrium caryaevorus (McDunnough) HICKORY HAIRSTREAK ___ Satyrium liparops (Leconte) STRIPED HAIRSTREAK a) strigosum (Harris) b) fletcheri (Michener & dos Passos) ___ Satyrium favonius (J.E. Smith) SOUTHERN HAIRSTREAK a) ontario (W.H. Edwards) ___ Callophrys gryneus (Hübner) JUNIPER HAIRSTREAK a) gryneus ___ Callophrys augustinus (Westwood) BROWN ELFIN a) augustinus ___ Callophrys polios (Cook & Watson) HOARY ELFIN a) polios ___ Callophrys irus (Godart) FROSTED ELFIN a) irus ___ Callophrys henrici (Grote & Robinson) HENRY’S ELFIN a) henrici
63 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
___ Callophrys lanoraieensis (Sheppard) BOG ELFIN ___ Callophrys niphon (Hübner) EASTERN PINE ELFIN a) clarki (T.N. Freeman) ___ Callophrys eryphon (Boisduval) WESTERN PINE ELFIN b) eryphon ___ Parrhasius m-album (Boisduval & Leconte) WHITE-M HAIRSTREAK ___ Strymon melinus Hübner GREY HAIRSTREAK a) melinus b) franki Field ___ Erora laeta (W.H. Edwards) EARLY HAIRSTREAK
Subfamily Polyommatinae Swainson BLUES
___ Leptotes marina (Reakirt) MARINE BLUE ___ Cupido comyntas (Godart) EASTERN TAILED BLUE a) comyntas ___ Cupido amyntula (Boisduval) WESTERN TAILED BLUE a) albrighti Clench ___ Celastrina ladon (Cramer) SPRING AZURE a) lucia (W. Kirby) ___ Celastrina neglecta (W.H. Edwards) SUMMER AZURE a) neglecta ___ Celastrina serotina Pavulaan and Wright CHERRY GALL AZURE ___ Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Doubleday) SILVERY BLUE a) couperi Grote ___ Plebejus idas (Linnaeus) NORTHERN BLUE a) scudderi (W.H. Edwards) ___ Plebejus melissa (W.H. Edwards) MELISSA (KARNER) BLUE a) samuelis Nabokov ___ Plebejus saepiolus (Boisduval) GREENISH BLUE a) amica (W.H. Edwards) ___ Plebejus glandon (de Prunner) ARCTIC BLUE d) franklinii (Curtis)
Family NYMPHALIDAE Swainson Subfamily Libyteinae Boisduval SNOUTS
___ Libytheana carienta (Cramer) AMERICAN SNOUT a) bachmanii (Kirtland)
Subfamily Argynninae Blanchard FRITILLARIES
___ Euptoieta claudia (Cramer) VARIEGATED FRITILLARY ___ Speyeria cybele (Fabricius) GREAT SPANGLED FRITILLARY a) cybele b) krautwurmi (Holland) ___ Speyeria aphrodite (Fabricius) APHRODITE FRITILLARY a) aphrodite b) alcestis (W.H. Edwards) ___ Speyeria idalia (Drury) REGAL FRITILLARY ___ Speyeria atlantis (W.H. Edwards) ATLANTIS FRITILLARY a) atlantis (W.H. Edwards) b) canadensis (dos Passos) ___ Boloria eunomia (Esper) BOG FRITILLARY a) triclaris (Hübner) b) dawsoni (Barnes & McDunnough) ___ Boloria selene [Denis & Schiffermuller] SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARY a) atrocostalis (Huard)
64 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
___ Boloria bellona (Fabricius) MEADOW FRITILLARY a) bellona b) toddi (Holland) ___ Boloria frigga (Thunberg) SAGA FRITILLARY a) saga (Staudinger) ___ Boloria freija (Thunberg) FREIJA FRITILLARY a) freija ___ Boloria chariclea (Schneider) ARCTIC FRITILLARY a) arctica (Zetterstedt) b) grandis (Barnes & McDunnough)
Subfamily Melitaeinae Grote CHECKERSPOTS AND CRESCENTS
___ Chlosyne gorgone (Hübner) GORGONE CHECKERSPOT a) carlota (Reakirt) ___ Chlosyne nycteis (Doubleday) SILVERY CHECKERSPOT a) nycteis ___ Chlosyne harrisii (Scudder) HARRIS’S CHECKERSPOT a) harrisii ___ Phyciodes tharos (Drury) PEARL CRESCENT a) tharos ___ Phyciodes cocyta (Cramer) NORTHERN CRESCENT ___ Phyciodes batesii (Reakirt) TAWNY CRESCENT a) batesii ___ Euphydryas phaeton (Drury) BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT a) phaeton
Subfamily Nymphalinae Swainson ANGLEWINGS, TORTOISESHELLS, THISTLE BUTTERFLIES AND PEACOCKS
___ Polygonia interrogationis (Fabricius) QUESTION MARK = form “umbrosa” (Lintner) ___ Polygonia comma (Harris) EASTERN COMMA ___ Polygonia satyrus (W.H. Edwards) SATYR COMMA ___ Polygonia faunus (W.H. Edwards) GREEN COMMA a) faunus ___ Polygonia gracilis (Grote & Robinson) HOARY COMMA a) gracilis ___ Polygonia progne (Cramer) GREY COMMA ___ Nymphalis vaualbum ([Denis & Schiffermuller]) COMPTON TORTOISESHELL a) j-album (Boisduval & Leconte) ___ Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus) MOURNING CLOAK ___ Aglais milberti (Godart) MILBERT’S TORTOISESHELL a) milberti ___ Vanessa virginiensis (Drury) AMERICAN LADY ___ Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus) PAINTED LADY ___ Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus) RED ADMIRAL a) rubria (Fruhstorfer) ___ Junonia coenia (Hübner) COMMON BUCKEYE a) coenia
Subfamily Limenitidinae Behr ADMIRALS
___ Limenitis arthemis (Drury) a) arthemis (Drury) WHITE ADMIRAL b) astyanax (Fabricius) RED-SPOTTED PURPLE ___ Limenitis archippus (Cramer) VICEROY a) archippus
65 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
Subfamily Apaturinae Boisduval EMPERORS
___ Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Leconte) HACKBERRY EMPEROR a) celtis ___ Asterocampa clyton (Boisduval & Leconte) TAWNY EMPEROR a) clyton
Subfamily Satyrinae Boisduval SATYRS AND WOOD-NYMPHS
___ Enodia anthedon A.H. Clark NORTHERN PEARLY-EYE ___ Satyrodes eurydice (Linnaeus) EYED BROWN a) eurydice ___ Satyrodes appalachia (R.L. Chermock) APPALACHIAN BROWN a) leeuwi (Gatrelle & Arbogast) ___ Megisto cymela (Cramer) LITTLE WOOD-SATYR a) cymela ___ Coenonympha tullia (Müller) COMMON RINGLET a) inornata W.H. Edwards ___ Cercyonis pegala (Fabricius) COMMON WOOD-NYMPH a) nephele (W. Kirby) ___ Erebia mancinus Doubleday TAIGA ALPINE ___ Erebia discoidalis (W. Kirby) RED-DISKED ALPINE a) discoidalis ___ Oeneis macounii (W.H. Edwards) MACOUN’S ARCTIC ___ Oeneis chryxus (Doubleday & Hewitson) CHRYXUS ARCTIC a) strigulosa McDunnough b) calais (Scudder) ___ Oeneis jutta (Hübner) JUTTA ARCTIC b) ascerta Masters & Sorensen d) harperi F.H. Chermock ___ Oeneis melissa (Fabricius) MELISSA ARCTIC a) semplei Holland ___ Oeneis polixenes (Fabricius) POLIXENES ARCTIC a) beringianus Kurentzov
Subfamily Danainae Duponchel MILKWEED BUTTTERFLIES
___ Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus) MONARCH a) plexippus
66 Ontario Lepidoptera 2008______
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE TEA
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The Odonata of Canada & Alaska (3 volumes) by E.M. Walker $185 Can ($170 for TEA members who pick it up); In USA: $160 US surface; $170 US airmail
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Books: Other publishers
Damselflies and Dragonflies (Odonata) of Ontario: Resource Guide and Annotated List By P.M. Catling and V.R. Brownell 2000. Annotated list of 168 species of odonata in Ontario including conservation status, flight period, habitat, distribution and identification. $40 Can; In USA: $40 US.
Books: T.E.A. publications
The Ontario Butterfly Atlas by A.M. Holmes, R.R. Tasker, Q.F.Hess, A.J.Hanks (1991) ISBN: 0921631111 $25 Can ($20 for TEA members who pick it up); In USA: $25 US
Ontario Insects – T.E.A. Newsjournal Back Issues: $5 Can each; In USA: $5 US; Subscription: $25 Can; In USA: $25 US
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Ontario Odonata (annual) This publication includes the year’s Odonata observations and several articles and notes on the Odonata of Ontario. Past issues have included articles on behaviour, distribution, regional checklists, conservation and illustrated keys. Volume 1 (1999) 16 articles plus summary. 153 pages. $25 Can; In USA/overseas: $25 US Volume 3 (2001) 18 articles plus summary. 208 pages. $25 Can; In USA/overseas: $25 US Volume 5 (2003) 6 articles plus summary. 145 pages. $20 Can; In USA/overseas: $25 US Volume 6 (2004) 6 articles plus summary. 202 pages. $25 Can; In USA/overseas: $25 US Volume 7 (2005) 6 articles plus summary. 226 pages. $25 Can; In USA/overseas: $28 US
Checklist of the Butterflies of the Toronto Region: 140 years of history (Third edition, 2007) Includes flight seasons. Compiled by Barry Harrison. $2.00 Can; In USA/overseas: $2.50 US
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