Edited and Compiled by
Rick Cavasin and Jessica E. Linton
Toronto Entomologists’ Association Occasional Publication # 48-2018
European Skippers mudpuddling, July 6, 2017, Jones Road, near Blackhawk, RAIN (Photo: Michael Dawber)
Dusted Skipper, April 20, 2017, Ipperwash Beach, LAMB American Snout, August 6, 2017, (Photo: Bob Yukich) Dunes Beach, PRIN (Photo: David Kaposi) ISBN: 978-0-921631-53-7
Ontario Lepidoptera 2017
Edited and Compiled by Rick Cavasin and Jessica E. Linton
April 2018
Published by the Toronto Entomologists’ Association Toronto, Ontario
Production by Jessica Linton TORONTO ENTOMOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATION Board of Directors: (TEA) Antonia Guidotti: R.O.M. Representative Programs Coordinator The TEA is a non-profit educational and scientific Carolyn King: O.N. Representative organization formed to promote interest in insects, to Publicity Coordinator encourage cooperation among amateur and professional Steve LaForest: Field Trips Coordinator entomologists, to educate and inform non-entomologists about insects, entomology and related fields, to aid in the ONTARIO LEPIDOPTERA preservation of insects and their habitats and to issue Published annually by the Toronto Entomologists’ publications in support of these objectives. Association.
The TEA is a registered charity (#1069095-21); all Ontario Lepidoptera 2017 donations are tax creditable. Publication date: April 2018 ISBN: 978-0-921631-53-7 Membership Information: Copyright © TEA for Authors All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Annual dues: reproduced or used without written permission. Individual-$30 Student-free (Association finances permitting – Information on submitting records, notes and articles to beyond that, a charge of $20 will apply) Ontario Lepidoptera can be obtained by contacting: Family-$35 Jessica E. Linton All membership queries and payment of dues can be Summary Production and Co-editor of Butterflies and directed to Chris Rickard, Treasurer, T.E.A., 16 Mount Skippers View Court, Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 5A9. e-transfers 157 Oriole Street can be sent to [email protected] Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 2B3 Publications received as part of a TEA membership Home Tel: (519) 489-2568 include: Cellular: (519) 502-3773 3 issues per year of our news journal Email: [email protected] Ontario Insects annual Ontario Lepidoptera summary
Discounts on sales of other publications. COVER PHOTOGRAPHS The TEA Board Front: Question Mark, Compton Tortoiseshell and, Red The TEA is run by a volunteer board. The executive Admiral, August 29, 2017, Lincoln Ave., Toronto, METR officers are elected every two years. (Photo: Bob Yukich).
Executive Officers: President: Glenn Richardson Vice-President: Alan Macnaughton Treasurer: Chris Rickard Secretary: (vacant)
Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
CONTENTS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION ...... 2 CORRECTIONS TO ONTARIO LEPIDOPTERA 2017...... 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 4 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS ...... 5 ONTARIO BUTTERFLY COUNTS IN 2017 ...... 13 WHAT OBSERVERS CAN DO ABOUT DUPLICATE RECORDS ...... 21 AN UPDATE ON TIGER SWALLOWTAILS IN ONTARIO ...... 25 AZURES IN ONTARIO: 2017 UPDATE ...... 29 NOTEWORTHY MOTH RECORDS FOR ONTARIO 2017 ...... 31 SUMMARY OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS IN 2017 ...... 38 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE SPECIES ACCOUNTS ...... 43 Family: HESPERIIDAE ...... 44 Family: PAPILIONIDAE ...... 69 Family: PIERIDAE ...... 78 Family: LYCAENIDAE ...... 88 Family: NYMPHALIDAE ...... 109 Correspondence between plant names used in this publication and VASCAN names ...... 146 CHECKLIST OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS ...... 152
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. TEA Counties, Districts and Regional Municipalities ...... 11
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. List of Contributors and Observers for 2016 ...... 5
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
With this issue of Ontario Lepidoptera, there is a change in the editorial team. Ross Layberry, who has served the TEA well as co-editor for the past 12 years, has decided to focus his efforts on maintaining the database of 355,000 records behind the Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Ross for his long service as co-editor.
Rick Cavasin agreed to step in for the 2017 summary to summarize the species accounts and serve as co-editor with Jessica Linton, who continues in that position. Rick Cavasin is a longtime amateur butterfly enthusiast. As a kid, Rick collected butterflies in the Niagara Region and on family vacations further north. He rekindled this interest when he took up photography in the early 2000's. Although he mostly photographs butterflies in the Ottawa area, he visits Southern Ontario regularly, and occasionally makes forays further afield. His images have been included in several publications including the new ROM Field Guide to Butterflies of Ontario, and his self-published Pocket Guides to Butterflies of Southern and Eastern Ontario, Southern Quebec, and the Maritimes. Since about 2012, Rick has helped with sorting out problems with Atlas data and with IDing observations reported on eButterfly and iNaturalist.
This issue of Ontario Lepidoptera includes informative articles about avoiding duplicate records by Rick Cavasin, an update on what we know about the morphological differences and distribution of the tiger swallowtails by Xi Wang, and more information on the progress being made to sort out the azures by Chris Schmidt. James Kamstra’s annual summary of Ontario’s butterfly counts and a summary of noteworthy moth observations by Alan Macnaughton and Ross Layberry are also included.
As usual, the articles and notes are followed by the written summary of the 2017 Ontario butterfly records that have been submitted by our many contributors.
Data for all records of all butterfly species received for 2017 (much more data than can be included in the printed summary!) are included in a table available to TEA members as PDF files from Ross Layberry (see contact information below). 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.
Pages 145 to 150 show the correspondence between the plant names used in this publication and those in VASCAN – the Database of Vascular Plants of Canada. This is a comprehensive list of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland (Denmark) and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). VASCAN is widely accepted by botanists as the current authority for Canadian botanical taxonomy: http://data.canadensys.net/vascan/search
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
2018 Submissions We will be accepting records, articles, notes, and photographs for Ontario Lepidoptera 2018 until December 31, 2018. Please note, if you have submitted your observations online you do not need to submit them directly. Information on how to submit records that have not been submitted online can be obtained from:
Jessica Linton 157 Oriole Street Waterloo, ON N2J 2B3 Tel: 519-489-2568 Email: [email protected]
When submitting photos, please ensure the file name contains: 1) the species name, 2) date of observation, and 3) location of observation.
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
CORRECTIONS TO ONTARIO LEPIDOPTERA 2017 pg 16 - no Common Roadside-Skippers were recorded on the Pelee Island count.
Pages 62, St. Joseph’s Island, second last line should read St. Joseph Island. pg 63 - Little Yellow - 1st line - no date given. Date was June 27, 2017 pg 68 - Banded Hairstreak - 3rd last line: July 26 should be June 26. pg 74 - under Celastrina sp. - 1st line - 2018 should be 2016.
Page 78, line 13 reads – Jim Lake Road Kenora (DHE), Should read - Jim Lake Road Rainy River (DHE). pg 93 - Tawny Emperor - 3rd last line - August 10 should be August 6.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ontario Lepidoptera would not be possible without the considerable effort of the contributors and observers (listed below) who take the time to submit their records each year. A special thank-you and welcome to our new contributors.
We would also like to thank those who submitted photographs from 2017, including: Michael Dawber, Bob Yukich, Brenda Van Ryswyk, David Kaposi, Ralph Thorpe, and Ellen Riggens.
Alan Macnaughton and Ralph Thorpe are acknowledged for reviewing drafts of this document and Ross Layberry for his efforts to compile data submitted to the Ontario Butterfly Atlas.
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS Ontario Lepidoptera 2017 summarizes data and observations of butterflies and skippers for the 2017 season in the province of Ontario, Canada, received from the contributors and observers listed in Table 1.
Table 1. List of Contributors and Observers for 2017
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE AA Alfred Adamo York BCr Bet Crooks AAr Avalon Arsenault BeA Bernal Arce ABi Amanda Bichel BEd Bev Edwards Lombardy ADi Antonia Dizhevski BeLa Bea Laporte Burrits Rapids AdL Adelynn Lain BeMo Bev Moses AEG Antonia Guidotti Toronto BER Bruce E. Ripley Amherstview AFo Alison Forde BH Barry Harrison Scarborough AFr Angela Fraser BiGr Bill Greaves AFy Andy Fyon BJF Brett J. Forsyth AGu Amanda Guercio BJL Brenda J. Laking Huntsville AiG Aidan Gowland BJM Brian Moore Thunder Bay AJa Amanda Jacobs BKu Brenda Kulon Bright's Grove AKa Alyson Karson BLe Brett Lefebre AKe Andrew Keaveney Sandbanks PP BMi Bruce Missen ALa Amy Lawes BMy Buddy Myles AlH Allan Harris Thunder Bay BNa Baxter Naday AlK Alex Kennedy BNC Barbara N. Charlton Waterloo AlSh Al Sharp BoA Bonnielee Armstrong AlW Allen Woodliffe BoK Bonnie Kinder AM Alan Macnaughton Kitchener BoKo Bob Kortright Toronto AMF Anca MorozFiloti BoM Bonnie Magee AmH Amani Hassani BoT Bob Taylor AmM Amie MacDonald BrBo Bruce Bolin Delhi AnG Anne Goulden BrE Brandon Edwards AnK Anthony Kaduck BrHo Brett Hodnett AnM Angela Massey Dryden BrP Bruce Parker Toronto AnX Antonio Xeira BSa Barbara Saunders André-Philippe Drapeau BSh Bill Sherwood APDP Picard BSt Dr. Brian Starzomski APe Alicia Petz BTa Barbara Taylor Bracebridge ASa Alyssa Sandford BTh Bill Thompson Newmarket ASc Allan Scott BTu Brent Turcotte North Bay ASh Arnet Sheppard Ottawa BVe Bobby Venedam ASh Ayden Sherritt BVR Brenda Van Ryswyk Hamilton AsHa Ashley Harricharan BW Bev Wigney Osgoode AT Adam Timpf Walsingham BWal Ben Walters AuH Audrey Heagy St. Williams CaBe Cathryn Beggs AvD Avery Dextrase CaBo Carolyn Bonta BaC Barry Cottam Ottawa CAn C. Anderson BaC Basil Conlin CB Chris Boettger Algonquin PP BAM Blake A. Mann Wallaceburg CBig C. Biggin BaMa Barry Mason CBr Chris Bruce Ottawa
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE CCh Colin Chapman DGER D. Gordon E. Robertson CCr Colleen Craig Orillia DHa Dianne Hayman CDJ Colin D. Jones Lakefield DHE David H. Elder Atikokan CDo Carter Dorscht DIr Dave Ireland CDw Christopher Dwyer DKa David Kaposi Toronto CEl Claire Elliott DKe David Kelly CEm Chris Empey DKr Dan Kraus CGa Chris Gardner Ottawa DLe Diane Lepage Ottawa CH Christine Hanrahan Ottawa DLG David LeGros Algonquin PP ChB Cherylee Black Ottawa DMac Dan MacNeal ChCh Chris Cheatle DMcR Doug McRae Brighton ChDo Charles Dobie DMG David M. Gascoigne CHo Clare Holden DoL Donna Lewis ChZ Christopher Zayachkowski DPi David Pickett CiCr Cindy Crease DPT Doug Tate CJe Corey Jenkins DPu David Punzalan CJT Chevaun J. Toulouse DPy Donald Pye Wardsville CKC C.K. Clarke DRe Diane Relyea ClGr Carla Granger DRy Darryl Ryan CMu Colin Murray DSe David Seburn CoDu Courtney Dunn Peterborough DT Devin Turner Algonquin PP CoS Corrine Schoneville DTy Don Tyerman Presqu'ile PP CoW Colin Walton DW Dean Ware Wheatley CPr C. Pratt DWe David Westfall CPR Chris Robinson Glenburnie DWhi D. Whitton CR Chris Rickard Collingwood DWo D. Worthington CS Chris Schmidt Ottawa EAl Emina Alic CSc Caleb Scholtens EBr Elisa Brenier CWe Carl Wegenschimmel ElH Ellen Horak CYu Chris Yu Toronto EMC Elinor Mackenzie-Charles DaBo Dan Bone Fenelon Falls EP Ed Poropat Haliburton DAC Dan A. Cetinic ErG Eric Giles DaE David Edwards Bath ERi Ellen Riggins Dinorwic DaF Dan Felske Eagle River ErJ Erin Johnston DaFe Danny Fekete ESa Eleanor Sartisohn DaFi Dawne Fiegen FGi Fraser Gibson Kitchener DaLa Daniel LaFrance FIz Frank Izaguirre DAM David A. Martin Harrietsville FLo Fred Losi DaMc David McCorquodale GC Geoff Carpentier Ajax DaS Dan Scheiman GeC Georgia Carley DAS Don A. Sutherland Peterborough GeMa Genevieve Mackwood DaSh Dan Shuurman GeP Genevieve Poitras DBa Dennis Barry Oshawa GFo George Forsyth Dbarr D. Barrett GFox Gerald Fox DBl Dave Bland GGL Gabriel G. Lonuzzo DBr David Bree Carrying Place GiM Ginni Moore DBur Darlene Burgess Leamington GJo Gordon Johnstone Ottawa DD Don Davis Toronto GLe Gillian Leighton DeCo Derel Conelly GM Gillian Mastromatteo Ottawa DeN Deryl Nethercott GMc Glenn McLeod
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE GMi Greg Mitchell JHu Jane Hudecki GoLa Gordo Laidlaw JHum J. Hummel GoR Gordon Robertson JHus Jeremy Hussell GPr Gerard W. Prout JI Jean Iron Toronto GPra G. Pratt JIn Jeremy Inglis Pembroke GR Glenn Richardson Listowel JIr Janet Irwin GRi G. Riley Round Lake GrS Greg Stuart JJD Jason J. Dombroskie Centre GSh Greg Shchepanek JK James Kamstra Port Perry GSP Gaia St. Pierre Arnprior JKT J. K. Thierry GTr Gail Trenholme JL Jeff Larson Harrow GwG Gwyneth Govers JLH Jeremy L. Hatt GY Gary Yankech Toronto JMA Joelle Mayer-Austin HaR Hayler Reynolds JMB Jeremy M. Bensette HMA Hannah McCurdy-Adams JMCr Jason Michael Crockwell HPi Heather Pickard Ottawa JMe Jason Mews HTh Helen Thorpe Ottawa JoaB Joanne Brown Newmarket HuCu Hugh G. Currie Toronto JoAW Jo-Anne Woodbridge HWu Haokang Wu JoF John Foster Toronto IaR Iain Rayner JoFo Joshua Foley IBu Isaac Buckstein JoH John Hall Bath IKn Isa Knor JoHa John Hannah IL Isabel Letourneau Ottawa JoHa Jon Hayes IS Ian Shanahan Brighton JoM Jocelyn Monteith Charleston JaFo Janice Fountain JOP James Page Lake PP JaHo James Holdsworth Bracebridge JoRA Jody R. Allair Port Rowan JaK Jason J.D.King Tweed JoRa John Rankin JaLe Jason Lean JoRe Joanne Redwood JaPa James Paterson JoW Joyce Winfield Deep River JaRa Jaliya Rasaputra JP Justin Peters Algonquin PP JaSk Jack Skidd JPo John Poland Kingston JB Jerry Ball Peterborough JSca J. Scarlett JBar Joe Bartok Tweed JSk Jeff Skevington Ottawa JBK J. Burke Korol JSti J. Stirrat JBre John Brett JTe John Terpstra JCa John Carley Toronto JTF John T. Fowler Almonte JD Joanne Dewey Picton JTu Janet Tubb Toronto JDi Jennifer Dick JuLa Julia Laugalys JDR John D. Reynolds Toronto JuMo Judy Morsink JdW Jo de Wilton JuPo Julie Power JeAC Jessica A. Consiglio JUr John Urquhart JeCh Jennifer Candler JuRe Julie Reid Cambridge JeCo Jennifer Cornick JuSc Julie Scott JeG Jeremy Gatten JVW Josh Van Wieren JeH Jeff Hagan JW John P. Walas Thunder Bay JeKo Jeff Koenig JWi Jonathan Wilhelm JeQ Jenna Quinn JWL J.W. Lund JeSi Jenna Siu KaB Kathryn Boothby JFr J. Fraser KaH Kathryn Hoo JHi Jean Hilscher KAn Karen Anderson Presqu'ile PP
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE KaPa Kathy Parker LYo Luke Young KaR Karen Root MAa Monique Aarts KDT Karin Davidson-Taylor MaCl Mandi Clark KeE Ken Edwards MaCo Mairi Collin KeHo Kendra Hockey MaG Matt Garvin KeMo Ken Morrison Algonquin PP MaHo Mariah Howald KFe Kelsey Featherston MaK Margaret Kelch KFN Kingston Field Naturalists Kingston MaL Marlene Legge KiS Kim Stephens MAm Marke Ambard KJR Kory J. Renaud MaNe Mark Nenanov Windsor KKe Kevin Kerr MaP Martin Parker KKn Ken Knight MaPo Marta Południk KL Kim Layberry MaRo Maggie Roque KLa Karin Larson Harrow MaRo Martha Rogers KLl Kathryn Lloyd Aurora MaSa Mark Saunders KOs Kristen Osborne MaTa Marcia Talbot KrA Krista Adams MaTh Matt Thomson KRY Karen R. Yukich Toronto MaTo Matthew Tobey KSe Kevin Seymour MBr Mike Bryan Thunder Bay KSp Ken Sproule Toronto MBW M.B. Worthington KV Kelsey Verboom MCo Mark Conboy Kingston KVi Kristie Virgoe MCS M. & C. Seymour Kingston KZi Kim Zippel MCu Matthew Cunliffe KZr Kristof Zyskowski MCW Melanie CroftWhite LaMa Laura Maskell Burrits Rapids MDo Mark Dorriesfield LAt Lenore Atwood MDR Mark D. Read LBal Lise Balthazar Lanark MeL Megan Lean LBe Luke Berg Peterborough MGi Mike Gillespie LCl Lori Clancy MHa Marguerite Hamilton Sarnia LF Lev Frid Algonquin PP MhM Mhairi McFarlane LFi Louie Fiorino MiLa Michelle Lawrence LFo Laura Foy MiLe Mike Leveille Ottawa LiPa Lise Patterson MiWe Mike Weissman LiW Linda Wladarski Harrietsville MKa Madeleine Marshall Ottawa LJ Linda Jeays Ottawa MKr Mary Krieger LKa Lynda Kamstra MLa Max Larrivée Montreal LMa Len Manning MM2 Madeleine Marshall LMac Linda MacGregor MMAr Michelle Mills Archibald LMN Larry M. Novak Tiverton MMay Maggie May LMW Liv Monck-Whipp MNa Maliha Naseem LoBu Logan Burden MNC M. N. Crowley LRa Liz Ramshaw MoJ Morgan Jackson LSm Lynn Smith MOl Michael Olsen Ottawa LSw Laura Swystun Sault Ste. LuC Luke Connelly MOli Mark Olivier Marie LuF Lucas Foerster Algonquin PP MPo Marilyn Poirier LVi L. Villeneuve MPr Maria Prisciak LWa Leanne Wallis MSD Michael Dawber Devlin LWi Linda Witteveen MSe Marianne Setliff LyK Lynn Kabaroff MSm Margaret Smith Eagle River
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE MSte Martina Steiger RHe Rachel Hemsworth MTr Maddie Tregenza RiB Richard Baxter MVa Mallory Vanier RJak Reiner Jakubowski MVB Mike Burrell Heidelberg RJJ Russ J.L.Jones NaB Nancy Barrett RJY Bob Yukich Toronto NaR Nathaniel Russell RMa Reuven Martin Algonquin PP NDi Nicole Dickson RoN Robert Noble NDu Neil Dunning ROr Robert Ormston NGE Nick G. Escott Thunder Bay ROr Robert Ormston NGo Nick Godfrey Oakville RoSk Robert Skidd NHa Nathanael Harper RP Rayfield Pye Oshawa NLa Naomi Langlois RPa Robert Patton NMcP N. McPherson RPr Rick Proctor Lindsay NoS Nolie Schneider Ottawa RRo Rob Routledge Sault St. Marie NRu Nicole Rulff RT Ralph Thorpe Ottawa NWG Nicholas W. Godfrey Toronto RTo Rob Tonus OCl Owen Clarkin RuD Ruth Dickau OLu Owen Lucas RWa Riley Walsh ORe Oliver Reichl Larue Mills RWo Ross Wood PaT Paul Tavares Dundas RyH Ryan Hodnett PCar Paul Carter Sarnia SaC Sara Connelly PDe Patrick Deacon SaGr Sadie Gross PDSm Paul Smith Hamilton SAn Stuart Anderson PFu Peter Fuller SB Sue Bryan Thunder Bay PGe Paul Gelok SBeh Susan Beharriell PH Peter Hall Ottawa SBr Susan Brown Thornhill PiMa Pierette Martel SC Steve R. Charbonneau Blenheim PJE Peter J. Ewins ScC Scott Connop PM Paul Mackenzie Kingston SEad S. Eadie PMcD Patrick McDonald SeB Sean Blaney PPa Peter Pautler SeL Seabrooke Leckie PPP Presqu'ile PP Staff Presqu'ile PP SeLa Sebastien Lauzon PRe Paul Reeves SFe Sheila Felske Eagle River PSB Peter S. Burke London SFu Steven Furino PSm Pamela Smith SGi Sara Gillespie St. Catharines PSo Peter Soroye SGi Scott Gibson Kitchener PTa Patrick Taylor SHa Stephanie Haas PWa Paul Watterson ShG Shelby Gibson RaG Rachel Goldstein SHM Shuk Han (Nancy) Mak RAL Ross A. Layberry Kinburn ShS Shawna Scale RAll Ron Allensen Port Burwell SJe Sean Jenniskens RaMa Rachael Manto SLD ShaeLynne Dupuis RBo Robert Boardman Niagara on the RCa Rick Cavasin Ottawa SLH Stacey Lynn Holla Lake RCL Ruth C. Layberry Kinburn SMacK S. MacKenzie RD Robert Difruscia Sarnia SMD Sidney Daniels Willowdale RDi Ross D. Dickson Kitchener SmS Smera Sukumar RDo Ross Dobson Cornwall SoB Sonje Bols Algonquin PP RFi Roxanne Filion SPo Serguei Ponomarenko RHC Bob Curry Hamilton SRB Sam R.Brinker Peterborough
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE INITIALS OBSERVER RESIDENCE StB Stacey Brickman VaM Valentine Makhouleen StE Stephanie Eakins VCa Victoria L. Carley Toronto STP Stephen T. Pike Windsor VFa Vic Fazekas Red Bay StS Stewart Scott VIn Vanda Incretolli SuB Susan Blayney Fenelon Falls VJu Vanessa Junkin SuL Suzanne Lesage VSh Vicki Sherwood SZu Shirley Zundel WDB Wasyl D. Bakowsky Peterborough TAn Tara Andreacchi WDu Warren Dunlop TBe Thelma Beaubien Waterloo WF Walter Fisher Scarborough Thunder Bay Field WG William Gilmour Sandbanks PP TBFN Naturalists WGL Bill G. Lamond Hamilton TDo Theresa Dobko WGo Wayne Godbehere TDy Tim Dyson WHi Wendy Hicks TeAr Ted Armstrong Thunder Bay WIr William Irwin Cornwall TiM Tina Mass Milton WL William Layberry Kinburn Murphy's Point WQ Wendy Quirion TKi Tobi Kiesewalter PP WREB W.R. Edmonds-Bayliss Elliot Lake TLW T.L Wilson WTi Wendy Tippin TMa Tracey Mapes Tweed WvH Will van Hemessen TPr Tom Preney XW Xi Wang Hamilton TRS Rick Stronks Dwight YA Yousif Attia TTa Tanya Taylor YMe Yvonne Metcalfe TWh Terry Whittam YSc Yves Scholten TWo Titia Wolterbeek
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
Figure 1. TEA Counties, Districts and Regional Municipalities for the Purposes of TEA Publications (descriptions follow on Page 12). Mapping produced by Natural Resource Solutions Inc.
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Ontario Lepidoptera 2017______
Counties, Districts and Regional Municipalities of southern Ontario for the purposes of TEA publications. The 4- letter codes listed below are used in the table of all butterfly records submitted from the 2017 season.
1 ESSE Essex County 2 KENT Municipality of Chatham-Kent 3 ELGI Elgin County 4 NORF Norfolk County 5 HALD Haldimand County 6 NIAG Regional Municipality of Niagara 7 LAMB Lambton County 8 MIDD Middlesex County 9 OXFO Oxford County 10 BRAN Brant County 11 HAMI Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth 13 HURO Huron County 14 PERT Perth County 15 WATE Regional Municipality of Waterloo 16 WELL Wellington County 17 HALT Regional Municipality of Halton 18 PEEL Regional Municipality of Peel 19 YORK Regional Municipality of York 20 METR Metropolitan Toronto 21 DURH Regional Municipality of Durham 22 NORT Northumberland County 23 PRIN Prince Edward County 24 HAST Hastings County 25 LENN Lennox and Addington County 26 FRON Frontenac County 27 LEED United Counties of Leeds and Grenville 29 STOR United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry 32 BRUC Bruce County 33 GREY Grey County 34 DUFF Dufferin County 35 SIMC Simcoe County 36 VICT City of Kawartha Lakes 37 PETE Peterborough County 38 MUSK District Municipality of Muskoka 39 HALI Haliburton County 40 RENF Renfrew County 41 LANA Lanark County 42 OTTA Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton 43 PRES United Counties of Prescott and Russell 45 MANI Manitoulin District 46 PARR Parry Sound District 47 NIPI Nipissing District 48 ALGO Algoma District 49 SUDB Sudbury District (including City of Sudbury) 50 TIMI Timiskaming District 51 RAIN Rainy River District 52 THUN Thunder Bay District 53 COCH Cochrane District 54 KENO Kenora District
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ONTARIO BUTTERFLY COUNTS IN 2017 By James Kamstra
In total 31 butterfly counts took place across the province in 2017, extending from Atikokan in the northwest, Pelee Island in the deep south, to Manion Corners near Ottawa in the east. Most of the counts follow the protocols of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) where a one day count is conducted in a 15 mile (24 km) diameter circle. Eighteen of the counts were submitted to NABA for inclusion in the North American butterfly counts report. Two new counts were established: McGinnis Creek-Pinewood and Vallee-Emo, both in the Rainy River District.
The highest number of species (55) were reported from Petroglyphs and Clear Creek, followed by Long Point with 51. Rice Lake Plains, Skunk’s Misery and Sunderland all recorded 50 species. Haliburton counts had the highest abundance with 8,315 individuals, followed by Petroglyps with 3,401, Sunderland with 3,370, and Toronto Centre with 3,217. Long Point attracted the most participants: 27, while Petroglyphs had the most parties:13. Dates of the counts ranged from June 24 to August 2 with the majority taking place in the first three weeks of July.
Similar to 2016, several compilers again reported that butterfly numbers were lower than usual on their counts. The spring of 2017 arrived somewhat late but was also wetter and cooler than usual resulting in a later emergence of summer species for a second consecutive year. Monarch numbers improved significantly in 2017 with greatest abundance recorded in five years. In 2017, there were an average of 58.3 Monarchs per count compared to 10.0 in 2016 and 18.9 in 2015. The counts also recorded the highest numbers of both migratory Red Admiral and Painted Lady since 2012.
There was a cumulative total of 99 species on all counts which was the same as 2016 (compared to only 93 in 2015). Fifteen of those species were only recorded on a single count. A Purplish Copper was recorded at McGinnis Creek in northwest Ontario, a species that has never been previously recorded on an Ontario count. Other highlights include Pipevine Swallowtail at Rondeau, 23 Juniper Hairstreaks at Pelee Island, and an impressive 23 Mottled Duskywings on the Rice Lake Plains. Although the taxonomy of the azures has been changed recently, for the purpose of the butterfly counts they have been separated into two species: Northern Azure (Celastrina lucia) and Summer Azure (C. neglecta ).
Table 2 shows the full count names, compilers, and the latitude and longitude of the count centres, while Table 3 shows the butterfly species and numbers recorded on the various counts.
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Table 2. Ontario Butterfly Counts, Compilers and Locations
Count Name Code Region / County Date Compiler Latitude Longitude Algonquin Provincial Park Algon Nippissing 05-Jul Rick Stronks 45.5667° 78.4000° Atikokan Atiko Rainy River 05-Jun Michael Dawber 48.7250° 91.5991° Bala Bala Muskoka 24-Jun Allan Sinclair 45.0219° 79.6196° Cambridge RARE Reserve Camb Waterloo 15-Jul Jenna Quinn 43.3817° 80.3550° Carden Plain Card Kawartha Lakes 28-Jul Catie Cook 44.6333° 79.0500° Clear Creek Clear Chatham-Kent 30-Jul George Prieksaitis 42.5147° 81.7729° Fenelon Falls Fen F Kawartha Lakes 22-Jul Dan Bone 44.5770° 78.7167° Haliburton Highlands Hali Haliburton 08-Jul Ed Poropat 44.8787° 78.6811° Hamilton Hamil Hamilton-Wentworth 02-Jul Bill Lamond 43.3583° 80.1580° Hog Island Hog Is Renfrew 21-Jul Jean Brereton 45.8420° 76.9158° Alyssa Killar 08-Jul Killarney Prov. Park Manitoulin Deurwaarder 46.0139° 81.4046° Lake Dore Lk Dor Renfrew 30-Jun Jean Brereton 45.6400° 77.0800° La Vallee - Emo La Val Rainy River 24-Jul Michael Dawber 48.6205° 93.6720° Long Point Long P Norfolk 08-Jul Adam Timpf 42.6167° 80.3833° MacGregor Point Provincial Mac Pt 08-Jul Park Bruce Madeline Sanagan 44.4139° 81.4552° Manion Corners Man C Ottawa-Carleton 08-Jul Jeff Skevington 45.2565° 76.0653° McGinnis Creek - Pinewood McG Ck Rainy River 10-Jul Michael Dawber 48.8333° 94.4167° Oshawa Osh Durham 02-Jul James Kamstra 44.0180° 78.9258° Otter Valley Otter Elgin 09-Jul Joe Stephenson 42.6807° 80.7945° Pelee Island Pel Is Essex 02-Aug Bob Bowles 41.7660° 82.6830° Petroglyphs Petro Peterborough 15-Jul Jerry Ball 44.5881° 78.1566° Pinery Prov. Park Pinery Lambton 24-Jun Brenda Kulon 43.2307° 81.8921° Presquile Prov. Park Presq Northumberland 05-Jul David Bree 43.9944° 77.7105° Rice Lake Rice Northumberland 24-Jun Val Deziel 44.1195° 78.0053° Rondeau Prov. Park Rond Chatham-Kent 09-Jul Laura Penner 42.3015° 81.9284° Science North Sudbury Sci N Greater Sudbury 28-Jul Jacquie Bertrand 46.4709° 80.9964° Skunks Misery Skunk Middlesex 02-Jul George Prieksaitis 42.7151° 81.7927° Sunderland Sund Durham/York 02-Jul James Kamstra 44.2567° 79.1836° Toronto Centre TorC Toronto 08-Jul John Carley 43.6563° 79.4524° Toronto East TorE Toronto/York/Durham 01-Jul Carolyn King 43.7830° 79.2500° Windsor Wind Essex 01-Jul Tom Preney 42.2368° 82.9638°
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Table 3. 2017 Ontario Butterfly Count Species and Number of Individuals
SPECIES
Hali
Osh
Bala
Card
Atiko Clear Killar
Fen Fen F
Hamil
Camb
Algon
La Val La
Man Man C
Hog IsHog
Lk Dor Lk
Mac PtMac
Long P Long
McG Ck McG
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun Jun
------
- -
Date of Count -
05 15 28 30 22 08 02 21 08 24 01 08 08 10 02
05 24 30
Pipevine Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail 3 456 13 3 1 3 1 1 2
Giant Swallowtail 40 2 1
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 5 1 43 16 14 30 60 5 11
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail 17 96 26 30 1 1 1 3
Spicebush Swallowtail 53 53
Mustard White 62 14 3 4 2 3 11
Cabbage White 9 1 121 49 849 102 36 434 7 3 3 1 1428 587 27 1 120
Clouded Sulphur 50 53 80 42 2 2 4 3 10 80 6 2 1 3
Orange Sulphur 3 110 2 4 7 3 1 1 1
Pink-edged Sulphur 67 53 1 6
Little Yellow
Harvester
American Copper 2 1 1 7 2
Bronze Copper 3 2 2 7 1 5 1
Bog Copper 30 15
Dorcas Copper 1 2
Purplish Copper 1
Coral Hairstreak 2 1 2 1 2 1 1
Acadian Hairstreak 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 1
Edwards' Hairstreak 17
Banded Hairstreak 4 2 1 1 8
Hickory Hairstreak 1 1 1
Striped Hairstreak
Brown Elfin 8
Eastern Pine Elfin 6
Western Pine Elfin 1
Gray Hairstreak
Juniper Hairstreak
Eastern Tailed Blue 20 22 134 16 12 10 46 19 1 3
Northern Azure
Summer Azure 18 82 499 10 4 8 8 1 53 12 5 6
Silvery Blue 2 6
American Snout 6
Great Sprangled Fritillary 2 4 26 10 6 7 12 2 1 32 13 8 14
Aphrodite Fritillary 6 1 1 3 5
Atlantis Fritillary 13 2 12 55
Silver-bordered Fritillary 5 1 8 9 1
Meadow Fritillary 7 9 3 46 1 17
Harris' Checkerspot 3 9 1 2
Silvery Checkerspot 1 1 1 14
15
SPECIES
Pine Rice
Otter
Wind
Sci N Sund
Petro Rond E Tor
Pel IsPel Tor C
Presq
Skunk
Max
# # Cts
TOTAL
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun
Aug
------
- -
Date of Count -
09 15 05 09 28 02 09 08 01 01
24 24 02 Pipevine Swallowtail 3 3 3 1
Black Swallowtail 15 45 4 1 4 10 20 1 3 3 589 456 19
Giant Swallowtail 61 4 4 112 61 6
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 20 40 14 18 10 52 48 78 5 6 7 483 78 20
Canadian Tiger 81 4 8 268 96 11 Swallowtail Spicebush Swallowtail 10 1 8 4 1 130 53 7
Mustard White 10 10 1 39 159 62 11
Cabbage White 299 2245 137 122 119 14 566 27 560 600 1553 165 227 10412 2245 30 Clouded Sulphur 46 167 2 10 6 56 2 45 10 27 1 5 715 167 26
Orange Sulphur 23 234 5 1 2 33 1 21 1 18 3 54 528 234 21
Pink-edged Sulphur 4 131 67 5
Little Yellow 2 2 2 1
Harvester 1 1 1 1
American Copper 16 2 3 34 16 8
Bronze Copper 4 2 26 53 26 10
Bog Copper 1 46 30 3
Dorcas Copper 3 2 2
Purplish Copper 1 1 1
Coral Hairstreak 1 12 2 6 4 35 12 12
Acadian Hairstreak 10 22 2 2 5 1 7 61 22 15
Edwards' Hairstreak 10 11 38 17 3
Banded Hairstreak 1 20 12 2 14 4 32 101 32 12
Hickory Hairstreak 1 1 1 2 8 2 7
Striped Hairstreak 2 1 3 2 2
Brown Elfin 8 8 1
Eastern Pine Elfin 6 6 1
Western Pine Elfin 1 1 1
Gray Hairstreak 1 1 2 1 2
Juniper Hairstreak 12 12 12 1
Eastern Tailed Blue 18 18 34 1 1 14 14 45 172 3 23 626 172 21
Northern Azure 2 2 2 1
Summer Azure 18 353 49 12 7 12 96 48 20 32 4 21 1378 499 24
Silvery Blue 1 22 2 4 37 22 6
American Snout 19 2 2 3 32 19 5
Great Sprangled Fritillary 55 17 8 7 1 8 98 83 5 4 423 98 23
Aphrodite Fritillary 41 57 41 6
Atlantis Fritillary 1 83 55 5
Silver-bordered Fritillary 6 3 33 9 7
Meadow Fritillary 3 17 103 46 8
Harris' Checkerspot 8 23 9 5
Silvery Checkerspot 81 1 5 15 119 81 8
16
SPECIES
Hali
Osh
Bala
Card
Atiko Clear Killar
Fen Fen F
Hamil
Camb
Algon
La Val La
Man Man C
Hog IsHog
Lk Dor Lk
Mac PtMac
Long P Long
McG Ck McG
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun Jun
------
- -
Date of Count -
05 15 28 30 22 08 02 21 08 24 01 08 08 10 02
05 24 30
Pearl Crescent 10 1 21 32 4 12 23 1 1 9
Northern Crescent 1 9 16 49 28 77 204 82 1 2 21 443 281 11 36 349
Tawny Crescent
Baltimore Checkerspot 51 5 5 5 2 5 8 10
Question Mark 1 6 1 2 4 3 5 1 5 2 8
Eastern Comma 3 2 10 11 9 1 24 1 1 60 4 1 1 4
Green Comma 2 2
Gray Comma 2 3 5 1 2 3 2 1 1 2 1
Compton Tortoiseshell 20 2 5 10 2
Mourning Cloak 2 4 7 1 7 3 1 4 4 1
Milbert's Tortoiseshell 1 1 2 9
American Lady 3 1 1 2 6 2 9 1 2 1 7 4 3 15
Painted Lady 23 5 3 28 2 6 5 29 2 2 1 3 1 9 2
Red Admiral 18 17 8 12 47 4 15 73 2 149 46 11 2 59
Common Buckeye 2 20 1 1
Red-spotted Purple 2 29 4 4 2 2
White Admiral 31 30 19 1 42 5 14 1 10 42 5 12 45
Viceroy 2 3 20 4 1 1 21 19 3 2 8
Hackberry Emperor
Tawny Emperor 3 3
Northern Pearly-eye 3 7 14 2 49 58 3 2 1 1 2 14 43 23 3 19
Eyed Brown 2 79 2 61 210 15 2 3 15 11 26 5 61
Appalachian Brown 2 1 2 13 8 6 22
Little Wood-satyr 5 33 29 4 41 2 11 106 2 5 60 21 7 1 109
Common Ringlet 1 1 1 19 2 17 41 5 1 6 7 1 69
Common Wood-nymph 151 124 20 60 13 70 89 23 17 4 1
Monarch 32 22 19 11 369 60 238 8 14 26 7 32 96 14 3 92
Silver-spotted Skipper 4 124 3 6 1 75 2 54
Southern Cloudywing 3
Northern Cloudywing 2 1 2 3 10 1 5
Dreamy Duskywing 7 1
Juvenal's Duskywing 1 1
Mottled Duskywing
Columbine Duskywing 20 1 15
Wild Indigo Duskywing 2 2
Common Checkered Skipper 3
Common Sootywing 28
Arctic Skipper 1 2 1
Least Skipper 5 1 6 7 17 23 11 1 1 1 21 4 13 34
European Skipper 134 6 38 297 2 372 7140 333 10 593 171 45 79 732 315 350 335
Indian Skipper 3 15 1 8 3 1
Fiery Skipper
17
SPECIES
Pine Rice
Otter
Wind
Sci N Sund
Petro Rond E Tor
Pel IsPel Tor C
Presq
Skunk
Max
# # Cts
TOTAL
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun
Aug
------
- -
Date of Count -
09 15 05 09 28 02 09 08 01 01
24 24 02 Pearl Crescent 2 19 16 20 22 5 28 38 10 5 279 38 20 Northern Crescent 252 180 17 73 78 34 24 520 7 72 12 2879 520 27 Tawny Crescent 1 2 1 4 2 3 Baltimore Checkerspot 1 3 9 84 31 1 15 235 84 15 Question Mark 3 8 4 3 8 5 21 9 19 6 2 126 21 22 Eastern Comma 6 12 31 4 1 7 3 49 12 12 1 3 273 60 26 Green Comma 4 2 2 Gray Comma 1 3 9 6 9 51 9 16 Compton Tortoiseshell 30 1 70 30 7 Mourning Cloak 1 16 2 5 5 9 4 4 1 6 87 16 20 Milbert's Tortoiseshell 16 2 31 16 6 American Lady 6 1 23 7 2 4 4 1 9 17 5 1 137 23 26 Painted Lady 11 2 12 8 12 2 1 7 1 177 29 24 Red Admiral 34 11 20 34 28 57 74 73 45 78 42 8 967 149 26 Common Buckeye 1 9 1 4 3 1 43 20 10 Red-spotted Purple 1 78 70 5 3 1 201 78 12 White Admiral 36 19 100 2 34 1 10 1 460 100 21 Viceroy 9 32 7 1 2 14 7 9 18 5 188 32 21 Hackberry Emperor 6 2 3 1 12 6 4 Tawny Emperor 37 22 65 37 4 Northern Pearly-eye 1 38 1 3 27 2 5 83 1 8 14 427 83 27 Eyed Brown 3 95 6 1 160 4 761 210 19 Appalachian Brown 1 1 18 14 2 90 22 12 Little Wood-satyr 17 5 18 24 282 34 1 259 44 49 64 80 1313 282 27 Common Ringlet 1 1 4 9 416 1 33 43 679 416 21 Common Wood-nymph 23 6 5 1 7 2 29 2 146 24 11 44 872 151 23 Monarch 31 122 65 6 50 66 102 9 76 69 86 53 2 1780 369 29 Silver-spotted Skipper 49 50 8 1 39 72 43 19 31 13 69 663 124 19 Southern Cloudywing 3 3 1 Northern Cloudywing 4 2 18 31 28 14 121 31 13 Dreamy Duskywing 5 1 14 7 4 Juvenal's Duskywing 1 5 8 5 4 Mottled Duskywing 23 23 23 1 Columbine Duskywing 4 40 20 4 Wild Indigo Duskywing 1 1 1 7 2 5 Common Checkered 6 9 6 2 Skipper Common Sootywing 19 47 28 2 Arctic Skipper 5 9 5 4 Least Skipper 3 49 42 7 8 54 4 7 78 12 2 11 422 78 26 European Skipper 18 1447 188 1342 72 66 3 370 637 287 84 77 15543 7140 29 Indian Skipper 31 15 6 Fiery Skipper 2 2 2 1
18
SPECIES
Hali
Osh
Bala
Card
Atiko Clear Killar
Fen Fen F
Hamil
Camb
Algon
La Val La
Man Man C
Hog IsHog
Lk Dor Lk
Mac PtMac
Long P Long
McG Ck McG
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun Jun
------
- -
Date of Count -
05 15 28 30 22 08 02 21 08 24 01 08 08 10 02
05 24 30 Peck's Skipper 3 11 2 3 12 32 5 14 1 1 14 2 9
Tawny-edged Skipper 1 6 2 8 4 8 3 3 5 1 1 3 12
Crossline Skipper 1 1 3 1 7 2 1 2 3 3
Long Dash 26 22 1 5 1 75 2 1 10 2 25 5 42
Northern Broken-dash 2 4 5 9 5 3 1 1
Little Glassywing 1 3 4 3 1 2 1
Delaware Skipper 10 3 8 13 4 14 2 4
Mulberry Wing 6 1 10 1
Hobomok Skipper 11 5 7 2 16 1 7 6 1 2 1 35
Broad-winged Skipper 1 6 3 1 1
Dion Skipper 1 2 1 1
Duke's Skipper
Black Dash 2
Two-spotted Skipper 6 7
Dun Skipper 1 12 19 42 91 35 12 4 14 15 7 12 3
Dusted Skipper
Common Roadside- 2 1 skipper UNIDENTIFIED
Papilio species 17 19
Pieris species 36 6 6
Colias species 3
Satyrium species 1
Callophrys species 5
Blue species 3 2 3
Speyeria species 1 19 2 2 12
Boloria species 3
Phyciodes species 9 11 1 1 14
Polygonia species 1 3 5 2 1
Vanessa species 2 1 2
Emperor species
Lethe species 2 1
Erynnis species 2
Skipper species 7 2 23 5 1 1
Total Species 31 16 19 32 48 55 44 44 47 25 22 23 22 51 38 43 33 44 Total Invididuals 467 172 213 556 1240 3102 1277 8315 1343 181 721 370 141 2845 2086 661 541 1603 Ontario High Counts 2 7 1 2 2 8 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 4 1 1 3 0 NABA Count No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No No Yes Observers 19 2 9 5 25 17 16 17 13 4 18 2 2 27 24 26 2 11 Parties 5 1 1 3 5 8 9 11 8 2 3 1 1 10 7 4 1 7 Hours 47 5.5 6.5 7 26.5 48 40.5 59.5 35.3 12 24 7 7.5 65.5 42 26 6.5 45 Km on foot 59 6 4 11 23 77 24 53 11 15 7.5 6.5 63 38.5 34 7 55.5
19
SPECIES
Pine Rice
Otter
Wind
Sci N Sund
Petro Rond E Tor
Pel IsPel Tor C
Presq
Skunk
Max
# # Cts
TOTAL
Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun
Aug
------
- -
Date of Count -
09 15 05 09 28 02 09 08 01 01
24 24 02 Peck's Skipper 19 2 2 8 4 73 5 3 225 73 21
Tawny-edged Skipper 1 7 2 4 1 1 50 7 7 2 139 50 23
Crossline Skipper 2 2 2 1 2 17 1 1 3 55 17 19
Long Dash 15 2 3 57 86 1 7 5 393 86 21
Northern Broken-dash 31 2 9 29 1 10 32 9 1 21 175 32 18
Little Glassywing 7 5 14 4 8 53 106 53 13
Delaware Skipper 1 44 2 13 17 38 9 1 9 192 44 17
Mulberry Wing 66 2 1 2 89 66 8
Hobomok Skipper 3 5 3 4 125 1 25 3 48 311 125 21
Broad-winged Skipper 156 5 173 156 7
Dion Skipper 9 1 1 1 17 9 8
Duke's Skipper 1 1 1 1
Black Dash 2 2 1
Two-spotted Skipper 3 1 17 7 4
Dun Skipper 26 9 573 1 1 7 98 21 4 9 1016 573 23
Dusted Skipper 3 3 3 1
Common Roadside-skipper 1 4 2 3
UNIDENTIFIED
Papilio species 4 43 14 1 98
Pieris species 1 49
Colias species 2 5
Satyrium species 1 2
Callophrys species 5
Blue species 1 2 4 3 18
Speyeria species 1 1 38
Boloria species 3
Phyciodes species 1 2 1 3 43
Polygonia species 13 1 2 7 35
Vanessa species 1 1 1 8
Emperor species 10 10
Lethe species 3 6
Erynnis species 3 5
Skipper species 1 2 8 1 18 69
Total Species 42 31 55 37 31 50 38 19 50 50 40 35 45 99 55 31 Total Invididuals 1084 3678 3401 694 1758 1724 1408 75 2130 3370 2562 706 902 48859 8315
Ontario High Counts 1 11 12 4 0 7 1 0 2 15 2 0 4 93 15
NABA Count No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes 18
Observers 10 8 17 16 16 43 20 4 33 25 21 8 12 453 43
Parties 5 4 13 4 5 6 7 2 10 11 9 4 4 166 13
Hours 18 40.5 41 30 15 36.6 45 7 55 83 46.5 15 895.9 83
Km on foot 16 29.3 52 38 17 57.5 35 8 48 86.5 66 18 907.25 86.5
(highest species counts are shown in bold and underlined)
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WHAT OBSERVERS CAN DO ABOUT DUPLICATE RECORDS
Rick Cavasin
A troublesome problem for the Ontario Butterfly Atlas is the proliferation of duplicate observation records. If a single observation is made, and it results in more than one record in the Atlas database, these records are considered duplicates. Duplicate records have always been a problem for the Atlas, but they occurred less frequently in the past when there were fewer ways to report observations. Today, observers can report observations via several online reporting platforms (eg. eButterfly, iNaturalist, BAMONA), and they can report them in bulk by sending a list of observations to the Atlas compiler (Ross Layberry) via email. Creating multiple Atlas records for a single observation skews statistics and creates confusion for Atlas users.
There are a number of scenarios that can result in duplicate records. Let’s consider a few hypothetical examples, and assume that no effort is made to remove the resulting duplicates.
Scenario 1 Tom, Dick, Harriette, and Jane go to Point Pelee National Park on June 7 and while walking down the West Beach trail, they make a brief detour to the Sparrow field and while there, they see a Zebra Swallowtail. They all go their separate ways and they report their observations separately, and these observations eventually find their way into the Atlas. Atlas users will see that there are 4 separate observations of a Zebra Swallowtail at PPNP on June 7. Let’s say one member of the party gives the location as “PPNP - West Beach Trail”, while another uses “PPNP - Sparrow Field”, and another uses “PPNP - 0.4km N of tip”, etc.
In this scenario, it won’t be obvious that these 4 observers were together when they all saw that one Zebra Swallowtail. It might look as though there was a swarm of Zebra Swallowtails flying through the park and they were being spotted in multiple locations. Suppose that on the same day, Fred reported two Zebra Swallowtails at Long Point. Anyone comparing counts for the species would conclude that on June 7, Zebra Swallowtails were twice as numerous at Point Pelee as they were at Long Point, when in fact it was the opposite.
Scenario 2 Let us imagine that a week later, one of these Zebra Swallowtails finds its way to High Park in Toronto where it is observed by Freida. This is a lifer for Freida, and she’s excited about having just discovered iNaturalist, so she posts her observation there. She isn’t quite sure about whether the Atlas gets observation records from iNaturalist, and she wants this important observation to get into the Atlas, so she submits her observation via eButterfly as well. To make double sure, she also sends an email to the Atlas compiler. All these reports eventually go into the Atlas.
In this scenario, if an Atlas user looks at the records for this species they will see 3 separate Zebra Swallowtail reports for June 14 at High Park, when in fact only one Zebra Swallowtail was observed. It is only when the records are examined in detail that the Atlas user will notice that Freida is the observer in each case. Perhaps Freida saw three butterflies in different parts of
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the park, and chose to report each one individually (some observers report their observations this way). The fact that 3 different reporting methods were used might lead one to suspect that they are duplicates. If Freida really did see 3 different butterflies that day, why would she report each observation using a different method? It is only the knowledge that observers frequently report the same observation multiple times using different reporting methods that allows us to surmise that these are actually duplicate records. Obviously, it would be less confusing if there was only a single record for this observation in the Atlas database.
These are just a couple of simple examples illustrating how a single observation can turn into multiple records in the Atlas database. Observers have managed to come up with many other scenarios over the years. As illustrated, these duplicates can be misinterpreted by Atlas users. In the real world, these duplicate records usually involve more common species, but it is still a problem for anyone who is interested in using the data.
As with most problems, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. How can an observer avoid creating duplicate records in the Atlas database? It may seem obvious, but the single best way is for them to report their observation only once, using the reporting method of their choice.
In the first scenario, the traditional approach is for the group to choose one member to report the day’s observation(s), and for that person to mention the other 3 party members in their report (either under observer, or in the comments, depending on the reporting method used). With online reporting platforms like iNaturalist and eButterfly, everyone wants to report the Zebra Swallowtail, so that the observation will count towards their life list, etc. eButterfly has a way to handle this. One member of the party makes up the observation checklist for the survey, and “shares” it with the other party members. When another member of the party “accepts” the shared checklist, eButterfly creates a copy of the checklist under their name, and it looks as though they had reported it themself (and all observations count towards their various lists). From the Atlas perspective, this creates duplicate records, but the records will all have matching locations, coordinates, etc. This makes weeding them out less of a guessing game. If the person who submits the initial checklist mentions all four members in the remarks, it removes any remaining ambiguity. In our sample scenario, if the person entering the checklist adds a remark like ”Tom, Dick, Harriette, and Jane made these observations together”, it will save a lot of time for the Atlas compiler. The compiler still has to do a bit of work to consolidate these records, but it is manageable if no detailed investigation is required.
For the second scenario, it is easier for the observer to simply report the observation once. Currently, the Ontario Butterfly Atlas gets observation data from iNaturalist, eButterfly, BAMONA, and from reports sent directly to the TEA. We suggest that the observer choose their favourite reporting method, and stick with it. That said, there are a number of scenarios where a user might want to use more than one reporting method. One common scenario features an observer who has been using one method for years, and has decided to switch to a new one. They may want to have all their observations (old and new) together on the new platform to make managing them simpler, and to take advantage of attractive new features on that platform. This is both understandable and reasonable. As such, they re-enter all their old records on their newly adopted reporting platform. We are seeing this frequently with people who have switched to using iNaturalist, and are re-entering all their old observations, even though these old
22
observations were reported long ago using some other method. When the Atlas is updated with the most recent additions to iNaturalist, these “old” records get added to the Atlas, creating duplicate records.
In cases like this, one might expect that the task of weeding out duplicates is fairly simple since all the records should be identical. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Observers have a knack for changing the way they describe their observations when they switch between reporting methods. Part of the problem is that each reporting method handles the entry of the location/coordinates in a different way. Unless the observer makes a deliberate effort to ensure that the coordinates are exactly the same across all methods used, they often end up being different (this will be discussed in more detail later in this article).
There are some simple measures the observer can take to make removal of the duplicate records easier:
● use a consistent, meaningful location name for an observation across all reporting methods. In particular, when re-entering old records, try to use the same location name that was used in the past. ● use the same coordinates when reporting an observation using different methods ● where possible, cross reference reports for the same observation. For example, iNaturalist has a “Associated Observation” field where the observer can insert information about, or a link to, a previous report of the same observation.
Software Solutions There will be some who will suggest that the removal of duplicate records from the Atlas database would be easily accomplished using software. The complexities of the problem are outlined below.
In theory, duplicate records should have the same date, species, and location. As illustrated in the two scenarios described previously, the observer for each record may or may not be the same. It is the location that is problematic. In the Atlas database, locations are represented by a set of lat/long coordinates and a text name or “location descriptor”. The Atlas uses the lat/long coordinates to map observations, but these coordinates are not normally displayed on the website. On maps, Atlas users can only see where observations were made at the level of 10km squares, counties, etc. This is a longstanding policy that was adopted for a number of reasons. Given this policy, the Atlas needs some way to identify locations to users when a list of records is displayed. The location descriptor is used for this purpose. These location descriptors allow Atlas users to narrow down where individual observations were made within an Atlas square. Even if the Atlas did show the coordinates, they wouldn’t be very informative when viewing a list of observations. Some kind of location name/descriptor would still be required in this context. More specific location descriptors give Atlas users a better idea of precisely where the associated observations were made. In summary, an Atlas record should have both accurate lat/long coordinates, as well as a meaningful location descriptor.
Depending on how observations are reported, one of these two pieces of information can be either missing or unreliable:
23
● some reporting platforms do not require the observer to enter a text descriptor for the location - the observer is only required to provide lat/long coordinates. For reports with missing or vague location descriptors, the Atlas compiler looks up the coordinates on a map and assigns a more meaningful location descriptor. If the same observation is reported by the observer using a different method where they provide their own location descriptor, it is unlikely to match the one assigned by the compiler to the original report. ● when reporting observations informally ( eg. via email ) observers sometimes provide just a location name, and the compiler is forced to assign lat/long coordinates by finding the location on a map. If the observer also reports the same observation using another method where they do provide coordinates, the coordinates in the resulting records are unlikely to match exactly. ● when entering coordinates by clicking on a map in one of the online reporting platforms, some observers may be haphazard in where they place their locations. A location name can help as a sanity check against the resulting coordinates. Even if the user is careful about where they click on a map, if they are using multiple reporting platforms, they are unlikely to click on exactly the same location on different platforms. Similarly, if two members of an observation party individually report the same observation, it is unlikely that they will click on precisely the same spot on the map. The result will be records with coordinates that don’t match exactly.
In an ideal world, observers would provide both the coordinates and the location descriptors in a consistent manner. Unfortunately, when an observer (or group of observers) reports the same observation more than once (either using the same or different platforms), the location names and coordinates in the resulting records often do not match precisely.
Since the bulk of duplicate records do not have locations and coordinates that match precisely, it isn’t possible to write software that will scan the Atlas database and identify all the duplicate records. Using such a method, the best we can hope for is that we will find a small percentage of the duplicates. Even if it was feasible to implement some form of fuzzy logic that could detect similar location names, duplicate records sometimes have radically different location names. A software algorithm that is scanning for duplicate records would also have to avoid generating false positives. For example, some observers report observations individually. They report distinct observations that have the same location descriptor and similar coordinates. Sometimes, different observers, travelling separately, go to the same location on the same day and see the same species. Sometimes, the same observer will visit the same location at different times during the same day, and will see at least some of the same species. Currently, the Atlas treats these types of reports as discrete observations. Therefore, any algorithm we devise to detect duplicate records would have to distinguish these legitimately similar records from the true duplicates.
Until some computer wizard steps up to offer an intelligent algorithm that can unravel this Gordian knot, we will have to continue to remove duplicates using more primitive methods.
Currently, identifying duplicates requires scanning the Atlas database to identify observations that are “suspiciously similar”. These candidate duplicates are then investigated to determine if they are true duplicates or legitimate observations that just happen to look similar. Sometimes, we have to resort to contacting observers for confirmation. We are now using a script that groups
24
similar records, but it still requires that a human go over them individually to determine whether or not they are true duplicates.
Needless to say, as the number of observations submitted each year increases, and as the duplicates proliferate, the task of weeding out these duplicates consumes more and more of the time and energy that the compiler could be devoting to other tasks. Over 30,000 records were submitted for the 2017 season, and we’ve estimated that over 1000 duplicate records have been found so far.
Observers can reduce this workload by reporting their observations only once. Groups should try to share checklists when using eButterfly, and cite all group members in their remarks/comments. If, for some reason, an observer really needs to report their observations on multiple platforms, they should try to mitigate the impact by following the mitigation strategies outlined previously. Chiefly, they should try to enter consistent, meaningful location names and the same coordinates for their observations.
AN UPDATE ON TIGER SWALLOWTAILS IN ONTARIO
Xi Wang [email protected]
Tiger swallowtail is a collective term used to describe several North American butterfly species featuring a yellow ground colour with distinctive black stripes. Two tiger swallowtail species occur in Ontario. The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio canadensis (Rothschild & Jordan 1906), is found in northern and eastern Ontario while the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus (Linnaeus 1758), is found in southern Ontario. These two species are very similar in outward appearance and historically, P. canadensis was thought to be a subspecies of P. glaucus. Prior to the utilization of molecular and genetic tools in taxonomy, species were defined primarily by observables such as wing pattern, flight times, host plant usage, etc. It is not difficult to see how these two very similar tiger swallowtail species could be classified as one. With advancements in technology and a better understanding of their life histories, it eventually became apparent that although these taxa look similar, they demonstrate consistent and significant differences, prompting the elevation of P. canadensis to full species status in 1991 (3).
For example, although both P. canadensis and P. glaucus can use black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart 1784) and white ash (Fraxinus americana Linnaeus 1753) as larval host plants, P. canadensis strongly prefers quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux 1803) throughout its range while P. glaucus larvae essentially cannot survive on this host. Conversely, P. glaucus strongly prefers tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera Linnaeus 1753) and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata Linnaeus 1753) as hosts, but essentially, these cannot be used by P. canadensis. When presented with 3-way choice tests in the laboratory using tulip tree, black cherry and quaking aspen, P. glaucus shows a strong preference for ovipositing on tulip tree and P. canadensis strongly
25
favours ovipositing on quaking aspen (9). Subtle wing pattern and shape differences are also seen between these two species which are discussed in more detail below.
In terms of overwintering, P. canadensis exhibits obligate diapause, meaning that there is one generation per year and larvae will enter diapause regardless of environmental conditions. However, P. glaucus exhibits facultative diapause, meaning that environmental conditions during the later stages of larval development (4th and 5th instars) dictate whether the resultant pupa will enter diapause (7). If late instar larvae of P. glaucus experience relatively long daylight length, the resultant pupae will develop directly into adult butterflies that emerge later that season. As daylight length decreases, a higher proportion of larvae will produce pupae which diapause and emerge as adults the following year. Somewhat surprisingly, temperature does not play a significant role in diapause determination (7).
With P. canadensis now recognized as a species in its own right, an interesting question arises: how do P. canadensis and P. glaucus interact where their ranges meet in southern Ontario and New England? For most biologically distinct species, no interbreeding occurs due to a variety of isolating mechanisms. However, these taxa are very closely related and hybridization can and does occur. This hybrid zone between P. canadensis and P. glaucus varies in width and shape depending on altitude, latitude and local microclimates, but has historically ranged from 41 to 44°N. In southern Ontario, this maps approximately to the Carolinian zone with the northern limit of P. glaucus occurring probably around the Greater Toronto Area. Over the last 3 decades, climate change and milder winter conditions have caused this hybridization band to move north by approximately 40 km, and simulation models show that a northward shift of 55-144 km can be expected per 1°C of warming (6).
Within this hybrid zone, there is a complex set of incompletely understood interactions including, but not limited to, climate, genotypic variation, mating preferences, host plant selection, and diapause characteristics. It is beyond the scope of this introductory article to detail our current understanding of these factors, but for the interested reader, a list of important references has been provided. For the typical amateur butterfly enthusiast, the most relevant and immediate consideration is how to differentiate P. glaucus, P. canadensis, and their hybrids in the field, based on factors such as location, flight times, wing pattern, and larval traits.
While subtle, there are a number of wing pattern differences between P. canadensis and P. glaucus. In Figure 1 (see back cover), the specimen on the left is a male P. canadensis, obtained from an egg found on quaking aspen in Montebello, QC on June 18 (and subsequently raised on quaking aspen). The specimen on the right is a male P. glaucus captured in Hamilton, ON on June 16. The middle specimen is a male hybrid raised from an egg found on black cherry on July 17 in Kingston, ON. Notice the larger size, more pronounced scalloping of the hindwing margins, and deeper yellow colour when P. glaucus is compared with P. canadensis.
Many of the diagnostic differences between these taxa are actually better seen on the underside. In Figure 2 (see back cover), the sizes of the specimens are not to scale in relation to each other. Proceeding from left to right, the first specimen is a female P. canadensis, captured just west of Edmonton, AB on June 15. The second specimen is a female P. canadensis from a 3rd instar larva found on chokecherry (Prunus virginiana Linnaeus 1753) on July 11 just north of
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Kingston, ON. The third specimen is a hybrid female P. canadensis from an egg found on black cherry on July 17 in Kingston, ON. The last specimen is a female P. glaucus captured in Hamilton, ON on August 1.
Several features are noteworthy, as outlined by boxes 1-3. Box 1 shows a row of submarginal yellow spots on the front wing underside, which form a solid contiguous band in P. canadensis but are discrete lunules in P. glaucus. Box 2 shows the blue/black band on the hindwing underside, which is straight (or nearly so) in P. canadensis but scalloped in P. glaucus. Finally, box 3 shows the black band along the anal margin of the hindwing underside, which is much broader in P. canadensis than P. glaucus. Relative to the width of the entire cell containing the band, it is approximately 10-40% wide in P. glaucus and 55-90% wide in P. canadensis (12). Overall, the width of this black band is greater in females than males, but the relative difference between species persists (3). All these traits demonstrate variable intermediacy in hybrid specimens. Additionally, the interpretation of these findings should be tempered by the fact that spring brood P. glaucus specimens from the northern limit of its range can demonstrate P. canadensis-like traits (8), which is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
In the extreme southern tip of Ontario, one may rarely encounter a melanic form of P. glaucus which has a black ground colour with blue suffusion on the upper surface of the hindwings. This form is only seen in P. glaucus females, which are thought to mimic the distasteful Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor Linnaeus 1771), another rare species occasionally seen in southern Ontario. Other than sporadic aberrations, melanic females are not known from P. canadensis. Intermediate individuals can be seen in the hybrid population (10).
Early instar larvae of these taxa are also different. In Figure 3 (see back cover), the larva on the left is P. canadensis from Edmonton, AB on quaking aspen. The larva on the right is P. glaucus from Hamilton, ON on tulip tree. The middle larva is a hybrid from Kingston, ON on chokecherry. All these larvae are in their 1st instar. Notice that the P. glaucus larva has a white saddle on its dorsal mid section while the P. canadensis larva has this saddle as well as anterior and posterior white bands. Hybrid larvae demonstrate reduced anterior and/or posterior white bands, such as the one depicted in the middle photograph.
The known ranges of Ontario tiger swallowtail species may also assist in their identification. South of a line from Hamilton to the southern edge of the Bruce Peninsula, pure P. canadensis is unlikely to be encountered, and any tiger swallowtail seen will be P. glaucus or P. glaucus with some genetic influx from P. canadensis. North of this line to the Greater Toronto Area, anything ranging from pure P. canadensis to pure P. glaucus may be seen, and it may sometimes simply be impossible to assign a definite identity to a specimen, especially if it is not captured and closely examined. Relying on location and flight times alone is not sufficient. North of the GTA to the Ottawa valley, it is unlikely to encounter pure P. glaucus. Based on historical climate data, north of this zone, the season is not long enough to support two generations of P. glaucus (11). If P. glaucus did exist in this region, any adults which emerge in May/June would give rise to larvae ready to pupate by mid summer. Without environmental cues to trigger diapause (they do not exhibit obligate diapause like P. canadensis), these pupae would develop directly into adult butterflies, leading to a second generation of P. glaucus larvae. Since the growing season is not long enough to allow this second generation to reach the pupal stage (or only rarely), there would
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be intense selection pressure against P. glaucus. Thus, north of the GTA, we find P. canadensis or their hybrids.
Some sources state that north of the GTA region, a fresh tiger swallowtail seen in July or August can be considered P. glaucus, but this is not consistent with current research. These are late emerging hybrid tiger swallowtails and not a true second generation of P. glaucus. Consider fresh tiger swallowtails in July – there simply hasn’t been enough time for eggs laid in late May and June to have completed their life cycle yet to produce the July adults. In the literature, this has been termed a “false second generation” or “late flight” (LF) hybrid swarm (2, 11). The “early flight” (EF) tiger swallowtails emerging in May/June are P. canadensis with little to no genetic introgression from P. glaucus while the LF butterflies are hybrids. The latter also has only one generation per year, like P. canadensis, and produce offspring which overwinter and produce the LF adults of the subsequent year (Dr. Mark Scriber, pers. comm.). In Figure 2 (see back cover), the second specimen from the left is an EF P. canadensis with no definite P. glaucus traits. The third specimen from the left is a LF hybrid P. canadensis; notice the narrow black band along the anal margin of the hindwing, which is a P. glaucus trait.
Studies on the EF and LF adults have demonstrated differences in ovipositing preferences and ability to use different larval host plants (4). The LF hybrid adults favour laying eggs on tulip tree or hoptree when available, like P. glaucus. However, north of the GTA where these host plants are not often encountered (rarely planted as ornamentals), LF adults will typically lay eggs on white ash or black cherry. Hybrid larvae demonstrate survival on tulip tree, unlike pure P. canadensis, but this survival rate is lower than that of pure P. glaucus. Similarly, hybrid larvae also demonstrate survival on quaking aspen, unlike pure P. glaucus, but this survival rate is lower than that of pure P. canadensis (4). It is interesting to note that in the field, hybridization between P. glaucus and P. canadensis is not symmetric. Field experiments in Michigan and Florida have shown that both male P. glaucus and P. canadensis prefer to mate with female P. glaucus (1), although the reasons for this remain unclear. Yet, genetic analyses of these hybrids have found only P. canadensis-like mitochondrial DNA, suggesting that genetic introgression likely occurred via hybrid males mating with P. canadensis females (5). Future observations and further genetic/molecular studies will be needed to determine the exact nature of gene flow and degree of reproductive isolation between the LF hybrid population and EF P. canadensis in eastern Ontario.
Acknowledgements:
Dr. Mark Scriber, Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University contributed valuable personal commentary and copies of journal articles to this work. Thanks to Dr. Alan Macnaughton, Rick Cavasin and Dr. Laura Swystun for proofreading and feedback.
References:
1. Deering MD and Scriber MJ. Field bioassays show heterospecific mating preference asymmetry between hybridizing North American Papilio butterfly species (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Journal of Ethology 2002;20(1):25-33.
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2. Hagen RH and Lederhouse RC. Polymodal emergence of the tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): source of a false second generation in central New York State. Ecological Entomology 1985;10(1):19-28. 3. Hagen RH, Lederhouse RC, Bossart JL, et al. Papilio canadensis and P. glaucus (Papilionidae) are distinct species. Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 1991;45(4):245-258. 4. Mercader RJ, Aardema ML, Scriber JM. Hybridization leads to host-use divergence in a polyphagous butterfly sibling species pair. Oecologia 2009;158(40):651-662. 5. Ording GJ, Mercader RD, Aardema ML, et al. Allochronic isolation and incipient hybrid speciation in tiger swallowtail butterflies. Oecologia 2010;162(2);523-531. 6. Ryan SF, Deines JM, Scriber JM, et al. Climate-mediated hybrid zone movement revealed with genomics, museum collection and simulation modeling. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2018;115(10):E2284-2291. 7. Ryan SF, Valella P, Thivierge G, et al. The role of latitudinal, genetic and temperature variation in the induction of diapause of Papilio glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Insect Science 2017;25(2):1-9. 8. Scriber, MJ. Interaction of introgression from Papilio glaucus canadensis and diapause in producing “spring form” eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies, P. glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 1990;23(3):127-138. 9. Scriber MJ. The inheritance of diagnostic larval traits for interspecific hybrids of Papilio canadensis and P. glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 1998;31(2):113-123. 10. Scriber MJ. Aberrant color patterns in the Papilio and an update on the semi-melanic “fletcheri” variants, including females (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society 2009;63(2):118-126. 11. Scriber MJ, Elliot B, Maher E, et al. Adaptations to “thermal time” constraints in Papilio: latitudinal and local size clines differ in response to regional climate change. Insects 2014;5(1):199-226. 12. Scriber MJ and Ording GJ. Ecological speciation without host plant specialization; possible origins of a recently described cryptic Papilio species. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 2005;115(1):247-263.
AZURES IN ONTARIO: 2017 UPDATE
Chris Schmidt [email protected]
Two field seasons have passed since the taxonomy of Canadian azures was re-assessed (Schmidt and Layberry 2016), highlighting several knowledge gaps that still hinder a better understanding of what azures occur where in Ontario. This note provides a brief update on southern Ontario azures based on field work in 2016 and 2017, thanks largely to a concerted effort by keen naturalists. The following results are based on specimens kindly provided to me (deposited in the Canadian National Collection) by Mary Gartshore, Brenda Van Ryswyk, Adam Timpf and Rick Cavasin, and my own field surveys.
The northern range limits of C. neglecta are essentially unchanged from that portrayed in the 2016 article, although numerous additional records fill in some of the previous range gaps. Notably, recent records from Prince Edward Co. indicate that the species is widespread there, although probably at or near the eastern range edge along the Lake Ontario shore. Further searches for C. neglecta in eastern Ontario north of there (Leeds and Grenville Co., Lanark Co. and Ottawa) have not been successful. Further data on the flight time and physical distinction between C. neglecta and C. lucia in the area of overlap are still needed; to this end, time-series of voucher specimens from a given region are the most valuable.
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Celastrina neglecta is the most common azure in the Lake Erie region, with emergence starting about the third week of May – it is the early-spring azures that still require clarification as to whether they are C. ladon or C. lucia (or possibly an early, partial brood of C. neglecta as discussed in the 2016 paper, but all early-spring non-ladon azures are here classified as C. lucia). All early spring (before May 15th) azure specimens from the Halton region west of Toronto have proved to be C. lucia. Celastrina ladon apparently does not occur as far north as the Halton Hills, and C. lucia becomes increasingly localized south of there, with a few specimens recorded from the northeast shore of Lake Erie (Erie Peat Rd., Turkey Point, Fishers Glen). Azure searches between Norfolk County and Rondeau Prov. Park from 8-11 May 2017 detected no azures at all (see Figure 1 inside back cover), despite the many C. ladon recorded in Norfolk Co. during this time frame. Two days of searching in Rondeau (May 9-10th) in ideal weather yielded no azures; however, there were several subsequent reports of azures from there, starting on May 20th. I interpret this to mean that both C. ladon and C. lucia are absent or very rare in that region, with an emergence of C. neglecta starting in late May.
The sparsity of early-spring azure records along this relatively well-sampled section of Lake Erie is surprising and difficult to explain, although lake-effect climate may be part of the cause. Contrary to the lack of both C. lucia and C. ladon along most of the western Lake Erie shoreline, there are numerous early-spring records from the Pt. Pelee – Leamington area. The recent donation of the Alan Wormington collection to the Canadian National Collection included azures from Pt. Pelee, which permitted examination of early-spring specimens: all proved to be C. lucia. Reports of C. ladon from the Leamington area (post to the “Ontario Butterflies” Google group, April 14th 2017) have so far not been substantiated by microscopic examination of voucher specimens.
Many new data points for C. ladon were added in 2016-2017. The Norfolk Sand Plain is probably the stronghold for this species in Canada, and aside from a few C. lucia records near the Lake Erie shore, all early-spring azures from this region have so far proved to be C. ladon. Additional recent records were from Elgin Co. and Niagara Co., as discussed in the Summary. There is a single historic record from London (not mapped in the 2016 article), still the only record for Middlesex Co. Habitat surveys of C. ladon sites confirm that it is fortunately not restricted to sites with Flowering Dogwood (endangered); a female C. ladon was observed laying eggs on Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) at the Harris-Floyd tract (Norfolk Co.; BCS), and this and other species of Cornus, and possibly also Viburnum (H. Pavulaan, pers. comm.) are the likely larval hosts in Ontario. Celastrina ladon sites surveyed by the author in 2017 indicate that it inhabits dry to mesic forest, although the larval host plants are mostly associated with moist swales or wetland edges; possibly C. lucia is more closely tied to cooler wetland habitats where the ranges of the two overlap, something that requires closer scrutiny. The flight period for C. ladon in Norfolk Co. spanned nearly a month in 2017, from April 17th to May 11th, similar to C. lucia elsewhere; it is not yet known if the C. ladon flight is slightly earlier than nearby populations of C. lucia, as previously alluded to (Schmidt & Layberry 2016).
Given that the larval host plants of C. ladon are common, and that the butterfly itself is also relatively common in a variety of wooded habitats, there is no immediate conservation concern for this species in Canada as first feared. Nevertheless, C. ladon is reliant on the few fragments
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of remaining Carolinian forest in a small area of Canada. Furthermore, the apparent absence of C. ladon along the northwest shore of Lake Erie is surprising. The distribution of C. ladon in adjacent southern Michigan indicates that azures from the Windsor region should be surveyed for C. ladon, as no voucher specimens from there have been examined (see map). The region between Lake St. Clair and London should also be targeted (especially Skunk’s Misery), as presence there would establish a link between Michigan and Ontario sites. Similarly, the northern and eastern limits of C. ladon remain poorly defined; the Grand River corridor and eastern Niagara Peninsula could be rewarding search targets. Canadian C. ladon currently appears as a northern disjunct population, separated from those further west and east. Whether or not this disjunction is real or an artefact of low sampling effort remains to be determined.
References:
Schmidt, B. C., & Layberry, R. A. (2016). What Azure blues occur in Canada? A re- assessment of Celastrina Tutt species (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). ZooKeys, 584: 135.
Editor’s note: this article also appeared in the April 2018 edition of Ontario Insects.
NOTEWORTHY MOTH RECORDS FOR ONTARIO 2017
Ross Layberry and Alan Macnaughton [email protected] [email protected]
There are far too many moths, and too few observers, to cover the moths in this seasonal summary in the same way as butterflies. Instead, we report on 2017 observations deemed to be notable by a few contributing observers. For other moth data, including that for past years, see the TEA’s Moth Atlas (http://www.ontarioinsects/moth). The atlas was originally launched last spring with 3,000 records, but has now been expanded sixfold to 18,000 records. The atlas also originally covered only silkmoths and sphinx moths, but now also includes tiger moths and prominents, for a total of 185 species.
Moths are notoriously more difficult to identify than butterflies, although most species can be distinguished by wing pattern alone. In the list below the IDs are by the observers, except that records noted as confirmed by BOLD have had their DNA barcodes checked against those known for the species by the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph. The footnotes provide access to the photos so that IDs can be checked. For an electronic version of this document with clickable links, contact [email protected].
Species are listed in order of their P3 number (Pohl-Patterson-Pelham number – see references), with the Hodges number (MPG number, MONA number) listed in brackets after it. Note that the Beadle and Leckie (2012) field guide to northeastern moths uses P3 numbers only for the Noctuoidea species (i.e., numbers starting with “93”); otherwise, they use only the Hodges number. Species not previously recorded in Ontario according to the Pohl et al. (2018) checklist
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are noted as such below. Also, see the Jacy Lucier article in the April issue of the TEA’s newsletter Ontario Insects for six additional species.
Records were directly contributed by David Kaposi (DKa), Mike King (MK), and Ken Stead (KS). They also contributed some records by David Beadle (DB), Mary Gartshore (MG), Phill Holder (PH), Ed Poropat (EP), Jim Troubridge (JT), Phil Walker (PW), the Thickson’s Woods Moth Group (TWMG), and the High Park Moth Group (HPMG). The TWMG is Dennis Barry, David Beadle, Margaret Carney, Phill Holder, Michael King, Mike McEvoy, and Phil Reyenga. The HPMG is Richard Aaron, David Beadle, Jon Hayes, David Kaposi, Michael King, Taylor Leedahl, Ken Sproule and others.
LIST OF OBSERVATIONS
Nepticulidae 16-0012 (91) Stigmella flavipedella - Jly10 confirmed BOLD (KS). [Pohl et al. (2018) report the status as unconfirmed for Canada and for Ontario in particular]. 16-0079 (109) Ectoedemia (Zimmermania) grandisella - June 28, July 10 confirmed BOLD (KS) 16-0078 (53) Ectoedemia (Zimmermania) obrutella - June 16 confirmed BOLD (KS)
Incurvariidae 21-0075 (232) Antispila cornifoliella - July 2, 7 (KS) 21-0080 (237) Antispila viticordifoliella - July 21, 23, 30, Aug 9 (KS)
Heliozelidae 21-xxxx Coptodisca sp. - High Park, Toronto, Aug 11 (DB, HPMG)1
Tineidae 30-0060 (373) Acrolophus popeanella – in 2017 (KS) 30-0123 (0282) - Leucomele miriamella - Thickson's Woods, Durham Region, July 15 2017 (TWMG)2 30-0130 (289) Homosetia costisignella - July 20, Sept 13 (KS) [Pohl et al. (2018) reports this species for Quebec and Nova Scotia only.]
Gracillariidae 33-0136 (614) - Caloptilia murtfeldtella - Mississauga, Sept 7 (Philip Walker, reported by MK)3 33-0197 (671) Parornix dubitella - May 17, June 28, July 10, 12, 15, 21, 22 (KS) 33-0199 (673) Parornix geminatella - My16, July 9, 19 (KS) 33-0215 (689) Acrocercops albinatella - June 19, July 1, 9 (KS) 33-0406 (852) Phyllocnisitis populiella - July 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 (KS)
Argyresthiidae 36-0150* (2444) Argyresthia calliphanes - July 13 (KS)
1 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36115370410/in/album-72157680693674200/ 2 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35965691216/in/album-72157680693674200/ 3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/36281316863 32
Oecophoridae 42-0054.00 – 1058 – Polix coloradella – The Skunk - Skunk Moth - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Ontario June 17 (DB, MK) (6)4 42-0055 (1059) - Mathildana newmanella - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, June 17 (DB and MK)5
Elachistidae 42-1458 (1132) - Elachista brachyelytrifoliella - Thickson’s Woods, Durham Region, July 30 (DB, MK + TWMG) [Two individuals.]6
42-1475 (1126) Elachista leucosticte - May 12 confirmed BOLD (KS) 42-1496 (1121) Elachista madarella - June 28, July 1 confirmed BOLD (KS)
Coleophoridae 42-1598 (1340) Coleophora bidens - Aug 25 confirmed BOLD (KS) 42-1639 (1380) Coleophora fagicorticella - June 18 confirmed BOLD (KS)
Momphidae 42-1815* (1426) Mompha argentimaculella - June 20 (KS) 42-1815* (1426) Mompha argentimaculella – Yarmouth Gardens, Toronto, ON, Sept 22 (DB)7 42-1851 (1454.1) Mompha solomoni - July 1 (KS) [Pohl et al. (2018) report this for Quebec only; the status in Ontario is listed as uncertain.]
Pterophoridae 46-0054 (6120) - Lioptilodes albistriolatus - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Oct 22 (DB + MK)846-0139 (6168) Oidaematophorus eupatorii - June 13, 18 (KS)
Carposinidae 48-0010 (2318) Bondia comonana - Dahl Forest, Haliburton County, Ontario - 25 June (TWMG, DB).9
Tortricidae 62-0033 (3533) – Acleris celiana - McKelvey Rd, Kawartha Lakes, Oct 21 (DKa)10 62-0291 (3630) - Diedra cockerellana - Brampton, Sept 25 (MK)11 62-0398.00 – 3706 – Sparganothis xanthoides – Mosaic Sparganothis - Portage Lake, Parry Sound District, July 3 (DB, MK)12
4 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35412154885/in/album-72157680693674200/ 5 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35025000420/in/album-72157680693674200/ 6 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36130058942/in/album-72157680693674200/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36130062662/in/album-72157680693674200/ 7 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37440725225/in/album-72157680693674200/ 8 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37955270951/in/album-72157680693674200/ 9 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/34711105854/in/album-72157680693674200/ 10 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/8494342 11 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/36710312873 12 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35326333210/in/album-72157680693674200/ 33
Pyralidae 80-0165 (5672) Acrobasis exsulella - July 7 (KS) 80-0225 (6001) - Ephestiodes infimella – Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, June 17 (DB and MK) [Two.]13 80-0235 (6012) Caudellia apyrella - Sept 26 (KS) 80-0339.00 – 5781 – Ortholepis myricella - Portage Lake, Parry Sound District, July 3 (DB, MK)14
Crambidae 80-0896 (5392) - Arequipa turbatella - Haliburton, Haliburton County, July 20 (TWMG, DB and EP) [few recent records]15 80-1155 (4826) Mimoschinia rufofascialis - Aug 29 (KS) 80-1188 (5243) - Pleuroptya silicalis - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Oct 23 (Mary Gartshore, DB and MK) [Possible second record for Ontario]16 80-1366 (5150) - Samea ecclesialis - Thickson’s Woods, Durham Region, Oct 10 (TWMG) [Possibly new to Ontario and Canada.]17 80-1401 (5157) - Rhectocraspeda periusalis - Thickson’s Woods, Durham Region, Oct 15 (TWMG) [Possibly new to Ontario and Canada.]18 80-1406 (4935) Saucrobotys fumoferalis - June 17 (KS) 80-1418 (4944) Crocidophora serratissimalis - July 12 confirmed BOLD (KS) 80-1433 (4957) Anania mysippusalis - May 24 (KS) 80-1511 (5032) - Pyrausta nicalis - Haliburton, Haliburton County, July 20 (TWMG, DB and EP)
Mimallonidae 83-0001.00 – 7659 – Lacosoma chiridota – Scalloped Sack-bearer - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, June 18 (DB, MK)19
Drepanidae 85-0004 (6236) - Habrosyne gloriosa - Crystal Bay - Lakeview Park - Britannia Village, Ottawa; June 6 (Nolie Schneider, reported by DKa) [Listed as S2S3 in Ontario but regularly seen at this location; recorded in 11 of the last 13 years]20
Sphingidae 89-0100 (7784) Dolba hyloeus - Pawpaw Sphinx - Dahl Forest, Haliburton County, Ontario - June 25 (TWMG, DB)21
13 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/25885110967/in/datetaken/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/26885252808/in/datetaken/ 14 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35590643081/in/album-72157680693674200/
15 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36087639725/in/album-72157680693674200/ 16 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/26155183889/in/album-72157680693674200/ 17 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36924222074/in/album-72157680693674200/ 18 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37485037430/in/album-72157680693674200/ 19 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35385116876/in/album-72157680693674200/ 20 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/6813598 34
89-0128 (7796) Lintneria eremitus - Hermit Sphinx - still an uncommon moth, and while there were only 11 reports on iNaturalist in 2017, four of those were new county records for that database: Frontenac, Kawartha Lakes, Niagara and Simcoe. 89-0171 (7850) - Aellopos fadus - Rosetta McLain Garden, Scarborough, Aug 12 (Paul Reeves, reported by DKa)22 [First Canadian record in at least 70 years according to CNC records] 89-0178 (7854) – Hemaris gracilis – Slender Clearwing Moth - Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa June 11 (Kristof Zyskowski, reported by DKa)23 890180.1 (no Hodges number) – Hemaris aethra – this is a newly-described species of bumblebee-mimic dayflying sphinx moth. See the article and full-colour photos in the April 2018 issue of the TEA newsletter Ontario Insects. Not in the Pohl et al. (2018) checklist. 89-0206 (7884) Darapsa versicolor - Crystal Bay - Lakeview Park - Britannia Village, Ottawa; 3 sightings Sept 9, 11 & 17 (Nolie Schneider, reported by DKa)24 [Possibly a rare second brood given that it is rarely seen after July, and the previous late observation shown on the TEA’s Moth Atlas is Aug 24, 2014] 89-0217 (7894) - Hyles lineata - Thickson’s Woods, Durham Region, Aug 19 (TWMG)25
Geometridae 91-0555 (7147) -Timandra amaturaria - - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, June 18 (DB and MK)26
Erebidae 93-0515 (8365) Phalaenostola hanhami – Haliburton, Haliburton County July 20 (TWMG, DB & EP)27 93-0627 (8642) - Hypocala andremona - Thickson’s Woods, Durham Region, Oct 10 (TWMG) [few Ontario records]28
93-0764 (8773) – Catocala epione – Macaulay Mountain CA, Prince Edward County, Aug 6 (DKa)29 [Flushed from underbrush in daylight, this is an uncommon underwing and there are only 3 Ontario records from public sources such as BOLD, iNaturalist, BugGuide and BAMONA] 93-0869 (8598) Melipotis perpendicularis - June 21, 30, July 5, 27 confirmed by BOLD and CNC (KS)
21 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/34714798744/in/photolist-UTCqdQ-W7vPys 22 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/7474362 23 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/6659132 24 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/7966224 25 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/6659132 26 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/40713112292 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/36281316863 27 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/35918547572/in/album-72157680693674200/ 28 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37375822360/in/album-72157680693674200/ 29 http://inaturalist.ca/observations/7401191 35
Noctuidae 93-1166 (8885) - Argyrogramma verruca – Hastings Drive, Long Point, Norfolk County, Oct 22 (DB + MK) [There is perhaps only one other recent record for Ontario, (Welland,1992)]30 93-1169 (8889) - Ctenoplusia oxygramma - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Oct 22 (DB + MK) [ A rare fall immigrant]31 93-1214 (8928) - Syngrapha selecta - High Park, Toronto, Sept 8 (DB, HPMG)32 93-1438 (9221) - Acronicta funeralis - Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Aug 20 (DB + MK) and also High Park, Toronto, Aug 10 (DB, HPMG)33 93-2042 (11065) Phyrrhia aurantiago – Aug 1, 2, 3 attempt to rear unsuccessful (KS) 93-2223 (9672) - Spodoptera eridania - Bronte Bluffs Park, Oakville, Oct 16 (MK and DB)34 [Possibly first for Canada] 93-2464 (9463) Parapamea buffaloensis - Sept 16, 18, 28 (KS) 93-2542 (9895) Lithophane signosa – Sycamore Pinion – Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Oct 23 (Mary Gartshore, DB & MK).35 93-3212 (10911) Anicla infecta - Oct10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (KS) 93-2604(9948) Chaetaglaea cerata – Waxed Sallow – Wilson Tract, Norfolk County, Oct 23 (Mary Gartshore, DB & MK).36 93-2625 (9431) Parastichtis suspecta – Suspected – High Park, Toronto July 25 (HPMG)37 93-3428 (10817) - Euxoa obeliscoides - Brampton, Aug 11 (MK)38
93-3504 (10664) - Feltia subterranean - Long Point, Norfolk County, Oct 22 (DB + MK) [There were at least 15 individuals coming to bait. Possibly there are no other recent records for Ontario.]39
Heliozelidae 21-xxxx Coptodisca sp. - High Park, Toronto, Aug 11 (DB, HPMG)40
REFERENCES
Beadle, David and Seabrooke Leckie, Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012), 615 pp.
30 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37646881250/in/album-72157680693674200/ 31 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37907915901/in/album-72157680693674200/ 32 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36280910313/in/album-72157680693674200/ 33 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36747704166/in/album-72157680693674200/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36445686086/in/album-72157680693674200/ 34 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/37526162900 35 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/24075208638/in/album-72157680693674200/ 36 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37198401494/in/album-72157680693674200/ 37 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36074837721/in/album-72157680693674200/ 38 https://www.flickr.com/photos/149330876@N08/39191557545 39 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37237281114/in/album-72157680693674200/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/37946689301/in/album-72157680693674200/ 40 https://www.flickr.com/photos/10821818@N07/36115370410/in/album-72157680693674200/
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Hodges, R.W. et al. (editors) 1983. Check list of the Lepidoptera of America north of Mexico. E. W. Classey, London, UK. 284 pp.
Lafontaine, Donald J. and B. Christian Schmidt (2010), “Annotated check list of the Noctuoidea (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North America north of Mexico.” ZooKeys 40: 1–239. Available at: http://zookeys.pensoft.net/lib/ajax_srv/generate_pdf.php?document_id=2182&readonly_preview =1
Leckie, Seabrooke and David Beadle, Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Southeastern North America (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018), 652 pp. Moth Photographers Group, http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/
G. R. Pohl, J.-F. Landry, B. C. Schmidt, J. D. Lafontaine, J. T. Troubridge, A. D. Macaulay, E. J. van Nieukerken, J. R. deWaard, J. J. Dombroskie, J. Klymko, V. Nazari and K. Stead, Annotated checklist of the moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Canada and Alaska. (Pensoft Publishers, January 2018). 580 pp. Available at: http://www.ontarioinsects.org/checklist_Pohl.pdf
Pohl, G.R., Patterson, B., & Pelham, J.P. 2016. Annotated taxonomic checklist of the Lepidoptera of North America, North of Mexico. Working paper, see ResearchGate.net. 766 pp.
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SUMMARY OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS IN 2017
Compiled by Rick Cavasin
Introduction - The Summary Format This Summary is based on data in the Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online (aka “the Atlas”). It is not intended to faithfully reproduce that data in full detail, but rather it is the author’s interpretation of the Atlas data that was available online at the time of writing. The Atlas is constantly being updated as additional observations are reported and errors are corrected. Indeed, observers were still submitting observations for 2017 while this summary was being written, and the process of writing the summary revealed additional errors in the Atlas data. As such, this summary should be considered a “snapshot” of the Atlas from early 2018. Readers who refer to the Atlas at a later date are likely to find some discrepancies.
Loyal readers of the annual Summary of Butterflies and Skippers will notice some significant changes in the format of this year’s summary. Not everyone is going to be happy with these changes, and some explanation is in order. For the most part, these changes were made in an effort to make writing the summary a less daunting task.
The advent of online reporting platforms like eButterfly and iNaturalist has vastly increased the number of butterfly observations that are being reported for Ontario. This flood of data has filled in a great many gaps in our knowledge about the geographic and seasonal distributions of many species. Unfortunately, this “embarrassment of riches” has vastly increased the amount of work involved in getting all those observations into the Atlas database every year. Each reporting platform makes the data available in a different format, and all data requires varying degrees of re-formatting before it can go into the Atlas database. This means that more person-hours are required to compile all the data, to review it, and to resolve any problems. If we still want to publish the summary in a timely fashion, something has to give.
Even if all the different data sources provided data to the Atlas in a consistent and compatible format, the sheer number of observations for some species makes writing a concise summary difficult. When faced with say, 1000 observations for a single species, where do we begin? We cannot possibly mention every observation, so how do we choose which ones are worth mentioning? It can be very time consuming (not to say exhausting) to look at that many observations, pick out the significant ones, and then sort them into a concise, chronological narrative. In short, writing the summary in the old narrative format was becoming unsustainable.
In an effort to make writing the summary more sustainable into the future, I’ve opted for a more structured format. Hopefully, this format will also make at least some of the information more accessible to readers.
Over the decades, there have been a number of “one-off” observations of various southern species. Some of them may have been the result of accidental transports, mis-identifications, or specimens mistakenly attributed to locations in Ontario. It seems unnecessarily tedious to continue reporting, year after year, that there have been no further reports of these species.
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Where, in the judgement of the author, it seems unlikely that we will ever see a species again in Ontario, it is omitted from the summary. This policy has also been applied to native species that have been declared extirpated. The complete list of Ontario species appears in the checklist at the end of the summary, and old observations for the species omitted from the summary can still be viewed in the Atlas online.
I am continuing to cite the total number of observations reported for each species, but I have also cited the average for the previous 5 years for comparison. I chose the 5 year threshold because for most species, there was a huge increase in the number of observations reported as of 2012. This corresponds with the introduction of eButterfly. Comparing the number of observations we are getting today to earlier years would be comparing apples to oranges. To further put the current year’s total into context, I have also included the all-time high total and the year when it occurred.
I also provide the ratio of observations made in southern Ontario vs northern Ontario (“S vs N”), where we have defined northern Ontario as the lands north of the French and Mattawa Rivers, and Lake Nipissing. Where I refer to southwestern or eastern Ontario, I am using a more loose definition. I feel that in the future, it might be useful to formally divide the province into a group of geographic regions so that observations can be discussed in a regional context. I think this would be more meaningful to most readers than the traditional approach of referencing observations to counties.
I have included the number of new Atlas squares that have been added to the map for each species. This figure provides some indication as to whether the observations for a species are being made at known locations, or at newly discovered locations. These new squares reflect a clear and unambiguous increase in our knowledge about a species. I believe that “adding squares” is one of the most significant contributions observers can make to the Atlas, and this contribution should be recognized and celebrated. In cases where one or more observers are responsible for a significant number of those additions, they are mentioned in parenthesis.
I also continue to cite the earliest and latest observations for each species.
I continue to cite any new county/district records for individual species under “Noteworthy Observations”. Naturally, these are becoming few and far between. The time will come when it will be nearly impossible to get new county records for most species. I also mention when a species is reported in a county where it has not been reported in over 25 years.
Most of the analysis found in this summary is based on tallies of “observations”. When an observer reports that they found a particular species at a certain location and date, this is counted as a single observation, regardless of the number of individuals of that species reported. For example, if an observer reports seeing 100 Monarchs at Point Pelee NP on September 10, that counts as one observation. As such, the number of observations reported is not necessarily a reflection of the abundance of a species in an area. There are observers who repeatedly visit a limited number of sites over the course of a season. This generates a large number of observations for that area, and may give a misleading impression that the species is abundant in that area. It is hoped that in the future, the Atlas can be enhanced to take the frequency of
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observations into account. In theory, this could be done by counting the number of times a location is surveyed (or “visited”), and normalizing the number of observations for the location accordingly.
Although high counts are listed, I feel these citations are of questionable value since we have no way of accounting for the differences in the reporting methodology used by different observers. There are observers who break their surveys down into very small segments, or even report each butterfly individually. Other observers may travel several kilometers by car, making multiple stops, and they lump a large number of individual butterflies into a single observation. This is not an exaggeration - there are observers who state that they have done exactly that in their comments. Comparing reports of individual butterflies with large aggregate surveys is like comparing blueberries to watermelons. In cases where it is obvious that a high count was aggregated over a very wide ranging survey, I may skip it and cite a lower count that was made over a more reasonable survey. In cases where several high counts come from the same location, I may only mention the highest, and then cite a lower count from a different location. I would suggest that readers take these high counts with a large grain of salt. In many cases, they mean very little, and I will recommend that they be dropped from future summaries.
I list observations of nectaring, puddling, and other feeding. In the interest of brevity, I have omitted the dates/locations of individual observations and grouped observations by nectar plant. In order to do this, I have had to harmonize the common names used by various observers (the Atlas records contain the original names reported by observers). Where individual observer’s initials are separated by a comma, it indicates that these are separate observations by different observers. Where the initials are separated by an ampersand, it indicates a joint observation (ie. “RJY & KRY” indicates a joint observation made by RJY and KRY). In some cases, where I have viewed a photo associated with an observation and identified a flower that the butterfly is nectaring on, I have added that plant to the list of nectaring plants even if the observer has not explicitly mentioned it in their comments, and I have credited the observer. Unfortunately, I did not have time to check every photo submitted for nectar plants. I am not a botanist, and I apologize for any errors I may have made in plant identification. If observers wish to ensure that nectaring plants are accurately reflected in the Atlas/Summary, they should specify the nectar plant in their observation comments or in the “nectar plant” field in iNaturalist.
Because dates can be important for observations of immatures, I cite date and location for these observations. The exception is the Monarch. Because of the large number of immature observations reported for this species, readers are referred to the Atlas for the full list.
In the commentary for each species, I try to summarize anything else I feel might be noteworthy about the year’s observations. Some details such as behavior, whether a butterfly was fresh/worn, or male/female have not been included in this year’s summary. Perhaps a future summary author can find a way to present this information in a concise format.
I often use “county” in a generic sense to refer to counties, districts and Regional Municipalities. Counties, districts and Regional Municipalities in the text are abbreviated and printed in italics (e.g. Regional Municipality of Waterloo appears as WATE). Some location names given by observers may be very specific and precise (eg. the intersection of two roads), but will not be
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particularly meaningful to readers from outside the area. In a few cases, I have substituted a location that might give readers a better frame of reference for the observation.
Hopefully, the Summary format will continue to evolve and improve in the future.
The full set of approximately 30,930 records (comprising 134 species) submitted for 2017 is available to TEA members as a PDF file – contact Ross Layberry 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.
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 and Forestry, 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 Pelham (2008)41. The English common names largely follow Layberry et al. (1998)42.
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.
The 2017 Season
Climate Conditions43 The year got off to an unusually warm start with the warmest February ever recorded in many part of the province. Monthly mean temperatures across the province ranged from 2 to 5 degrees above normal. Though southern Ontario began March by breaking some single-day records, warm conditions did not persist for the rest of the month. Overall, March temperatures were around normal across the province except for eastern and northeastern Ontario where temperatures were 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal.
41 Pelham, J.P. 2008. Catalogue of the Butterflies of the United States and Canada. Volume 40, Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera. 672. pp.
42 Layberry, R.A., P.W. Hall, J.D. Lafontaine. 1998. The Butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto. 354 pp. 43 Weather conditions are summarized by Jessica Linton from monthly weather reports written by Geoff Coulson , Chantale Cerny, and Peter Kimbell, Meterologists at Environment Canada. 41
Precipitation in the form of rain and snow was abundant during the month of April. This month ranked amongst the rainiest Aprils on record for many locations. May was wetter than normal for most of southern and northeastern Ontario, while northern Ontario had drier-than-normal conditions. April’s notable rainfall was followed by a much wetter than normal first week of May across most of southern and central Ontario. The abundant rainfall, combined with snowmelt in some areas, led to flooding in parts of southern Ontario especially eastern Ontario, and lake levels attained historic values on Lake Ontario. Mean temperatures in May were within the normal range, varying from normal to slightly cooler than normal.
Although many Ontarians likely felt that temperatures were cooler than normal in June, monthly mean temperatures were actually within the normal range. However, some parts of the province did experience temperatures that were slightly cooler than normal. These areas included the Far North along the Manitoba-Ontario border, the Moosonee area and Prince Edward County. Temperatures slightly above normal were reported in the Fort Frances to Thunder Bay area. Most of northern Ontario received below normal precipitation amounts this month, receiving about half the normal amounts.
As the summer progressed, temperatures were in the normal range for July. Single-day maximum temperature records were set on July 28 and 29th in northern Ontario and the Far North. Drier-than-normal conditions were observed in northern and most of southwestern Ontario. For many locations, only about a third of the monthly precipitation fell. Wetter-than- normal conditions were observed in portions of northwestern, northeastern, and central Ontario. Record-breaking precipitation fell in eastern Ontario. In Ottawa, 250 mm fell in July, matching the regional record set in 1899.
In August, temperatures continued to be within the normal range. Most of northwestern Ontario continued to experience drier-than-normal conditions. In contrast, eastern Ontario and the portion of northeastern Ontario stretching east from Lake Superior to the Quebec border, received 75% more and up to double the normal amounts for August.
September started on a chilly note with record low minimum temperatures set on the 1st and 2nd, however the month was warmer-than-normal by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius mainly due to the fall heatwave. Temperatures exceeded the 30 degrees Celsius mark in many areas, with many new maximum temperature records set daily during the period of September 23 to 27, as temperatures were 10 to 14 degrees above normal values. In contrast to August, in September, wetter-than- normal conditions were observed in northern Ontario, with up to double the monthly precipitation amount received, except for the Far North and northeast. Elsewhere in the province, precipitation amounts were below normal by 50 to 75%. The heatwave continued into October and cooler average temperatures finally arrived by November.
Notes on the Season
The season got off to an early start with two Eastern Commas sighted on February 19 - both in ESSE. The first non-hibernator to be reported was a Cabbage White sighted on February 23 in Tecumseh, ESSE. After that early start, March was a slow month, with a total of only 12
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observations reported - all of overwintering Anglewings (note that I use Anglewings in a broader sense which includes Polygonia, Aglais, and Nymphalis). The pace picked up in April however, and it appears to have been an especially good year for the Anglewings. The tallies for most of these species were above the averages of the previous 5 years, and several hit all-time highs. In particular, Compton Tortoiseshell had a phenomenal year. The season ended with several Anglewing observations in late November. The latest was an Eastern Comma reported in Rondeau PP on November 29.
Highlights of the season include the following: ● the discovery that the European Common Blue has spread from Quebec into eastern Ontario ● the discovery of a new population of Gorgone Checkerspot in FRON ● the discovery of two new locations for Mottled Duskywing in NORT ● the discovery of several new colonies of Bog Elfin in eastern Ontario
Many migrant species had a bit of a down year. Many of the less common migrants were not reported at all, though it’s difficult to say whether this was due to lack of observers in southern locales at the right time of year. That said, Monarch numbers recovered somewhat compared to recent years, and we had an all-time high number of observations reported. The Vanessa’s, and the Painted Lady in particular, also seem to have had a good year in 2017. Sightings of the American Snout were also well above average.
With a grand total of approximately 30,900 observations recorded, 2017 had the second highest total ever - only 2012 had a higher total. In 2017, 28 species had an all-time high number of observations for the year. Only two years bested this total - 2015 had 34 species reach an all- time high and 2012 had 33. In contrast, 2013 only had 2 species with an all-time high number of reports, 2014 had 14, and 2016 had 13. As mentioned earlier, the large number of observations reported in 2017 doesn’t necessarily mean that the butterflies were abundant, but at least observers have been actively reporting what butterflies they are seeing.
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE SPECIES ACCOUNTS
PP = Provincial Park PWA = Provincial Wildlife Area NP = National Park CA = Conservation Area NR = Nature Reserve N vs S = North vs. South
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Family: HESPERIIDAE
SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER (Epargyreus clarus)
Total observations: 374 (All-time High) S vs N: 374/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 331.4 New Atlas Squares added: 25 (3 added by DPy & RP) Earliest date (Adults): May 14 at Goodrich-Loomis CA, NORT (BNa) Latest date (Adults): Oct 15 at Chestermere Blvd in Scarborough, METR (BH)
High Counts (Adults): 39 reported on June 21 at Reid CA, LAMB (RJY & KRY) 33 reported on July 26 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB & RCa)
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Strawberry (MSD), Cow Vetch (JBar), Crown Vetch (JBar), Viper's Bugloss (JBar, RCa), Ornamental Quince (JHum), Knapweed (RCa), Anise-Hyssop (WF), Lavender (Dka), Bull Thistle (Dka), Purple Loosestrife and Joe-Pye Weed (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● July 9 on Hog Peanut along Trans-Canada trail E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● July 25 on Black Locust at Ruthven Park, HALD (RCa) Larvae: ● August 26: 24 reported on stand of Black Locust trees in Larose Forest, PRES (CH) ● September 4: 1 reported bundled up in Astragalus leaves at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for GREY in 50 years: June 3 at Rocky Saugeen Rd E (LMN) - new square First record for HALD in 26 years: July 14 at Caledonia (LWa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Most counties in southern Ontario had reports this year. There were zero reports in northern Ontario, but only RAIN and MANI have reported the species in the past.
LONG-TAILED SKIPPER (Urbanus proteus)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this rare stray. Commentary: Last reported in 2012 at Princess Point, Hamilton, HAMI and High Park Toronto, METR.
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HOARY EDGE (Achalurus lyciades)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this southern species.
Commentary: Last reported in 2011 at Spring Garden Prairie, Windsor, ESSE. There are a limited number of records from the Windsor area, from locations that are frequently visited by a number of observers. This suggests that the species may not be resident at any of these locations. Perhaps the individuals observed are strays from another location (possibly across the border).
SOUTHERN CLOUDYWING (Thorybes bathyllus)
Total observations: 4 S vs N: 4/0 Highest Annual Total: 11 in 1990 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 2.4 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adults): May 22 at St. Williams Forestry Station, NORF (RJY & KRY) Latest date (Adults): July 12 at St. Williams Forestry Station, NORF (JoRe)
Commentary: Although all the observations occurred in the same square in NORF, one observation was made at Backus Woods - a new site for the species (RJY & KRY).
NORTHERN CLOUDYWING (Thorybes pylades)
Total observations: 188 S vs N: 174/14 Highest Annual Total: 197 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 153 New Atlas Squares added: 20 Earliest date (Adults): May 28 at a site E of Tweed, near Stoco lake, HAST (JBar) Latest date (Adults): July 31 at the rail trail near Summit Bog, HAMI (BVR)
High Counts (Adults): 80 reported on June 14 in the Arden Road area, FRON (DaE & JoH) 42 reported on June 14 at High Park, METR (RJY)
Reported Nectaring on: Blueberry (RCa), Yellow Hawkweed (RT), Wild Strawberry (JBar), Cow Vetch (RT, JBar, RAL), Crown Vetch (JBar), Wild Geranium (RT), Bladder Campion (RT), Ox-Eye Daisy (JBar), Viper's Bugloss (MVB, ORe), Lavender (KaB)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though we did have reports in 2 new squares in northern Ontario: 4 individuals were reported near the Radisson in Sudbury, SUDB on July 3 (NaR), while singletons were reported a two sites along Hwy 65
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south of Matachewan, TIMI on June 9 (RCa). Overall, observations appear to have been localized and concentrated in central/eastern Ontario. HAST had the most reports (24), while PETE came in second (21), followed by LEED (14).
HAYHURST’S SCALLOPWING (Staphyllus hayhurstii)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this southern species.
Commentary: In Ontario (which represents its Canadian range) it has only been recorded as a very rare resident on Pelee Island and formerly at Point Pelee NP, ESSE. It was last reported in 1992 at Fish Point, Pelee Island. It has two overlapping generations in Canada in which adults are in flight between early July and late August. It occurs in a variety of open habitats including roadside ditches, trails, openings in woods, vacant weedy lots, suburban gardens, etc. In Ontario its known host plant is Common Lamb’s Quarters. On Pelee Island the butterfly is considered uncommon, despite feeding as a larva on the very common and widespread hostplant (in southern Ontario). It is possible that this species may continue to be an occasional colonizing breeder and will never be widespread or abundant. Its lack of range extension indicates there is some limiting factor in Ontario to further colonization but it may migrate in and establish colonies again in the future.
DREAMY DUSKYWING (Erynnis icelus)
Total observations: 144 S vs N: 109/35 Highest Annual Total: 161 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 147 New Atlas Squares added: 21 (5 added by RCa, 3 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): April 27 at Komoka PP, MIDD (LF) - record early date! Latest date (Adults): July 16 at Little Trout Bay, THUN (AlH)
High Counts (Adults): 14 reported on May 28 at Cambell St, NE of Inverhuron PP, BRUC (LMN) 10 reported on June 28 at Bankfield, 8km W of Geraldton, THUN (NGE)
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Strawberry (LMN), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (LMN), Rubus sp. (JBar), Blueberry (RCa), Blue Iris (LMN) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Nonspecific puddling (JoRe), gravel road (LMN)
Reports of Immatures Larvae: ● August 9: 1 reported on Trembling Aspen at Reveler CA, STOR (CH).
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Noteworthy Observations: First record for MIDD in 40 years: April 27 at Komoka PP (LF) First record for DUFF in 38 years: June 9 at a site 1.5 km E of Riverview (DMac) Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, with 7 added in northern Ontario: 3 in ALGO (MOli), 1 added in NIPI (RCa), 1 in RAIN (MSD) and 2 in THUN (NGE, AlH). Many southern counties reported observations, but they appeared to be more concentrated in eastern Ontario. PETE had the most reports (14), while HAST came in second (13), followed by LENN (11). Five southern counties - KENT, HURO, BRAN, HALD, and NIAG - have not reported this species in over 20 years.
SLEEPY DUSKYWING (Erynnis brizo)
Total observations: 11 S vs N: 11/0 Highest Annual Total: 13 in 1992 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3 New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by RHC & SMD & WGL) Earliest date (Adults): April 26 at two sites SW of Walsingham, NORF (RHC & SMD & WGL) Latest date (Adults): June 3 at The Pinery PP, LAMB (BVR, RJY & KRY)
High Counts (Adults): 4 reported on April 26 at Lake Erie Farms, NORF (RHC & SMD & WGL) 4 reported on June 3 at The Pinery PP, LAMB (RJY & KRY)
Commentary: The 2017 reports for this species are all clustered around known populations in NORF and LAMB. The new square recorded for this species in NORF does not indicate the discovery of a new population. It is simply a case of the square boundary running through a known location, and this is the first occasion when someone reported an observation on the other side of the boundary. Eight counties with historical records have not reported observations in over 20 years (some of these old records may not be valid). In Ontario, the species appears to occur chiefly in dry, sandy oak savanna habitat, and it may be that some colonies were lost to development.
JUVENAL’S DUSKYWING (Erynnis juvenalis)
Total observations: 299 S vs N: 289/10 Highest Annual Total: 349 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 242.8 New Atlas Squares added: 24 (5 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): May 3 at a site 8km W of Parham, FRON (DaE & JoH) and at rare - Thompson Tract, WATE (JuRe) Latest date (Adults): July 2 at Purple Woods CA, DURH (JoF & MPr)
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High Counts (Adults): 80 reported on May 22 at the Wilson Tract, NORF (RJY & KRY) 60 reported on May 27 at South Walsingham Sand Ridges, NORF (ChCh)
Reported Nectaring on: Blueberry (RT, JBar, RCa), Crown Vetch (RT), Lilac (RT, RCa), Tatarian Honeysuckle (JBar), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (JBar), Leafy Spurge (RAL), Cow Vetch (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Remains of a decaying crayfish (JBar), gravel (TMa), moist sand and soil (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for THUN in 31 years: June 28 at Geraldton (JW)
Commentary: Most new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, with the exception of the record at Geraldton noted above, which is the northernmost record ever for this species in Ontario. The other 9 northern observations all fell in ALGO, and were clustered SE of Sault Ste. Marie (MOli). Many counties in the South reported the species in 2017. Of the southern counties, only HURO and PERT have never reported this species.
HORACE’S DUSKYWING (Erynnis horatius)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2015 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE.
MOTTLED DUSKYWING (Erynnis martialis)
Total observations: 15 S vs N: 15/0 Highest Annual Total: 24 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 10 New Atlas Squares added: 2 (1 added by CDJ, 1 added by MVB) Earliest date (Adults): May 28 -- HAST (MaP, JB) Latest date (Adults): July 22 -- HALT (BVR)
High Counts (Adults): 10 reported on June 12 in HAST (PH) 8 reported on June 7 in NORT (SuB)
Commentary: Eight of the 15 reports we have had for this species came from a known site in HAST, but several more came from known sites in NORT, HALT, and HAMI. As this is an endangered species, the fact that these 4 colonies are still in existence is good news. The big news is the discovery of 2 new colonies in NORT, which adds 2 new squares to the map for this species (NOT displayed in
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the online Atlas). The latest observation date of July 22 may indicate the start of a second flight in that area. The bad news is that there are 10 counties with historical records that have not had observations reported in over 20 years.
Observers are advised to please refrain from showing the exact location for observations of this species, especially on eButterfly. Observers should place the coordinates at an intersection somewhere in the area or in the center of the nearest town, and give the location name as "
Editor’s note: the Mottled Duskywing is designated as endangered in Ontario and is considered a data-sensitive species by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. As such, detailed information on locations has been omitted from this Summary and only counties are provided.
FUNEREAL DUSKYWING (Erynnis funeralis)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2016 at Spring Garden, Windsor, ESSE.
COLUMBINE DUSKYWING (Erynnis lucilius)
Total observations: 90 S vs N: 74/16 Highest Annual Total: 166 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 119 New Atlas Squares added: 14 (9 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): May 16 at Canoe Lake Road at Devil Lake Road, FRON (DaE & JoH) Latest date (Adults): August 21 at a site about 5 km E of Byng Inlet, PARR (JK)
High Counts (Adults): 29 reported on July 28 at Alvar Road, Carden, VICT (DKa & JeSi & VSh & BSh & GiM) 10 reported on June 3 at The Pinery PP, LAMB (RJY & KRY et al.)
Reported Nectaring on: Bastard Toadflax (RCa), Cow Vetch (JBar), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (RAL)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but there is a cluster of new squares added in ALGO, SE of Sault Ste. Marie. This is likely due to the efforts of the observer (MOli) in an under surveyed area as opposed to any range extension for the species. There were two reports from RAIN, where the species has been seldom reported, including one report from Devlin (MSD) that added a new square for the species in this district. In the south, observations were concentrated in a band across central/eastern Ontario, with 12 observations in each of FRON and LEED. There were fewer reports for the species from
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southern Ontario than in previous years, perhaps because it can be difficult to distinguish this species from E. baptisiae, especially in photos. Some historical records for lucilius in southern Ontario may be misidentified baptisiae, especially those that date from the period when baptisiae would have been starting to spread northward. Because of all this, record counts for these two species should be taken with a grain of salt. As baptisiae continues to spread north and east into the range of lucilius, resolving identifications will become more and more difficult. Observers are urged to note the size of the butterflies they are observing, as well as habitat and host plants, as these details can help with identification.
WILD INDIGO DUSKYWING (Erynnis baptisiae)
Total observations: 233 S vs N: 233/0 Highest Annual Total: 366 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 245 New Atlas Squares added: 9 Earliest date (Adults): May 9 at Dumfries CA, WATE (JuRe) Latest date (Adults): Oct 23 at Red Hill Storm Pond, Hamilton, HAMI (JoRe)
High Counts (Adults): 30 reported on August 6 at Puslinch, WELL (LBe) 30 reported on August 8 at Puslinch Tract CA, WELL (JoRe)
Reported Nectaring on: Chicory (JBar), Crown Vetch (JBar), Lavender (RCa), Knapweed (RCa), White Clover (RCa), New England Aster (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Worn individual reported sipping at wet sand (RJY)
Reports of Immatures: Ova: ● September 2: 5 reported on (potted) Yellow Indigo where an adult was observed on August 31. Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) Pupae: ● July 31: 1 reported at Beau's Butterfly Garden, WATE (TBe)
Commentary: Although this species is likely continuing to expand north and east, all new squares added to the map this year fall within its previously known range. Indeed, all of them fall west of Hamilton. As mentioned in the commentary for E. lucilius, these two species are difficult to differentiate, so it may be that some observations of baptisiae that occurred further to the north/east have been mistakenly identified as lucilius. The northernmost records continue to be in the Ottawa area. There were a number of reports of them “flitting around”, or “active near” Crown Vetch, but only one of actual nectaring on the main larval host, and there were no reports of oviposition upon it.
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BOREAL PERSIUS DUSKYWING (Erynnis persius borealis)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this northern species.
Commentary: Last reported in 2014, from the far northwestern part of KENO.
GRIZZLED SKIPPER (Pyrgus centaureae)
Total observations: 3 S vs N: 0/3 Highest Annual Total: 9 in 1991 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1.6 (skewed by a total of 7 in 2013) New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by MVB) Earliest date (Adults): June 9 at two sites along Hwy 65, S of Matachewan, TIMI (RCa) Latest date (Adults): June 13 at a site E of Hawk Junction, NE of Wawa, ALGO (MVB)
Reported Nectaring on: Blueberry (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for ALGO: June 13 at a site E of Hawk Junction, NE of Wawa (MVB)
Commentary: This northern species goes unreported in some years, so it was encouraging to get multiple reports from different areas this year. Although the new square added for ALGO falls within the known range for the species, it fills in part of the southern edge of the range. There does appear to be a trend for there to be more observations of this species in odd vs even years. Since 1983, there have been 40 observations reported in odd years vs 18 in even years. If the species is biennial, it could mean that the odd year cohort is more abundant. It is difficult to imagine what would cause observers to visit northern habitats more in odd years than in even ones, so it seems unlikely that this could be the result of observation bias. This is based on a quick look at the year over year distribution charts on the Atlas website, and is not a robust statistical analysis.
COMMON CHECKERED SKIPPER (Pyrgus communis)
Total observations: 35 S vs N: 35/0 Highest Annual Total: 166 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 69.2 (skewed by total of 166 in 2012) New Atlas Squares added: 2 Earliest date (Adults): June 7 at Front St. in Sarnia, LAMB (PCar) Latest date (Adults): Oct 9 at Peers Wetland, Wallaceburg, KENT (BAM) and at Wardsville, MIDD (DPy)
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High Counts (Adults): 144 and 104 reported on September 16 at Hillman Marsh, ESSE (RJY & KRY and BAM respectively)
Reported Nectaring on: White Aster (DaMa & LiW)
Commentary: All observations fall within the SW corner of Ontario, with no observations reported E of Wardsville. Although overall it appears to have been a down year for the species, the high counts indicate that it was numerous in at least one location. The 5 year average is somewhat skewed by high totals for 2012 (165) and 2016 (86). Otherwise, the total for 2017 is on a par with other recent years.
COMMON SOOTYWING (Pholisora catullus)
Total observations: 59 S vs N: 61/0 Highest Annual Total: 61 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 40.4 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adults): May 17 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) Latest date (Adults): September 7 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
High Counts (Adults): 18 reported on July 26 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB & RCa) 10 reported on June 13 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
Reported Nectaring on: Hoary Alyssum (RCa), Red Clover (RCa), Lavender (RCa), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The new population found at Miller Road in Port Colborne, NIAG (RCa) is interesting as this is a location that has been visited regularly by the author for a number of years, and this species has never been observed there before. While some might rush to conclude that this indicates “migration” or a range expansion, it seems much more likely that the species was simply overlooked during previous visits to the area. There was one report from the northeast edge of the range at the Dance NR, PETE (MaP). This is not the first record for this Atlas square, but there are very few records for this species in eastern Ontario. Again, this may be a reflection of the species being easily overlooked or mistaken for a small duskywing unless it is examined closely. Even in southwestern Ontario, there are 3 counties where the species has not been reported in over 20 years: HALD, OXFO and WELL. NORF had the most reports with 21, while ELGI came in second with 8, followed by KENT and WATE with 7 each.
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ARCTIC SKIPPER (Carterocephalus palaemon)
Total observations: 93 S vs N: 67/26 Highest Annual Total: 174 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 136.4 New Atlas Squares added: 15 (3 added by LMN, 3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): May 30 at Matchedash Bay PWA, Severn, SIMC (GSh) and West of Tweed, HAST (JBar) Latest date (Adults): July 16 at Little Trout Bay CA, THUN (CDJ) and at 6th Street East, Fort Frances, RAIN (AJa)
High Counts (Adults): 14 reported on June 14 at the Lang-Hastings Railtrail, W of Blezard, PETE (JB & KeMo) 12 reported on June 16 at Beaver River Wetland Trail, Blackwater, DURH (GrS)
Reported Nectaring on: Vicia (JoRe), Cow Vetch (LMN), Blue Iris (LMN), Philadelphia Fleabane (MSD)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though there were a few additions near the edges of the range: 2 new squares added in RAIN (AJa), and 3 in GREY (LMN). The 26 observations reported in northern Ontario were restricted to the northwestern districts: 4 in KENO, 11 in RAIN, 6 in THUN, and 5 in ALGO. In the south, observations were concentrated in a band across central Ontario, extending into the eastern portion of the province. It is interesting to note the 3 southernmost counties in the range - MIDD, OXFO, and BRAN - have not reported this species in over 20 years.
CLOUDED SKIPPER (Lerema accius)
Total observations: No reports in 2017 for this rare stray.
Commentary: Only ever reported once in 2000 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE.
LEAST SKIPPER (Ancyloxypha numitor)
Total observations: 415 (All-time High) S vs N: 412/3 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 365 New Atlas Squares added: 35 (4 added by RCa, 4 added by DPy, 3 added by WIr) Earliest date (Adults): May 29 at Essex, ESSE (MaNe) Latest date (Adults): October 5 at Conestogo Lake CA NW of Kitchener, WELL (BVR)
High Counts (Adults): 93 reported on September 9 at Bracebridge Sewage Lagoons, MUSK (KeMo)
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67 reported on August 26 at Bracebridge Sewage Lagoons, MUSK (KeMo) Reported Nectaring on: Ox-Eye Daisy (LMN), Red Clover ( JoRe), Cow Vetch (LMN), Bird’s-foot Trefoil ( LMN), Purple Loosestrife (JBar), New England Aster (JoRe)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Of the three observations reported in northern Ontario, two added new squares to the map: ● August 12 at Little Pigeon Bay, THUN (AlH) ● July 31 at Berlinghoff Rd, 11.2 km W of Iroquois Falls, COCH (DaE & JoH) The species was reported in all but 4 of the southern counties. LENN had the most reports with 49, while NORT came in second with 40, followed by HALT with 38. Judging from the seasonal distribution of observations, there appears to be have been two definite generations.
GARITA SKIPPERLING (Oarisma garita)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 3 in 1997 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 0.4 New Atlas Squares added: 0
Observation: 12 reported on July 4 at at a site on Great La Cloche Island, MANI (RHC)
Commentary: This western species is only known from a few sites on Great La Cloche Island, which are seldom surveyed during the flight season of this species. Until it was reported there in 2016, this species has not been reported since 1997.
EUROPEAN SKIPPER (Thymelicus lineola)
Total observations: 640 S vs N: 501/139 Highest Annual Total: 792 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 629 New Atlas Squares added: 51 (9 added by JK, 7 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): May 14 at Goodrich-Loomis CA, NORT (BNa) Latest date (Adults): August 13 at Pond Meadows Road in Huntsville, MUSK (KeMo)
High Counts (Adults): 23000 reported on July 2 at Charlie Allen Rd, PETE (JB) 2000+ reported on June 28 at Wylie Rd at the Carden Alvar, VICT (DLe) 1000+ reported on July 6 along Hwy 600 in Chapple Twp., RAIN (MSD)
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Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RAL, LMN, LJ, JBar, RT, RCa), Bird's-foot Trefoil (JBar, LMN), Clover (LMN), Daisy ( LMN, RAL), Red Clover (CH), Crown Vetch (JBar), Dandelion (JoRe, JBar), Viper's Bugloss (CH, DAS, JBar), Yarrow (RT), Canada Thistle (GPr) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Mud (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for HALD in 25 years: June 18 at Ruthven Park (NGo)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. It is rather surprising that we are still adding new squares in southern Ontario for such a common species, much less that this year would see the first record for HALD in 25 years! Anyone who thinks that the Atlas is anywhere near complete should ponder this. A good number of squares were also added to the map in the North (7 for ALGO, 1 for KENO, 1 in RAIN, 8 for RAIN and 3 for COCH). Only 4 counties in the province - TIMI, ELGI, OXFO and NIAG - failed to report this species in 2017. The species seems to have enjoyed a good year in 2017 - many reports show estimates in the hundreds, with several going into the thousands. There is one report containing what appears to be an actual count of 1342, but that is for the whole of Presqu'ile PP, with the observers listed as “park staff”, so this probably shouldn’t count as a normal observation. Several observers mention having to tread carefully to avoid stepping on these skippers.
FIERY SKIPPER (Hylephila phyleus)
Total observations: 28 S vs N: 28/0 Highest Annual Total: 469 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 130.6 (skewed by total of 469 in 2012) New Atlas Squares added: 0 Earliest date (Adults): August 2 at the Westview Motel on Pelee Island, ESSE (RJY & KRY) Latest date (Adults): Oct 22 at James Garden in Toronto, METR (JCa & VCa)
High Counts (Adults): 10 reported on October 7 at Centre Island, METR (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Sedum (RJY), Butterfly Bush (SC), Marigold (RJY & KRY)
Commentary: The season for this species started rather late this year, and numbers were low (most reports are of 1 or 2 individuals). On the map, most of the observations hug the North Shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario. METR had the most reports with 11, while ESSE came in second with 7, followed by KENT with 6.
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COMMON BRANDED SKIPPER (Hesperia comma laurentina)
Total observations: 21 (All-time High) S vs N: 0/21 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 9.4 New Atlas Squares added: 9 (7 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): August 1 at several locations in COCH and ALGO (DaE & JoH, MOli) Latest date (Adults): August 27 at Northbluff Point N of Moosonee, COCH (BH)
High Counts (Adults): 7 reported on August 5 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Rd, THUN (NGE) 6 reported on August 3 at Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though the report at Fraserdale, COCH (BER) is one of our most northerly reports from a location that can be reached by roads. The species was reported in 5 of the 9 northern districts. ALGO had the most observations by far with 14. It is difficult to say much about these observations in a historical context since the Atlas contains a number of records for this species that are out-of- season, and are almost certainly instances of mis-identification.
LEONARD’S SKIPPER (Hesperia leonardus)
Total observations: 60 S vs N: 48/12 Highest Annual Total: 71 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 55.6 New Atlas Squares added: 15 (7 added by MOli, 3 added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): August 6 at Centre Line Road N of Bruce Mines, ALGO (MOli) Latest date (Adults): September 26 at Rare’s Springbank Farm, WATE (JuRe)
High Counts (Adults): 43 reported on August 23 in the Arden Road area, FRON (DaE & JoH) 30 reported on September 6 in the Arden Road area, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Joe-Pye Weed (JK), Goldenrod (RJak), New England Aster (JBar), Large-leaved Aster (JK) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Wet sand containing decayed vegetation and bird droppings (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Ova: ● 15+ ova placed near the bases of a small patch of grass of unknown species. September 11 at the Tweed Fairgrounds, HAST (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for MIDD in 83 years: August 26 at Wardsville (DP)
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Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Reporting was patchy, with many counties not reporting any observations. In the North, only two districts reported observations this year: 11 in RAIN and 1 in SUDB. As was the case with the Common Branded Skipper, some historical observations are suspicious because of how early in the season they occurred. In the South, most observations were concentrated in central/eastern Ontario, but the species was reported as far south as Walsingham, NORF.
INDIAN SKIPPER (Hesperia sassacus)
Total observations: 66 S vs N: 58/8 Highest Annual Total: 87 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 69.2 New Atlas Squares added: 10 (4 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): June 8 at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve, Puslinch, WELL (BoK) and at Westover Tract, Flamborough, HAMI (JoRe) Latest date (Adults): July 19 at a snowmobile trail NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adults): 38 reported on June 24 at Sandy Lake Road, PETE (JB) 30 reported on June 14 in the Arden Rd area, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Only two northern districts reported this species in 2017: 7 observations were reported in ALGO, and 1 in MANI. There were no reports from southwestern Ontario this year, aside from a handful of reports from the Puslinch/Westover area west of Hamilton. All other observations reported in southern Ontario were made further to the northeast. PETE had the most reports with 12, while LENN came in second with 9, followed by OTTA with 8.
PECK’S SKIPPER (Polites peckius)
Total observations: 247 S vs N: 219/28 Highest Annual Total: 309 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 263 New Atlas Squares added: 28 (7 added by MOli, 3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): May 15 at a location in Scarborough, METR (BH) Latest date (Adults): October 9 at Campbell Park, Chatham, KENT (AlW)
High Counts (Adults): 58 reported on July 9 at Brock Con 13, N of Wilfrid, DURH (JK) 28 reported on August 16 and August 27 at James Gardens, METR (RJY)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (LMN), Coneflower (MSD, BCr), Butterfly Bush (RJY), Swamp Milkweed (BCr)
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Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. It was reported in all northern districts except for TIMI, the northern half of NIPI, and MANI (where it has never been reported). It was reported in most of the southern counties, but HALD and HURO have not had reports of this species in over 20 years, and it has never been reported in OXFO.
TAWNY-EDGED SKIPPER (Polites themistocles)
Total observations: 241 S vs N: 199/42 Highest Annual Total: 326 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 286.4 New Atlas Squares added: 26 (7 added by MOli, 3 added by DHE) Earliest date (Adults): May 22 at Wilson Tract, NORF (RJY & KRY) Latest date (Adults): September 19 at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adults): 30 reported on June 28 at Bankfield, 8km W of Geraldton, THUN (NGE) 25 reported on June 14 in the Arden Road area, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Nannyberry (JBar), Rubus sp (JBar), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (LMN), Cow Vetch (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Gravel road (RCa), mud rich in decaying plant matter (JBar)
Commentary: There were a good number of reports from the far north, though all new squares added to the map fall within its historical range. Three new squares were added in RAIN (DHE), and 3 new squares were added even further to the north: one observation on July 17 at Keewatin, KENO (MSD), one on July 31 at a powerline just W of Rte 655, 47.7 km N of Timmins, COCH (DaE & JoH) and another on August 1, SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH). In the south, the species seems strangely absent from a number of counties. Two counties - HALD and NIAG - have not reported it in over 20 years. This species is frequently confused with other similar species, so caution should be exercised in interpreting these results.
CROSSLINE SKIPPER (Polites origenes)
Total observations: 53 S vs N: 52/1 Highest Annual Total: 96 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 74 New Atlas Squares added: 8 (2 added by CCr) Earliest date (Adults): June 24 at Arthur Langford Reserve, NORF (KaB) Latest date (Adults): August 21 at Bright's Grove, LAMB (BKu)
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High Counts (Adults): 8 reported on July 9 at a site SE of Port Bolster, DURH (JK & LKa) 8 reported on July 11 at High Park, METR (RJY)
Reported Nectaring on: Common Milkweed (RCa), Heal-all ( RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for ELGI in 37 years: August 3 about 8.5 km E of Moraviantown (DPy)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There was one report from near the northern edge of that range on July 4 near Lewis Lake on Great La Cloche Island, MANI (RHC). Though there were relatively few observations reported overall, many southern counties had at least one report. Because this species is frequently confused with other similar species, there may have been more observations than those reported.
LONG DASH SKIPPER (Polites mystic)
Total observations: 218 S vs N: 168/50 Highest Annual Total: 317 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 266.4 New Atlas Squares added: 31 (6 added by MOli, 4 added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): June 11 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM) Latest date (Adults): August 3 at Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
High Counts (Adults): 22 reported on July 9 W of Derryville, DURH (JK & KLl) 12 reported on July 2 at a site 2km N of Lakeridge Ski Resort, DURH (JK)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RAL, LJ, RCa, CH, JBar & JaK, RT, JoRe), Viper's Bugloss (JBar, DAS), Ox-Eye Daisy (LJ), Heal-all (RAL), Milkweed (RT & HTh)
Commentary: Almost one quarter of the reports for this species came from northern Ontario, and it was reported in every northern county except for TIMI. Although all new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, five new squares were added near the northern edge of that range: ● July 4 at Dinorwic Lake, KENO (ERi) ● July 6 at Barwick Rd S of Blackhawk| Chapple Tp, RAIN (MSD) ● July 18 at Guilfoyle Lake, COCH (LBe) ● July 19 at Bennet Creek in Mowbray Twp., COCH (LBe) ● July 19 at Hwy. 621 and Blue Road No. 2, Blue Township, RAIN (DHE) It was reported in most of the southern counties, but there were relatively few reports in
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southwestern Ontario. OXFO and HALD have not reported this species in over 20 years. ALGO and PETE were tied for the most reports with 21 each, while WATE came in second with 18, followed by DURH, OTTA, and RAIN with 13 each.
For some reason, Cow Vetch seems to dominate the nectaring reports. It may simply be that there aren’t many other nectar plants in bloom during the flight season of the species.
WHIRLABOUT (Polites vibex)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this rare stray.
Commentary: Last reported in 2014 at James Gardens, METR.
NORTHERN BROKEN-DASH (Wallengrenia egeremet)
Total observations: 140 S vs N: 140/0 Highest Annual Total: 202 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 171 New Atlas Squares added: 18 (4 added by JK, 3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): June 26 at Malden, Windsor, ESSE (MaNe) Latest date (Adults): August 23 at Tweed, HAST (JaK)
High Counts (Adults): 30+ reported on June 23 at Vanderwater CA, HAST (JBAR) 20 reported on July 9 at Arthur Langford Reserve, NORF (KaB & AuH)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RCa, JBar), Wild Bergamot (JoRe, JBar, BCr), Common Milkweed (JBar) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Moist sand and gravel (JBar)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. No observations were reported in northern Ontario, where there have only been a few scattered reports in the past. The most northerly observation was made on July 18 on a trail north of Tooey’s Lake, RENF (RCa). Most of the southern counties reported observations this year. WATE had the most reports with 26, while HAST came in second with 21, followed by FRON with 14.
LITTLE GLASSYWING (Pompeius verna)
Total observations: 66 S vs N: 66/0 Highest Annual Total: 90 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 68
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New Atlas Squares added: 9 Earliest date (Adults): June 17 at Shaw’s Rd, Sandy Lake, PETE (JCa & VCa) Latest date (Adults): August 15 at Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan, YORK (KSp)
High Count (Adults): 16 reported on June 20 at Spring Garden ANSI, Windsor ESSE (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Common Milkweed (RCa), Brown Knapweed (RT)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for ELGI in 37 years: July 23 at Pearce PP (BAM)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but a number of them were added near the northern edge of that range. This species appears to have undergone a range extension in recent years - most of the records north of Toronto have been reported after 2000. Although it had become reasonably common in the Ottawa area in the past few years, there were no reports from any locations NE of Rideau Lakes in 2017. Numbers in that area must have dropped considerably. Given the number of active observers in the Ottawa area, it seems unlikely that it was simply overlooked. We have been scrutinizing reports for this species very closely, since we found a number of misidentifications in the Atlas. In addition to the confusion around the group of species collectively known as “the witches”, dark (Pocahontas) form female Hobomok Skippers have also been reported as Little Glassywings. These misidentifications are particularly problematic since Hobomoks start flying almost a month before Little Glassywings in much of Ontario. These erroneous reports had skewed the flight season for the Little Glassywing, and created a positive feedback loop where one early report made even earlier reports more plausible. Observers are cautioned to take care if they think they have found a Little Glassywing in early to mid June, particularly in the northern part of its range.
SACHEM (Atalopedes campestris)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequent migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2012, when it was reported all over SW Ontario, and as far east as Kingston.
DELAWARE SKIPPER (Anatrytone logan)
Total observations: 193 S vs N: 193/0 Highest Annual Total: 199 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 176.8 New Atlas Squares added: 24 (5 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): June 20 at Ojibway Prairie,Windsor, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
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Latest date (Adults): August 26 at Wardsville, MIDD (DPy)
High Counts (Adults): 21 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD) 18 reported on July 15 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (SuB & DaBo)
Reported Nectaring on: Thistle (RCa), Brown Knapweed (LMN, RAL), Common Milkweed (DAS), Cow Vetch (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● July 30: East of Tweed, near the intersection of Lajoie Rd. and the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for OXFO: July 15 at Township Rd 6; Innerkip (JCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall roughly within its historical range. Most fell in eastern Ontario, and there was a bit of a range extension in the NE quadrant with a report on July 30, at Grant Creek Bog, 4 km SW of Stonecliffe, RENF (DaE & JoH). Observations seem to be grouped in a band extending from southwestern Ontario across to eastern Ontario, with many southern counties reporting observations in 2017. For some reason, the species has never been reported in ELGI.
MULBERRY WING (Poanes massasoit)
Total observations: 32 S vs N: 32/0 Highest Annual Total: 52 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 42.2 New Atlas Squares added: 8 (2 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): July 3 at Fowler’s Pond, OXFO (AA) and Jack Lake Rd., PETE (JB) Latest date (Adults): July 31 at Rare, WATE (OLu)
High Counts (Adults): 37 reported on July 12 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB) 34 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RCa, JoRe), Swamp Milkweed (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, with most falling in eastern Ontario. The total number of observations was a bit down in 2017, but the addition of 8 new squares to the map would seem to indicate that the lower total is more a
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reflection of under-reporting than of scarcity. This species is somewhat elusive and finding it usually requires a dedicated search of its marsh habitat.
HOBOMOK SKIPPER (Poanes hobomok)
Total observations: 489 S vs N: 445/44 Highest Annual Total: 580 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 448.6 New Atlas Squares added: 21 (5 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adults): May 24 at Riverside Park King St., Cambridge, WATE (JuRe) Latest date (Adults): July 31 at Shaw's Road, Sandy Lake, PETE (JCa)
High Counts (Adults): 115 reported on June 24 at Sandy Lake Road, PETE (JB) 110 reported on June 14 in the Arden Rd area, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Dogbane (RCa), Wild Geranium (DAS), Dame's Rocket (LMN, BCr), Rubus sp (JBar), Red Clover (LMN), Cultivated Lupin (MSD), Tartarian honeysuckle (BCS), Cow Vetch (JBar, RT, RAL), Allium (LMN), Spreading Geranium (LMN), Iris (LMN), Red Raspberry (RAL), Bird’s- foot Trefoil (LMN, JBar), Blue Iris (LMN), Buttercup (LMN), Ox-Eye Daisy (LMN), Fleabane (LMN), Viper's Bugloss (LMN, DAS, RAL), Yellow Hawkweed (RT), Crown Vetch (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 16 on the underside of a Dandelion leaf, at a location East of Tweed, near the intersection of Alexander St. and the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Observations were reported in every northern district with the exception of MANI and COCH. The most northerly observation occurred on June 10, at Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB). The species was reported in every southern county save NIAG, BRAN, and ELGI. PETE had the most reports with 59, while HAST came in a close second with 57, followed by WATE with 33.
The reports of nectaring are numerous and diverse, but we must consider that there are almost 500 observations in total for this species. There are 15 reports that mention dark “Pocahontas” form females, as well as one for an intermediate between the dark and the normal form.
ZABULON SKIPPER (Poanes zabulon)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this rare stray.
Commentary: Last reported in 2001, on Pelee Island, ESSE.
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BROAD-WINGED SKIPPER (Poanes viator)
Total observations: 57 S vs N: 55/2 Highest Annual Total: 103 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 77 New Atlas Squares added: 8 Earliest date (Adults): July 6 at Sand Rd, Cumberland Forest, OTTA (CH) Latest date (Adults): August 26 in the Wolfe Lake area, LEED (RT) and at Wardsville, MIDD (DPy)
High Counts (Adults): 34 reported on July 25 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & KeMo) 33 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD)
Reported Nectaring on: Swamp Milkweed (RCa), Viper's Bugloss (DAS), Purple Loosestrife (RT)
Commentary: Most of this year’s observations were reported in southern and eastern Ontario, though we did have two from northwestern Ontario: July 10 in Spohn Twp. RAIN (DHE & MSD), and July 20 in Atwood Twp. RAIN (DHE). This aligns with historical observations for the species which appear to indicate that the range for the species is discontinuous, with one population in southern Ontario, and another in extreme northwestern Ontario. All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, and most are concentrated SW of Toronto. HAMI had the most reports with 11, while PETE came in a close second with 10, followed by LENN with 7.
DION SKIPPER (Euphyes dion)
Total observations: 24 S vs N: 23/1 Highest Annual Total: 73 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 55 New Atlas Squares added: 4 (MSD involved in 2 of these additions) Earliest date (Adults): June 11 at the Mud Creek Trail, Chatham-Kent, KENT (MSD) - record early date Latest date (Adults): August 16 at County Rd 46, N of Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB)
High Counts (Adults): 27 reported on July 29 at Cameron to Baseline, PETE (JB) 18 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD)
Reported Nectaring on: Common Milkweed (RCa)
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Noteworthy Observations: First record for HALD in 26 years: July 25 at Indian Line, South of Caistorville (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one of them was added near the NW edge of that range - an observation on July 10 in Dawson Twp., RAIN (JHE & MSD). As was the case with the previous species, the range appears to be discontinuous, with one population in southern Ontario and another in northwestern Ontario. Only 3 observations were reported in SW Ontario where 5 counties - NORF, OXFO, ELGI, MIDD and HURO - have not had reports of this species in over 20 years. Ten of the twenty four observations reported this year occurred in PETE.
The low number of reports for this species compared to previous years is noteworthy. At one reliable site near the author’s home, Dion Skipper’s were noticeably late to make an appearance. The 2017 seasonal distribution for the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Forest region does appear to occur a bit later than the historical average. It may simply be that the species was missed by many observers because it emerged later than usual, when fewer observers were visiting their sedge marsh habitat.
DUKE’S SKIPPER (Euphyes dukesii)
Total observations: 5 S vs N: 5/0 Highest Annual Total: 12 in 1988 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 6 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adults): July 14 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM) Latest date (Adults): August 12 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM
High Counts (Adults): 4 reported on July 21 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM)
Commentary: All observations were made at known locations for this species, whose range is confined to the extreme southwestern Ontario.
BLACK DASH (Euphyes conspicua)
Total observations: 6 S vs N: 6/0 Highest Annual Total: 22 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 16.6 New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): July 11 at Amiens Road & Olde Drive, MIDD (JK) Latest date (Adults): July 26 at Rare, WATE (OLu)
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High Counts (Adults): 4 reported on July 25 at Crief Bog, WELL (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Swamp Milkweed (JK, RCa)
Commentary: The single new square added to the map for this species falls well within its historical range. There is no obvious reason for the low number of observations this year, though the species is localized and generally not reported in large numbers. The 6 observations were made at only 4 locations, all in the heart of its the historical range. Although the species appears to have spread to the northeast in recent years, four southwestern counties - NIAG, HALD, ELGI and HURO - have not reported it in over 20 years.
TWO-SPOTTED SKIPPER (Euphyes bimacula)
Total observations: 23 S vs N: 23/0 Highest Annual Total: 36 in 2013 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 23.4 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adults): June 21 at Coon Lake, PETE (PSB) Latest date (Adults): July 19 at Addington Rd 1, 4.9 km N of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adults): 16 reported on July 12 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (DAS), Viper's Bugloss (DAS), Blue Flag (MVB)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. No observations of the species were made in southwestern Ontario this year. PETE had the most reports with 12, while LENN came in second with 4, followed by HALI with 3.
DUN SKIPPER (Euphyes vestris)
Total observations: 559 (All-time High) S vs N: 446/113 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 408 New Atlas Squares added: 65 (19 added by MOli, 6 added by DHE, 6 added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): June 8 at Raft Lake Rd, RAIN (DHE) Latest date (Adults): September 11 at locations 7.6 km SW of Marlbank, HAST (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adults):
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330 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD) 190 reported on July 15 at the N end of Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (SuB & DaBo)
Reported Nectaring on: Vetch (ERi), Milkweed (RT, KAn), Swamp Milkweed (RCa, KAn), Heal-all (DAS), Cow Vetch (RAL, JBar), Coneflower (RT & HTh), Joe-Pye Weed (MSD, JBar), Wild Bergamot (JBar & JaK), Viper’s Bugloss (DKa), Red Clover (JBar) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Bear scat (RAL), mud (NaR, JBar, KAn), moist sand/gravel (JBar & JaK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though there were a good number added in northern Ontario: 19 in ALGO (MOli), 2 in KENO (SFe, AlH), 2 in COCH (BER, DaE & JoH), 7 in RAIN (DHE, MSD, AlH) and 2 in SUDB (DAS, ErG). The only northern districts that failed to report this species were TIMI, MANI, and the northern half of NIPI. In southern Ontario, the only counties that did not report this species were HURO, PERT and KENT. Province wide, PETE had the most reports with 58, while ALGO came in a close second with 56, followed by HAST with 46. There were a number of high counts for this species, but several appear to have been accumulated over the length of a long road.
DUSTED SKIPPER (Atrytonopsis hianna)
Total observations: 15 (All-time High) S vs N: 15/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 2.4 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adults): May 30 at Pinery PP, LAMB (CDJ, PCar) Latest date (Adults): June 24 at Pinery PP, LAMB (BKu, ChCh & JoRe & BoK)
High Counts (Adults): 31 reported on June 2 at Ipperwash Beach, LAMB (RJY & KRY)
Commentary: This year’s unusually large number of sightings for this species is likely due to surveying for the Mottled Duskywing that was being done in the Pinery Park area, which brought an unusually high number of observers into the area during the Dusted Skipper’s flight season.
PEPPER AND SALT SKIPPER (Amblyscirtes hegon)
Total observations: 6 S vs N: 4/2 Highest Annual Total: 11 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 7 New Atlas Squares added: 3 Earliest date (Adults): May 28 at Backus Woods, Walsingham, NORF (AT) Latest date (Adults): June 21 at Bass Lake Rd, Aberdeen Twp., ALGO (MOli)
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High Counts (Adults): All reports are of singletons.
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Geranium (AT) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Gravel road (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for FRON: June 3 at Hungry Bay Rd, Arden (RCa)
Commentary: Though there weren’t many observations reported in 2017, they were distributed across the province, with every observation occurring in a different county. Fully half the observations added new squares to the map, indicating that the species is not merely being found at a handful of known locations. The observation from ALGO is only the second record ever for that district. The May 28 report from Backus Woods (AT) is only the third ever from that location, and the fifth ever for NORF. There is also one observation from northwestern Ontario - June 7 on Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE).
COMMON ROADSIDE SKIPPER (Amblyscirtes vialis)
Total observations: 62 (All-time High) S vs N: 46/16 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 37.6 New Atlas Squares added: 14 (3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adults): May 23 at a site near Big Clear Lake, Arden, FRON (RCa) Latest date (Adults): July 18 at Fauquier-Strickland, COCH (LBe)
High Counts (Adults): 15 reported on June 3 at Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH) 15 reported on June 14 in the Arden Rd area, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Spurge (RCa), Bastard Toadflax (RCa), Bird’s-Foot Trefoil (LMN), Red Clover (LMN), White Clover (LMN), Cow Vetch (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Gravel road (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for GREY: June 14 at Chatsworth-Kinghurst Forest NR (LMN)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Observations were reported in every northern district except TIMI and the northern half of NIPI. The following
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are some of the more northerly reports: ● June 6 at Buchanan Fen, THUN (NGE) ● June 10 at Sioux Lookout, KENO (SuB) ● June 1-12, several reports in the Atikokan Area, RAIN (DHE, DHE & MSD) ● July 18 at Fauquier-Strickland, COCH (LBe) In the South, most records are confined to a band across central/eastern Ontario. In southwestern Ontario - where the species seems to be extremely localized - there were 3 observations from the Ipperwash area, and a single, very late record from NORF: July 16 at St. Williams Conservation Reserve (MCo). LENN had the most reports with 11, while FRON and PETE had 7 each, followed by RAIN with 6.
OCOLA SKIPPER (Panoquina ocola)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2015 when there were seven reports including four new county records, from as far north as Ottawa.
Family: PAPILIONIDAE
PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL (Battus philenor)
Total observations: 16 S vs N: 16/0 Highest Annual Total: 121 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 29.4 (skewed by total of 121 in 2012) New Atlas Squares added: 2 (1 added by AKa, 1 added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): May 12 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (JCa & VCa) Latest date (Adults): August 30 at Centre Island, METR (RJY)
High Counts (Adults): 22 reported on July 2 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Butterfly Bush (RJY)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 22, June 26, July 25, and August 19: On Pipevine at Monarch’s Landing, ELGI (RAll) Ova: ● July 25: 30+ reported at Monarch’s Landing, ELGI (RAll) Larvae:
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● July 25: 70 reported at Monarch’s Landing, ELGI (RAll) ● July 26: 3 reported at Monarch’s Landing, ELGI (RCa) Pupae: ● July 25: unknown number reported at Monarch’s Landing, ELGI (RAll)
Commentary: Though most of this years observations were made in southwestern Ontario (chiefly at Monarch’s Landing), there were a total of 4 separate observations reported in METR. The Atlas contains a number of older observations reported for Rondeau PP, but this year saw the first report at the SW tip on July 13 (AKa), resulting in the addition of a new square to the map for this species. Of greater significance was an observation on July 12 at a location south of Sarnia Casino, LAMB (JK), the first observation from that corner of southwestern Ontario.
ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL (Eurytides marcellus)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2016 at the Tip of Long Point, NORF.
BLACK SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio polyxenes)
Total observations: 628 S vs N: 613/15 Highest Annual Total: 686 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 488.4 New Atlas Squares added: 44 (5 added by WIr, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adults): April 17 at Spring Garden, Windsor, ESSE (MaNe) Latest date (Adults): September 30 at City View Park, HALT (BVR)
High Counts (Adults): 30 reported on August 2 at Pelee Island, SW quadrant, ESSE (RJY & KRY) 16 reported on July 17 at Glenorchy Conservation Lands, HALT (AA)
Reported Nectaring on: Creeping Phlox (KaB), Dandelion (LMN, TMa), False Goat’s Beard (LJ), Lady's-mantle (LJ), Red Clover (GM, JBar, RCa, KAn, CH, RT), Milkweed (RAL), Viper’s Bugloss (JBar), Garden Phlox (AA), Bull Thistle (JBar), Wild Marjoram (LJ), Wild Teasel (DKa), Purple Loosestrife (JBar), New England Aster (KAn) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Dirt (LMN), moist sand and gravel (JBar), wet dirt/gravel (KAn)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● May 28 on Garden Parsley at Wendover Avenue, Ottawa, OTTA (PH) ● May 28 on Cow Parsnip at The Riverwood Conservancy, Mississauga, PEEL (BCr)
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● June 3 on Queen Anne’s Lace at Osgoode Link Pathway near Leitrim Road, OTTA (BW) ● June 10 on Wild Parsnip West of Tweed, bordering the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar) ● June 19 on Golden Alexanders, Parsely, Dill, Fennel, and Carrots at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● July 21 on Queen Anne’s Lace at Bronte Creek PP, HALT (BCr) ● August 2 on Queen Anne’s Lace East of Tweed, near the trans-Canada Trail, HAST. 10+ ova reported (JBar) ● August 3 on Queen Anne’s Lace (?) at Merivale Gardens, OTTA (CH & RDi) ● August 9 on Queen Anne’s Lace at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH) ● August 15 on Queen Anne’s Lace at Tweed, east of the Community Pool, HAST. 10+ ova reported (JBar) ● August 17 on Queen Anne’s Lace at Tweed Fairgrounds, HAST. 5+ ova reported (JBar) Ova: ● June 17: 1 reported at Beau's Butterfly Garden, WATE (TBe) ● August 2: 2 reported at Heather Court, Halton Hills, HALT (JuPo) ● August 11: 1 reported at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 14: 2 reported at 5th Line, Guelph/Eramosa, WELL (DMac) Larvae: ● June 14 & 17: 4,5 reported on Dill, at Westcliffe East, Hamilton, HAMI (CSc) ● June 14 & 22: 1,3 reported at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● June 22: 1 reported at Beare Road Sanitary Landfill, Toronto, METR (CJT) ● June 23: 4 reported at Rippleton Court, London, MIDD (MhM) ● June 28: 1 reported at Burnt Lands PP, OTTA (CH) ● July 5: 1 reported on Wild Parsnip, at Tweed, Moira River shoreline near French Settlement Rd, HAST (JBar) ● July 7: 1 reported on Parsley, 3 km NW of Watson's Corners, LANA (ChDo) ● July 9: 1 reported on Dill, at Mowat Ave, Kingston, FRON (ASc) ● July 18: 1 reported at St. Joseph Island, ALGO (JoRa) ● July 24: 1 reported at W of Mississauga Road, Belfontaine, PEEL (DaSh) ● July 31: 1 reported at Westcliffe East, Hamilton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 3: 1 reported at Campbell Park, Chatham, KENT (AlW) ● August 9: 1 first instar reported at Heather Court, Halton Hills, HALT (JuPo) ● August 11: 1 larger and 7 tiny larvae reported at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 15: 1 reported at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 18: 1 reported on at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 20: 1 reported at Mowat Ave, Kingston, FRON (ASc) ● August 25: 1 reported on Parsnip, S of Finch, STOR (PDe) ● August 25: 1 reported at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● August 26: 2 reported on Dill, at Mowat Ave, Kingston, FRON (ASc) ● August 27: 1 (~10 mm long) reported on Queen Anne's Lace, E of Tweed, bordering the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar) ● August 30: 2 different instars reported eating parsley, near tip of Long Point, NORF (LMW) ● August 30: 1 reported at 5th Line, Guelph/Eramosa, WELL (DMac) ● September 3: 1 reported on Rue at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
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● September 4: 1 reported at Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa, OTTA (CH) ● September 4: 1 reported at 5th Line, Guelph/Eramosa, WELL (DMac) ● September 4: 1 fifth instar reported at Hunter St. W., Peterborough, PETE (WDu) ● September 11: 1 ( ~20 mm long) reported on Queen Anne's Lace, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● September 14: 1 reported at S Bridle Trail, Burlington, HALT (DBarr) ● September 14: 1 reported at RBG, Burlington, HALT (JHu) ● September 15: 1 reported at Trans-Canada Trail, 4 km W Tweed, HAST (JaK) ● September 16: 1 early instar reported at Presqu'ile PP, NORT (NaB) ● September 22: 1 reported on Parsnip, 3 km NW of Watson's Corners, LANA (ChDo) ● September 29: 1 reported S of Port Rowan, NORF (JHus) ● October 7: 1 reported S of Port Rowan, NORF (JHus) - same individual as previous report Pupae: ● July 25: 1 reported on Dill at County Road 97, W of Freelton, HAMI (CSc) ● October 7: same individual observed as 5th instar caterpillar on Sept 4 at Hunter St. W., Peterborough, PETE (WDu)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though 3 of them were added in RAIN. Otherwise, this year’s observations closely mirror the geographic distribution of historical records, with all observations reported in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence and Carolinian forest zones. All southern counties reported the species in 2017, with the exception of MUSK, HALI, PARR, and NIPI. In northern Ontario, only ALGO, MANI, and RAIN reported observations (5, 1, and 9 respectively).
OLD WORLD SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio machaon)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 9 in 2009 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1.4 (skewed by total of 3 in 2013) New Atlas Squares added: none
Observation: 1 reported on June 11 near Anaway Lake, 20km NE of Dryden, KENO (SFe)
Commentary: This northern species is seldom reported in Ontario. The single report we got this year was of a single individual photographed with a group of 15 Canadian Tiger Swallowtails. Presumably, it was a puddle party.
EASTERN GIANT SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio cresphontes)
Total observations: 552 S vs N: 552/0
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Highest Annual Total: 784 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 511.2 New Atlas Squares added: 32 (3 added by WIr) Earliest date (Adults): May 13 at Amburg Grand Canyon Trail, ESSE (DaMa & LiW) Latest date (Adults): October 2 at McGeachy Pond dike, KENT (SC)
High Counts (Adults): 40 reported on July 30 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (BAM) 30 reported on August 30 at Centre Island, METR (RJY)
Reported Nectaring on: Downy Arrowwood (RAL), Korean Lilac (NoS), Dame's Rocket (JBar), Yellow Hawkweed (RT), Cultivated Lilac (RAL), Viper’s Bugloss (CH), Zinnia (KaB), Red Clover (CH), Purple Loosestrife (RAL), Swamp Milkweed (JBar), Bull Thistle (JBar), pink and white Phlox (RAL), Black Eyed Susan (RAL), Japanese Anemone (RAL, RJak), Butterfly Bush (RJY, DD, AY), Hosta (RAL), Bergamot (KSp), New England Aster (JBar), Pale Blue Aster (RT), Mexican Sunflower (KaB), Goldenrod (JBar), Ligularia (RAL), Bouncing Bet (JBar), Pink Sedum (ChDo), Cup Plant (BNC) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Wet sand and gravel (JBar), wet sand containing decayed vegetation and bird droppings (JBar), sand (BW)
Reports of Immatures:
Oviposition reported: ● August 5 on Gas Plant at Laurel Creek CA, WATE (RJak) ● August 10 on young Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 22 on Hop Trees at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 27 on Hop Tree at James Garden, METR (RJY) ● August 27 on Rue at Fairway Road, Woodstock, OXFO (LLa) ● September 11 on Gas Plant at Laurel Creek CA, WATE (RJak) Ova: ● June 14 : 1 reported on Prickly Ash at McDonald St W, Listowel, PERT (GR) ● August 11: 13 reported at Beau's Butterfly Garden, WATE (TBe) ● August 15: 7 reported at McDonald St W, Listowel, PERT (GR) ● August 17: 25 reported at Beau's Butterfly Garden, WATE (TBe) ● August 22: 15 reported at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 30: 6 reported on Prickly Ash at the Lighthouse at Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn) ● September 10: several reported at K&P trail north of McIvor Rd, Kingston, FRON (XW) Larvae: ● June 25: 1 reported on young Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● July 12: 1 reported feeding on Gas Plant at Laurel Creek CA, WATE (RJak) ● July 13: 1 reported at Upper Oak Leaf Road One KM south of 42, LEED (BVR) ● July 17: 2 reported at Crawford Lake CA, HALT (BVR) ● August 5: 2 reported on Hop Trees at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 10: 1 on young Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
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● August 11: 1 on Hop Tree at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● August 15: 1 at McDonald St W, Listowel, PERT (GR) ● August 16: 1 at the McCaffrey Trail, OTTA (SeL) ● August 22: 21 reported at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● September 3: 44 (ranging from 1st to 3rd instar) reported on small Hop Trees in gardens and pots at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 30: 26 reported on Prickly Ash at the Lighthouse at Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn) ● September 6: 31 (the largest being 1.5") reported on Prickly Ash at Trillium Woods Trail, Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn) ● September 6: 1 reported at Crawford Lake CA, HALT (BVR) ● September 9: 1 reported at Point Pelee NP, West Beach, ESSE (ACa) ● September 10: several (ova to 4th instar) reported at K&P trail north of McIvor Rd, Kingston, FRON (XW) ● September 11: 1 (about 18 mm long), reported on Prickly Ash, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● September 13: 63 (the largest being 1.5") reported on Prickly Ash at Trillium Woods Trail, Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn) ● September 15: 2 reported on Prickly Ash, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● September 16: 1 (~ 55 mm long), reported on Prickly Ash, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● September 18: 1 reported at Fairway Road, Woodstock, OXFO (LLa) ● September 20: 1 (~ 30 mm long), reported on Prickly Ash, East of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● September 21: 1 reported at Port Rowan, NORF (JHus) ● September 21: 1 reported on Prickly Ash at Malden, Windsor, ESSE (TPr) ● September 21: 1 reported on Hop Tree at Front Rd., Port Rowan, NORF (SMacK) ● September 24: One first instar caterpillar, three caterpillars ~ 5 mm long, two ~ 30 mm long, one ~ 40 mm long, all on the same Prickly Ash, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar & JaK) ● September 28: 1 reported at Tweed, HAST (JaK) ● September 30: 1 reported at Tweed, HAST (JaK) ● September 30: numerous, from 1st to 5th instars reported at K&P trail N of Burbrook Rd., Kingston, FRON (XW) ● October 3: 1 reported at Tweed, HAST (JaK) ● October 5: 1 (~ 50 mm long), reported on Prickly Ash, E of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● October 9: 1 reported on fast fading Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● October 9: 3 different sizes, ~12 in all reported feeding on Gas Plant at Danforth Road, NE Cobourg, NORT (ESa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one addition was the 2nd record ever for MUSK: August 29, at Bracebridge Ponds (BTa). Most of the other observations were made in an approximate 100 km wide band stretching from the southwest to the far eastern corner of Ontario. The most northerly observations for 2017 were all reported in the Ottawa area, and all were reported in squares where the species had been reported in previous years. Interestingly, 2 of the 3 counties with the highest number of observations were in eastern Ontario (HAST and LENN reported 81 and 46 observations respectively). A number of records mentioned sightings of adults near Prickly Ash, but only a few specifically stated that oviposition was observed.
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EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio glaucus)
Total observations: 607 (All-time High) S vs N: 607/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 434 New Atlas Squares added: 36 (3 added by BVR, 3 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): April 30 at Port Burwell PP, ELGI (RAll) Latest date (Adult): September 26 at East Point Park, Scarborough, METR (DD)
High Counts (Adult): 26 reported on June 14 at High Park, METR (RJY) 22 reported on August 2 at Pelee Island, SW quadrant, ELGI (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Violet (KaB), Milkweed (KAr, RT & HTh, DaMc), Thistle (RCa, BCr), Brown Knapweed (RT & HTh), Dame’s Rocket (KAn), Teasel (RCa), Wild Bergamot (RCa, JBar), Butterfly Bush (XW), Cup Plant (BNC, RJY) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Damp sand (BCr, RAL), damp gravel driveway (RAL), mud rich in decaying vegetation and bird droppings (JBar), mud (JBar, KAn), on roadway on top of a pile of dirt that had been freshly graded (KAn)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 12 on Tulip Tree at Lincoln Ave, METR (RJY) Larvae: ● June 19: 1 reported on Green Ash at Beverley Swamp CA, HAMI (CCh) ● August 19: 1 reported on Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● August 20: 1st instar reported on Ash at K&P trail N of McIvor Rd., Kingston, FRON (XW) ● August 28: 1 reported at Still Meadow Way, OTTA (NLa) ● September 3: 1 reported on small Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) ● September 8: 1 reported on small Hop Tree at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within what has been regarded as the known range for this species. However, there is some uncertainty about precisely what is going on with the Tiger Swallowtails in Ontario. Many Tiger Swallowtails can be difficult to identify as either P. glaucus or P. canadensis because of ambiguous field marks. This adds uncertainty to many observations. The author frequently observes large, fresh Tiger Swallowtails on the wing at various locations around Ottawa in late June or early July, just as the smaller Canadian Tiger Swallowtails are on the wain. These Tigers exhibit many characteristics of glaucus, but the dates for these observations seem too late to be first generation glaucus, yet too early to be a second generation. The author has observed second generation glaucus in S. Ontario and they appear to peak later in summer. If we examine the distribution of 2017 observations for glaucus in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region, we do see two peaks, but they are only one week apart, with the second higher peak falling in the first 10 days of July. Unfortunately, using our Atlas
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data to unravel a question like this is problematic - many IDs for this group are influenced by when they are made. In other words, the identifications we make are often influenced by our preconceptions as to when and where the two species are likely to be found. Therefore, using what’s already in the Atlas to investigate this issue can be somewhat circular.
One theory is that these “late” emerging Tigers in eastern Ontario are part of a “hybrid swarm” which emerges later than either pure glaucus in S. Ontario or pure canadensis in N. Ontario. To varying degrees, they show a mix of characteristics which blurs the lines between the two species. Xi Wang has done some research on this, and his conclusions are that most of the larger Tiger Swallowtails observed in eastern Ontario after canadensis is tapering off are probably part of this hybrid swarm. Given that this issue calls many of our identifications into question, it is difficult to comment on many of the glaucus observations reported outside southern Ontario.
CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio canadensis)
Total observations: 367 S vs N: 204/163 Highest Annual Total: 569 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 445.6 New Atlas Squares added: 45 (7 added by MSD, 6 added by MOli, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): May 17 at the bike trail near HWY 2, Cornwall, STOR (RDo) Latest date (Adult): July 18 at Guilfoyle Lake, COCH (LBe)
High Counts (Adult): 103 reported on June 21 at Reid CA, LAMB (RJY & KRY) 77 reported on June 12 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (JHE) 75+ reported on June 12 at Spruce River, 7 km NW Albert Lake Mesa PNR, THUN (JBK)
Reported Nectaring on: Weigela (RAL), Pin Cherry (ERi), Honeysuckle (RAL), High-Bush Cranberry (LMN), Dandelion (GPr), Blueberry (RCa), Fuchsia (RAL), Red Clover (CH), Dame's Rocket (KAn), Garden Peony (LWN), Cow Vetch (RT), Spreading Dogbane (DAS, RAL), Wood Lily (JoRe), Common Milkweed (HMA), Orange Hawkweed (GPr) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: sand and gravel (TMa), damp gravel (RAL), moist soil (JBar), scat (JBK), mud (MSD & JHE, RCa, KAn), damp sand (RAL)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for WELL: June 2 at Clifford - rail trail south (GR)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. As mentioned under the previous species, there is some uncertainty about the IDs of Tiger Swallowtails in southern and eastern Ontario. There is a wide area of overlap in the ranges of glaucus and canadensis, and some (or even most) individuals in this area may be hybrids. There were a good number of records from the far North this year, including the following which resulted in the
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addition of new squares to the map for this species: ● June 1 at Twp of Miscampbell, RAIN (MSD) ● June 3 at Dawson Twp, RAIN (MSD) ● June 7 at Neilson Rd, Stratton, RAIN (AJa) ● June 9 at Hurkett, THUN (MSD) ● June 9 at Flanders, RAIN (MSD) ● June 9 at Mine Centre, RAIN (MSD) ● June 12 at Spruce River, 7 km NW Albert Lake Mesa PNR, THUN (JBK) ● July 2 at Mackenzie Bay, Lac Seul, KENO (CaE) ● July 2-5: several locations in Superior Islands NR, THUN (SB & Thunder Bay FNs) ● July 3 at Lake Lesage, SUDB (ErG) ● July 6 at Stratton, RAIN (MSD) ● July 7 at Sunshine Rd, RAIN (DHE) ● July 14 at Bennet Lake Esker Kame Complex, COCH (LBe) ● July 18 at Guilfoyle Lake, COCH (LBe) All northern districts reported observations with the exception of MANI.
SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL (Papilio troilus)
Total observations: 144 (All-time High) S vs N: 144/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 78.6 New Atlas Squares added: 6 Earliest date (Adult): May 15 at Skunk's Misery - Mosa Forest, MIDD (LuF) Latest date (Adult): October 3 at Westover Rd, SE of Valens, HAMI (PDSm)
High Counts (Adult): 70 reported on June 7 at Long Point--Breakwater, NORF (MCo) 35 reported on June 17 at the Wilson Tract, NORF (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Butterfly Milkweed (JoRe), Knapweed (RCa), Wild Bergamot (RCa), Cup Plant (RJY), Marigold (KaB)
Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● June 22: 5 reported on Spicebush at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● July 14: 5 reported on Spicebush at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● September 22: 1 reported at Malden, Windsor, ESSE (TPr)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one new square was added far to the east of where it is normally reported - August 26 at Presqu'ile PP, beach 3, NORT (IS & MaP). Three new squares have been added near the northern edge of the Carolinian zone - 2 in HAMI and one in WATE. NORF had the most reports with 50, while KENT came in second with 18, followed by ESSE, METR and MIDD, each with 14.
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Family: PIERIDAE
CHECKERED WHITE (Pontia protodice)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 21 in 1971 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1.6 New Atlas Squares added: 1 Observation: 1 reported on July 26 at Umfreville Lake, KENO (AIH)
Commentary: The new square added to the map for this species falls within its historical range, though this observation is one of the most northerly ones ever reported in Ontario. At one point in time, this was an irregular migrant in southern Ontario, where it was known to establish temporary colonies, but this species does not appear to have been observed very frequently in recent years.
WESTERN WHITE (Pontia occidentalis)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 19 in 2011 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1.8 New Atlas Squares added: 1
High Counts (Adult): 1 reported on June 22 at Williams Bog, THUN (JW)
Commentary: The new square added to the map for this species falls within its historical range, which appears to be mostly confined to northwestern Ontario, except for a cluster of reports from the Hudson/James Bay coast. Like the Checkered White, the Western White is reported sporadically in northwestern Ontario, which would lead one to suspect that neither species is resident there.
MUSTARD WHITE (Pieris oleracea)
Total observations: 258 S vs N: 215/43 Highest Annual Total: 368 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 253.6 New Atlas Squares added: 36 (7 added by MOli, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): April 24 at the Greenock Swamp Wetland, BRUC (LWN) Latest date (Adult): September 22 at Alex Robertson Park, Pickering, DURH (RP)
High Counts (Adult): 40 reported on August 6 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Rd, THUN (NGE)
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21 reported on May 28 at Fairview Court, Lindsay, VICT (KAn)
Reported Nectaring on: Violets (LMN), Swamp Marigold (LMN), Dandelion (JBar & JaK, RCa), Crab Apple (JBar), Coltsfoot (JBar), Dame's Rocket (KAn), Rubus sp (JBar), Viper’s Bugloss (JBar), Heal-all (RCa, RAL), Cow Vetch (JBar), Queen Anne's Lace (RCa), Enchanter's Nightshade (JBar) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: On road (RCa), moist sand and gravel (JBar)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though we had one square added near the northwestern edge of the range: July 16 at Eagle River, KENO (SFe). Otherwise, our most northerly records for this species in 2017 are as follows: ● June 3 at Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB) ● August 12 at Little Piskwamish Point, COCH (AmM) ● September 10 at Moosonee, COCH (TRS, MaP) Observations of this species were reported in every northern district except for MANI, NIPI, and TIMI. Many counties in southern Ontario had reports for this species in 2017, but there were few reports in southwestern Ontario. There have been no reports of the species in NIAG and BRAN in over 20 years, and it has never been reported in HALD and PERT. PETE had the most reports this year with 31, while HAST came in second with 28, followed by FRON with 27.
WEST VIRGINIA WHITE (Pieris virginiensis)
Total observations: 24 S vs N: 23/1 Highest Annual Total: 48 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 26.6 New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by ChZ) Earliest date (Adult): April 23 at the Twiss Road Escarpment Woods, HALT (RHC) Latest date (Adult): June 3 at Tate's Road, PETE (JCa & GRi & NMcP)
High Counts (Adult): 110 reported on May 20 at Tribag Mine Road, ALGO (ChZ)
Reported Nectaring on: Spring Beauty (JoRe, BoK) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Dirt/Gravel road (ChZ, LBe)
Commentary: The new square added to the map for this species falls within its historical range, but is very close to the northern limit in ALGO. Otherwise, all 2017 observations were clustered around the 3 main areas where this species has been reported historically in HALT, PETE, and FRON (which had 12, 7 and 4 observations reported respectively).
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CABBAGE WHITE (Pieris rapae)
Total observations: 2271 (All-time High) S vs N: 2201/70 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 2050.6 New Atlas Squares added: 65 (14 added by JK, 9 added by GR & AM) Earliest date (Adult): February 23 at Tecumseh, ESSE (LFi) - earliest date ever reported Latest date (Adult): November 3 at Rosetta McClain Gardens, METR (WF)
High Counts (Adult): There were a number of counts/estimates in the hundreds.
Reported Nectaring on: Willow Blossom (RCa), Coltsfoot (RCa), Dandelion (JoRe, JBar, LMN, TeAr), Violet (LMN), Wild Strawberry (JBar), Wormseed Mustard (JBar), Meadow Buttercup (JBar), Tatarian Honeysuckle (JBar), Silverweed Cinquefoil (LMN), Cow Vetch (CH, RCa, LJ, RT & HTh), Crown Vetch (JBar), Milkweed (RT & HTh), Garden Nasturtium (DKe), Dame's Rocket (KAn), Mint (RJak), Purple Loosestrife (JBar), Allium cultivar (JBar), New England Aster (DKa, JBar, CH, LJ), Bull Thistle (JBar), Spearmint (RDo), Salvia (LJ) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: On a drowned earthworm (BCr), mud (JBar, DBr), wet sand containing decayed vegetation and bird droppings (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● August 13 on Horse Radish, 5 km SE Fitzroy Harbour, OTTA (RAL) ● September 19 on Ornamental Cabbage at Algonquin College, Nepean, OTTA (AAr) Ova: ● August 15: 7 reported on Horse Radish, 5 km SE Fitzroy Harbour, OTTA (RAL) Larvae: ● August 12: 1 reported on Cauliflower at Fairview Line, Chatham, KENT (CKC)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. It is amazing that the bulk of those 65 new squares were in southern Ontario. One would think that by now, most Atlas squares in this area would have reports of such a common species. Four new squares were added in northern Ontario: ● July 6 at Chapple Twp., RAIN (MSD) ● July 24 at Emo Twp., RAIN (DHE & MSD) ● July 31 at Super 8 Motel along Rte 101, Timmins, COCH (DaE & JoH ) ● September 29 at Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB) In 2017, the species was reported in every county except for TIMI.
GREAT SOUTHERN WHITE (Ascia monuste)
Total observations: No reports in 2017 for this rare migrant.
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Commentary: Reported only once in 1991 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE.
LARGE MARBLE (Euchloe ausonides)
Total observations: 3 S vs N: 0/3 Highest Annual Total: 12 in 2007 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3.8 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adult): May 15 at Atikokan, RAIN (DHE) Latest date (Adult): June 13 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Rd, THUN (NGE)
High Counts (Adult): All reports for 2017 are of singletons.
Commentary: Only 2 counties in northwestern Ontario - RAIN and THUN - reported observations in 2017. There have been no reports of this species in either KENO or COCH in over 20 years.
OLYMPIA MARBLE (Euchloe olympia)
Total observations: 45 (All-time High) S vs N: 41/4 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 25.6 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adult): April 23: 3 locations in LAMB (KaH, PCar & LMac) Latest date (Adult): June 7 at Ontario Hydro Rd, SW of Cloyne, LENN (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adult): 32 reported on May 31 at Carden Alvar, VICT (RJY & KRY & SuB & DaBo et al) 31 reported on April 23 at Pinery PP, LAMB (PCar & LMac)
Reported Nectaring on: Pin Cherry (RCa), Blueberry (RT), Hairy Rock-Cress (RT), Divaricate Rock-Cress (RCa), Wild Strawberry (RCa)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● May 15 on Divaricate Rock-Cress near California Rd, LANA (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, and are spread across central Ontario. Although 2017 had the highest number of reports ever for this species, there were many locations where this species had been reported in the past that had no observations this year. Of course, we currently have no way to check whether these locations
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were visited by observers during the flight season of this species. The most northerly report for 2017 occurred at a powerline corridor in Haughton Twp. on June 3 (MOli). There was also an observation for May 17 at Chapleau Cove, Strawberry Island, MANI (MVB), a district that has had few reports of this species in the last decade. The most southerly observations were in the area of Ipperwash and Pinery PP. PETE had the most reports with 10, followed by VICT with 7, followed by HAST and LAMB with 5 each.
CLOUDED SULPHUR (Colias philodice)
Total observations: 1321 S vs N: 1280/41 Highest Annual Total: 1992 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1656 New Atlas Squares added: 37 (8 added by GR & AM, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): April 22 at Fairview Court, Lindsay, VICT (KAn) Latest date (Adult): November 28 at Toronto Islands, METR (KSp)
High Counts (Adult): 115 reported on September 22 at Scriven Rd, PETE (JB) 105 reported on July 21 at rare - South Field/Sparrow Field, WATE (OLu)
Reported Nectaring on: Joe-Pye Weed (CH), Spotted Knapweed (KSp), Red Clover (JBar, RAL, RT & HTh), Bull Thistle (JBar), White Aster (RT & HTh), Clover (RT), Wormseed Mustard (RT), Brown Knapweed (RT), Purple Loosestrife (BNC), Alfalfa (KaR), Spearmint (RDo), New England Aster (CH, JBar & JaK, RAL & RCL, LJ, RT & HTh), Goldenrod (RAL, JBar), Chicory (RAL), New York Aster (RJak), Dandelion (JBar, KAn), Purple-Top Vervain (KaB) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Mud (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● September 11 on Clover and Cow Vetch at Bruce Pit, Nepean, OTTA (BCS) ● September 17 on Red Clover at Ivanhoe, HAST (JBar & JaK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were many reports that mentioned white form females - too many to mention individually. The four most northerly reports for 2017 were: ● June 22 at Dryden, KENO (SFe) - new square ● September 11 at Moose Factory, COCH (TRS) ● September 11 at Moose Factory, COCH (MaP) ● September 12 at Northbluff Point, COCH (RWo) The species was reported in every county except 2: TIMI and GREY.
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ORANGE SULPHUR (Colias eurytheme)
Total observations: 524 S vs N: 500/24 Highest Annual Total: 1201 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 614.2 New Atlas Squares added: 36 (6 added by MOli, 4 added by AlW, 4 added by WIr) Earliest date (Adult): April 26 at Lake Erie Farms, NORF (RHC & SMD & WGL) Latest date (Adult): November 8 at Red Hill Creek storm pond, Hamilton, HAMI (JoRe) and at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
High Counts (Adult): 75 reported on September 26 at Blenheim Sewage Lagoons, KENT (SC) 40 reported on July 26 at Monarch's Landing, ELGI (RCa)
Reported Nectaring on: Red Clover (LMN, DKa, KaB, KSp, JBar, RAL), Loosestrife (BCr), New England Aster (KSp), Dandelion (KAn, RDo)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were far fewer reports for this species from northern Ontario than there were last year, with KENO, MANI, SUDB, TIMI and the northern half of NIPI failing to report any observations. Some of the more northerly reports were: ● July 10 at Dawson Twp., RAIN (DHE & MSD) ● August 2, 16, 28 and September 8 at Atikokan, RAIN (DHE) ● October 16 at Raft Lake Rd, Atikokan, RAIN (DHE) ● August 5 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Rd, THUN (NGE) ● August 26 at Longridge Point, COCH (MDo) ● August 27 and 28 at Little Piskwamish Point, COCH (AmM) ● September 12 at Northbluff Point, COCH (RWo) Most southern counties reported the species this year, with the notable exception of most of the counties bordering Georgian Bay. WATE had the most reports with 75, while HALT came in second with 45, followed by METR with 41.
GIANT SULPHUR (Colias gigantea)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this species of the far North.
Commentary: Last reported in 2013 in KENO.
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PELIDNE SULPHUR (Colias pelidne)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this species of the far North.
Commentary: Last reported in 2013 in KENO.
PINK-EDGED SULPHUR (Colias interior)
Total observations: 48 (All-time High) S vs N: 13/35 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 39.2 New Atlas Squares added: 17 (5 added by MOli, 3 by LBe, and 3 by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 28 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (DAS, JB) Latest date (Adult): August 11 at Jim Lake Rd, RAIN (DHE)
High Counts (Adult): 200 reported on August 1 at a Bog SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH) 100 reported on August 3 at a Bog SW of Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for HAST in 42 years: July 15 at Stoco Fen (JaK) - new square First record for WELL in 25 years: July 31 at Luther Marsh (DMac)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The unusually high number of records (11) for COCH (including 6 new squares added for this species) is explained by the visits by 3 separate parties of observers to the district during the flight season for this species. There were nearly as many reports from RAIN (10) and ALGO (9) - in the latter case attributable to a single local observer (MOli). Aside from the records from COCH, our most northerly records came from KENO: 3 from the Eagle River area (SFe, CaE) and one from Dinorwic (ERi). Our two most southerly reports were notable for being the first reports from their respective counties in many years (see Noteworthy Observations above ).
PALAENO SULPHUR (Colias palaeno)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this species of the far North.
Commentary: Last reported in 2013 in KENO.
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Question Mark, August 26, 2017, Rosetta McClain Checkered-Skipper, September 16, 2017, Kingsville, Gardens, METR (Photo: Bob Yukich) ESSE (Bob Yukich)
Harvester, September 20, 2017, Lambton Woods, Henry's Elfin, May 20, 2017, Sandy Lake Rd., PETE METR (Photo: Bob Yukich) (Photo: Bob Yukich)
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Chryxus Arctics, June 8, 2017, Round Lake PP, PARR (Rick Cavasin)
Above: Western Tailed Blue, June 26, 2017, Dinorwic, KENO (Elle Riggins)
Below (left to right): Grizzled Skipper, June 9, 2017, Matachewan,TIMI (Rick Cavasin)
Bog Elfin, May 15, 2017, Goodwood Marsh, OTTA (Rick Cavasin)
Olympia Marbles, May 15, 2017, near White Lake, Gray Hairstreak, June 8, 2017, Hwy 60 near RENF (Rick Cavasin) Madawaska, RENF (Rick Cavasin)
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SOUTHERN DOGFACE (Zerene cesonia)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequent migrant. Commentary: Last reported in 2008 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE
CLOUDLESS SULPHUR (Phoebis sennae)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 1/0 Highest Annual Total: 19 in 2008 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 5.4 New Atlas Squares added: 1
Observation: 1 reported on August 6 at High Park, METR (RJY & KRY) Commentary: The single observation reported this year added a new square to the map, and falls within the historical range for this species.
ORANGE-BARRED SULPHUR (Phoebis philea)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequent migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 1987 at Leslie Spit, METR.
LITTLE YELLOW (Pyrisitia lisa)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequently reported, but regular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2016 from locations across Ontario, as far North as ALGO. The abundance of this species in the eastern US varies greatly from year to year, which results in large fluctuations in the number that reach Ontario. The 2017 season for this species in North Carolina was described as “fair to mediocre” by Harry LeGrand (Butterflies of North Carolina: 25th approximation, March 2018), so the lack of reports for Ontario should be no great surprise.
SLEEPY ORANGE (Abaeis nicippe)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2012 at Point Pelee, ESSE.
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DAINTY SULPHUR (Nathalis iole)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2013 at Tweed, HAST.
Family: LYCAENIDAE
HARVESTER (Feniseca tarquinius)
Total observations: 43 S vs N: 36/7 Highest Annual Total: 59 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 40.6 New Atlas Squares added: 9 Earliest date (Adult): May 19 at a location 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH) Latest date (Adult): September 20 at Lambton Woods, METR (RJY)
High Counts (Adult): 3 reported on August 19 at rare - Thompson Tract, WATE (JuRe) 3 reported on August 19 at Big Bend CA, MIDD (EP)
Reported Puddling/Feeding on: moist sand and gravel (JBar), on hand, shoe and clothing (JBar), from Wooly Aphids (NGE)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were 7 reports from northern Ontario: 4 from RAIN, 2 from THUN, and one from ALGO. Twelve of the southern counties reported observations in 2017. WATE had the most reports with 8, while HAST came in second with 5, followed by LENN and NORF each with 4. There are still 5 counties that have never reported the species, and 7 have had no reports in over 20 years.
AMERICAN COPPER (Lycaena phlaeas)
Total observations: 94 (All-time High) S vs N: 83/11 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 70 New Atlas Squares added: 11 (5 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): May 18 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) Latest date (Adult): October 7 at Township Rd 6; Innerkip, OXFO (JCa & VCa)
High Counts (Adult): 200 reported on July 22 at St. Williams Forest Station, Manestar Tract, NORF (NWG) 56 reported on May 22 at St. Williams Forest Station, Manestar Tract, NORF (RJY & KRY)
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Reported Nectaring on: Creeping Phlox (KaB), Bastard Toadflax (RCa), Sedum (KaB & RAll)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for OXFO in 25 years: October 7 at Township Rd 6; Innerkip, OXFO (JCa & VCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were 11 observations from northern Ontario, all reported by MOli in ALGO. Reports in southern Ontario were scattered, and especially sparse in the southwest, with most observations coming from NORF.
GRAY COPPER (Lycaena dione)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequently reported resident of the far NW.
Commentary: Last reported in 2001 at Keewatin, KENO.
BRONZE COPPER (Lycaena hyllus)
Total observations: 86 S vs N: 68/18 Highest Annual Total: 124 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 96.4 New Atlas Squares added: 14 (2 added by DHE, 2 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): June 17 at Hillman Marsh (shorebird cell), ESSE (BAM) Latest date (Adult): October 9 at Mersea Road 2, Leamington, ESSE (JLH)
High Counts (Adult): 68 (exact count): reported on September 25 along a stretch of 200m or so at McGeachy Pond dike, KENT (SC) Several other high counts were reported on later dates for the same location (SC, AlW, BAM)
Reported Nectaring on: Ox-Eye Daisy (LMN), Bird's-foot Trefoil (JBar), Clover (KAn), Aster (SC), Goldenrod (SC)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● July 29 on White Dock at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE)
Larvae: ● June 17: 2 half-grown reported on White Dock at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE) ● June 22: 19 larvae reported at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE) ● July 16: 1 full grown reported on White Dock at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE)
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Pupae: ● July 16: 1 reported in the leaf litter at the base of the food plant White Dock at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though 3 were added in the western half of RAIN. In all, there were 18 observations in northern Ontario: 7 in RAIN (DHE, MSD), 6 in THUN (NGE), and 5 in COCH (AmM, MDo). The COCH records were all from an area N of Moosonee. In southern Ontario, observations were spread across many counties: VICT had the most reports with 11, followed by ESSE, HAST, and KENT, each with 6.
BOG COPPER (Lycaena epixanthe)
Total observations: 22 S vs N: 9/13 Highest Annual Total: 35 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 23.6 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adult): June 24 at Sifton Bog, London, MIDD (ChCh & JoRe & BoK) Latest date (Adult): August 3 Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
High Counts (Adult): 35 reported on August 1 at a Bog 1.6 km SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH) 20 reported on July 27 at Pennefather Bog, ALGO (MOli)
Reported Nectaring on: Sheep Laurel (BVR)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for PRES in 25 years: July 5 at the Alfred Bog Boardwalk (DLe)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one observation for RAIN is noted as being the “First record from W end of district”: July 27 at Cranberry Peatlands Interpretive Area in Alberton Twp. (MSD). We had a further 2 new squares added in the far north of the species’ range: ● July 14 at a Logging Road, 9 km NE Kapuskasing, COCH (LBe) ● August 2 at a Bog 37.9 km N or Smooth Rock Falls, COCH (DaE & JoH)
Looking at reports from further south, it is amazing that this species had not been reported in PRES for 25 years. The Alfred Bog is vast, and much of it can be tricky to access, but the boardwalk is easily accessed (if a bit remote). And after such a long interlude with no reports, we had 3 reports of this species from this location in 2017! This is a good example of why Atlas users should be careful about reading too much into Atlas data. Some sites are visited sporadically, or outside the flight season of the species under consideration. The sudden appearance of a species in an Atlas square often tells us more about the behaviour of observers
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than it does about the behaviour of the butterflies! The Alfred Bog has been visited in the past 25 years, but it appears that most of these visits occurred during Bog Elfin season, so there was no possibility of finding Bog Coppers. This is a situation where it would be helpful to have the ability to look at where and when observers did their surveying.
This year’s early record draws our attention to another example of this sporadic surveying phenomenon. The Sifton Bog (aka Byron Bog) also appears to be visited sporadically by butterfly observers - at least during Bog Copper flight season. Though this species has been reported there in 4 of the last 8 years, it was previously reported in only 2 years during the 1990s, and there were no reports between 1959 and 1990. This is hardly a remote or inaccessible location, as is the case with the Alfred Bog. In 1989, it would have been easy to conclude that the absence of any observations of the species for 30 years indicated that this population had likely died out, when in fact it was still going strong. This year’s report specifies that 20 individuals were easily observed from the boardwalk.
DORCAS COPPER (Lycaena dorcas)
Total observations: 39 (All-time High) S vs N: 16/23 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 19.4 New Atlas Squares added: 10 Earliest date (Adult): July 8 at Baie du Dore, BRUC (BoT) Latest date (Adult): August 16 Singing Sands, Northern Bruce Peninsula, BRUC (JoRe)
High Counts (Adult): 43 reported on July 25 at Oliphant Fen, BRUC (JoRe) 30 reported on August 3 at Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
Reported Nectaring on: Buttercup sp (MSD), Shrubby Cinquefoil (JoRe), Autumn Onion (AIH),
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though we did have 5 new squares added north of the 49th parallel: ● July 20: 1km SW of Red Lake, KENO (VFa) ● July 26: Umfreville Lake, KENO (AIH) ● July 31: Bog along Rte 11, 21 km W of Cochrane, COCH (DaE & JoH) ● August 1: Bog along Marceau Rd, 1.6 km SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH) ● August 2: Bog W of Rte 634, 37.9 km N or Smooth Rock Falls, COCH (DaE & JoH) BRUC had the most observations with 16, and they all fell within Atlas squares where the species had been reported previously. There were no reports this year from any of the isolated colonies in southwestern Ontario.
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PURPLISH COPPER (Lycaena helloides)
Total observations: 2 S vs N: 0/2 Highest Annual Total: 6 in 1979 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 0.6 New Atlas Squares added: 2 Earliest date (Adult): July 10 at Highway 619, Nelles Twp., RAIN (DHE & MSD) Latest date (Adult): August 11 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
High Counts (Adult): Both of this year’s reports are of singletons.
Reported Nectaring on: Daisy sp (DHE & MSD)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but the reports we have of this species in Ontario are few and far between. Both 2017 reports are from RAIN. The species has not been reported in southern Ontario in over 20 years.
ACADIAN HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium acadica)
Total observations: 62 S vs N: 54/8 Highest Annual Total: 150 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 115.4 New Atlas Squares added: 18 (3 added by DHE, 3 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): July 1 at Dancey Side Rd, St. Williams, NORF (ErG) Latest date (Adult): August 15 at Dorcas Bay, Northern Bruce Peninsula, BRUC (JuMo)
High Counts (Adult): 18 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD) 15 reported on July 19 at Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Milkweed (CH, RCa), Joe-Pye Weed (JoRe)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for HALD in 28 years: July 24 at James N. Allan PP (RCa)
Commentary: Most of the new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but of the 3 new squares added in RAIN, one includes the most westerly observation ever recorded in Ontario for this species: 11 reported on July 20 at Fred's Road, Atwood Twp. (DHE). There were a total of 8 observations in northern Ontario: 5 in RAIN (DHE), and 3 in ALGO (MOli, ChZ). THUN, COCH, and TIMI have not had reports of this species in over 20 years. Most of the
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2017 observations appear to have been confined to a band that roughly corresponds to the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Forest Zone, with no observations made in southwestern Ontario. Of the southern counties, FRON had the most reports with 7, followed by BRUC and PETE each with 5. Three southern counties - KENT, HURO, and BRAN - have not had reports of this species in over 20 years.
CORAL HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium titus)
Total observations: 64 S vs N: 57/7 Highest Annual Total: 104 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 79.8 New Atlas Squares added: 9 (5 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): June 22 at Scotch Block Woods, HALT (BVR) Latest date (Adult): August 17 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (GrS)
High Counts (Adult): 20 reported on July 15 at St. Williams Forest Station, Manestar Tract, NORF (BoK) There were several additional reports of 15 individuals from the same location (ChCh, JoRe, BoK), plus one from Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH).
Reported Nectaring on: Canada Thistle (RCa), Joe-Pye Weed (JK), Butterfly Milkweed (JoRe), Brown Knapweed (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: On Dung (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range - most in the Sault Ste. Marie area. There were a total of 7 observations in northern Ontario: 6 in ALGO (MOli), and 1 in RAIN (AIH). Reports in southern Ontario were sparsely distributed across 12 counties with no reports from west of NORF. FRON had the most reports with 13, while PETE came in second with 10, followed by NORF with 9. Three southern counties - KENT, OXFO, and HALD have not produced reports of this species in over 20 years.
EDWARDS’ HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium edwardsii)
Total observations: 19 S vs N: 19/0 Highest Annual Total: 20 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 16.2 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adult): July 1 at St. Williams Forest Station, NORF (ABi) Latest date (Adult): July 30 at Manestar Tract, St. Williams, NORF (SuB & DaBo)
High Counts (Adult): 120 reported on July 15, 16, and 17 at St. Williams Forest Station, Manestar Tract, NORF by
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BoK, ChCh and JoRe & BoK respectively.
Reported Nectaring on: Milkweed (RCa), Butterfly Milkweed (JoRe & BoK, ChCh)
Commentary: Though most of this year’s observations came from the St. Williams area, there were a few from other known sites in FRON, LAMB, and PETE.
BANDED HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium calanus)
Total observations: 85 S vs N: 82/3 Highest Annual Total: 234 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 152.4 New Atlas Squares added: 8 (2 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): June 20 at Windsor, Ojibway Prairie, ESSE (RJY & KRY) Latest date (Adult): August 13 at Heather Court, Halton Hills, HALT (JuPo)
High Counts (Adult): 25 reported on July 8 at a location 1 km N of Naphan, HAST (GM) 12 reported on July 9 at Rondeau PP, KENT (BAM) Reported Nectaring on: Milkweed (JoRe, GM, RT & HTh, RCa), Queen Anne's Lace (RT & HTh)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were only 3 observations from northern Ontario, all from ALGO (MOli). In southern Ontario, there were two main clusters of observations - one in the Toronto-Hamilton area, and another in eastern Ontario. There were a few additional observations scattered across southwestern Ontario. HALT reported the highest total observations with 11, while HAST and WATE each had 8, followed by FRON with 7.
HICKORY HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium caryaevorus)
Total observations: 37 S vs N: 36/1 Highest Annual Total: 62 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 37.2 New Atlas Squares added: 10 (2 added by RT) Earliest date (Adult): June 14 at Reveler CA, STOR (PH) Latest date (Adult): August 6 at Campbellville, HALT (KaR)
High Counts (Adult): 1200 reported on July 5 at Skycroft campground, Rideau Lakes, FRON (PH) 100+ reported on July 23 at Vanderwater CA, HAST (JBar & AdL & JaLe)
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70 reported on July 5 at Millpond CA, LEED (DaE & JoH)
Reported Nectaring on: Milkweed (RT, ErG, KaR, JoRe, MDR, PH), Daisy (PH),
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for THUN: June 27 at Sleeping Giant Lookout (SHa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the Atlas map for this species fall within its historical range. All but one observation fell within a band extending from southwestern Ontario to eastern Ontario. The one outlier is an observation from THUN. This would be the first ever record for this species in northern Ontario (there is an old ROM specimen from COCH, but many ROM records are of dubious veracity). Such a huge range extension certainly warrants careful checking. The photo certainly looks like a Hickory Hairstreak, but intriguingly, when the image was captured, the butterfly was perched on the inside surface of an open vehicle door. The observer reported that the vehicle door had been left open for some time, so the butterfly could have flown over and landed there. But it also raises the possibility that this butterfly was transported in the vehicle from somewhere far to the southeast. For that to have happened, the butterfly would have had to survive 4 days within the vehicle while it was in transit (either as an adult or a pupa). Local observers report that there are no suitable host plant species at the location. Due to uncertainty about whether or not this was the result of an accidental transport, the observation will be omitted from the Atlas.
If we compare the total number of observations in 2017 to the average of the past 5 years, the species appears to have had an “average” year. But the high counts would seem to indicate that the species was unusually abundant, at least in some parts of eastern Ontario. Although there was a much higher number of observations in 2016, the high counts were lower. This could indicate that the species did much better in one specific area this year, but worse overall, or this may all be a sampling artifact. Only 12 southern counties reported observations of this species in 2017. HALT had the most reports with 7, while LEED came in second with 6, followed by FRON with 5.
STRIPED HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium liparops)
Total observations: 39 S vs N: 25/14 Highest Annual Total: 154 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 96.4 New Atlas Squares added: 8 (2 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): July 3 at RBG - Plains rd. W., Aldershot, Burlington, HALT (JoRe) Latest date (Adult): August 23 at Carden Alvar, VICT (SuB & DaBo & RJY & KRY)
High Counts (Adult): 9 reported on July 15 at Lake Laurentian CA, SUDB (KeMo) 4 reported on August 1 at a Bog 1.6 km SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH)
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Reported Nectaring on: Common Milkweed (JoRe, DAS), Yarrow (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one of them was the result of an observation near the northern edge of the range: July 23 at Separation Lake, KENO (AIH). The other two most northerly observations of the species were made in a square that had been visited in the past. Having both of this year’s high counts come from northern Ontario is somewhat unusual, as this isn’t a particularly “Northern” species (though it does appear to be reported more often in the North than the other Satyrium Hairstreaks). There were a total of 14 reports from northern Ontario this year: 1 from KENO (AIH), 4 from RAIN (DHE, MSD, AIH), 2 from THUN (JW), 3 from COCH (DaE & JoH, BER), 2 from ALGO (MOli), and 2 from SUDB (KeMo, CBl). MANI is the only county that has not had a report for this species in the last 20 years. Most of the observations for southern Ontario were reported E of Toronto, and only one observation was reported southwest of London.
OAK HAIRSTREAK (Satyrium favonius)
Total observations: 4 S vs N: 4/0 Highest Annual Total: 14 in 2008 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 5.4 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adult): June 23 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM) Latest date (Adult): July 4 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM)
High Counts (Adult): 5 reported on June 24 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM)
Reported Nectaring on: Indian Hemp (BAM)
Commentary: Most of the records for this species in Ontario come from Reid CA, which appears to be the only reliable colony for the species. However, the literature suggests that it spends a great deal of its time in the canopy, so there may be other populations that are as yet undetected.
JUNIPER HAIRSTREAK (Callophrys gryneus)
Total observations: 14 S vs N: 14/0 Highest Annual Total: 29 in 1998 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 17.6 New Atlas Squares added: 2 (1 added by BER & JPo & MCS, 1 added by ChCh) Earliest date (Adult): May 29 at a location near Marmora, HAST (JB & KeMo)
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Latest date (Adult): August 2 at Pelee Island, SW quadrant, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
High Counts (Adult): 12 reported on August 2 at Pelee Island, SW quadrant, ESSE (RJY & KRY) 8 reported on August 1 at Pelee Island, old quarry near winery, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Daisy (RT), Queen Anne's Lace (RJY & KRY)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for PETE: June 10 at a location 1.5 km N Freemans Corners (ChCh)
Commentary: The new square in PETE extends the range of eastern population of this species slightly to the northwest - the species has long been known from an adjacent square. All but 3 of the reports for 2017 came from eastern Ontario, and all appear to have been first brood. All reports from the ESSE appear to be part of the second brood.
BROWN ELFIN (Callophrys augustinus)
Total observations: 75 (All-time High) S vs N: 49/26 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 52.4 New Atlas Squares added: 19 (8 added by RCa, 5 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): April 24 at Menzel Centennial NR, LENN (DaE & JoH) Latest date (Adult): June 13 at the RR tracks N of Shipyard Road, THUN (NGE)
High Counts (Adult): There were a number of counts between 20 and 25 reported by various observers
Reported Nectaring on: Grape Hyacinth (ERi), Bog Laurel (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: On dirt track (RCa)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● May 18 attempted oviposition observed on closed Labrador Tea flower bud. No egg observed however. At Black River Bog, STOR (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for LEED in 44 years: May 31 at Newmanville - Hanlan's Marsh (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The species was
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reported in every district in northern Ontario except COCH. RAIN had the most reports with 9, followed by NIPI, PETE, and RENF with 7 each. Three observations were reported in southwestern Ontario, all from a known site in the Ellice Swamp, PERT (GR, ChCh & JoRe & BoK).
HOARY ELFIN (Callophrys polios)
Total observations: 48 (All-time High) S vs N: 35/13 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 28.4 New Atlas Squares added: 11 (4 added by MOli, 3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): April 26 at Ipperwash - Dunes and Swales Trail, LAMB (LF) Latest date (Adult): June 7 at a location near Marmora, HAST (SuB)
High Counts (Adult): 110 reported on May 10 at Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH) 50 reported on May 17 at the northern tip of Strawberry Island, MANI (MVB)
Reported Nectaring on: Early Saxifrage (RCa), Dandelion (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, including one near its northern edge: June 1 at Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB). There were a total of 13 reports from northern Ontario: 1 from RAIN (DHE), 2 from KENO (SB, ERi), 5 from ALGO (MOli), 1 from SUDB (RMa), and 4 from MANI (MVB). There were a total of 6 reports from southwestern Ontario, all from LAMB (LF, PCar, SFu, DAS), where there had only been a scant 5 reports in the previous 20 years. The counties with the most observations were PETE and LENN that each had 8 reports.
HENRY’S ELFIN (Callophrys henrici)
Total observations: 53 S vs N: 52/1 Highest Annual Total: 83 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 62.2 New Atlas Squares added: 12 (6 added by RCa, 2 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): April 26 - a 3 way tie - 2 records from OTTA (RCa, CGa), 1 from NORF (RHC & SMD & WGL) Latest date (Adult): June 10 at Algonquin PP, Mew Lake, NIPI (KeMo & BJL)
High Counts (Adult): 12 reported on May 11 at Opinicon Rd, Hebert bog, FRON (BCS) 12 reported on May 16 at California Rd trail, Cranberry L., LANA (BCS)
Reported Nectaring on:
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Early Saxifrage (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: On gravel road (RCa), moist sand (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for SUDB: June 3 at Invergarry Twp., W Hwy 144 (RMa)
Commentary: The new record for SUDB probably constitutes a range extension into central-northern Ontario, as there is only one previous record anywhere in northern Ontario - a 2012 record far to the NW in RAIN. Most of the other 2017 observations were in eastern Ontario, where 12 were reported in OTTA, and 7 were reported in each of FRON, HAST, and LANA. There was only one report from southwestern Ontario, which added a new square in NORF. This is the only location in SW Ontario that has had any reports of the species in the last 20 years.
BOG ELFIN (Callophrys lanoraieensis)
Total observations: 9 (All-time High) S vs N: 9/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 2.8 New Atlas Squares added: 4 (3 added by RCa, 1 added by BCS) Earliest date (Adult): May 18 - a 3 way tie - 2 records for STOR (RCa), 1 for LEED (BCS) Latest date (Adult): May 28 at Newington Bog, STOR (LBe)
High Counts (Adult): 10 reported on May 18 at Limerick Bog, LEED (BCS)
Reported Nectaring on: Leatherleaf (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for LEED: May 18 at Limerick Bog, LEED (BCS)
Commentary: These are certainly exciting times for the Bog Elfin in Ontario. The new record for Limmerick Bog constitutes a southward range extension in the province, while the other 2017 reports flesh out the massive range extension first reported in 2016. It should be noted that this isn’t a case of the species expanding its range, but rather an expansion of our knowledge of its range. The Bog Elfin has almost certainly been present in all these bogs for centuries (if not millenia). One report for Black River Bog (RCa) is the first report for this site in 20 years. In addition to the new Limmerick colony, 3 new populations were discovered in 2017: one in LANA (RCa), and 2 in RENF (RCa). These discoveries confirm the suspicion aroused in 2016 - that this species is far more common in eastern Ontario than anyone had previously suspected. There is still much to be learned about the range of this species in Ontario.
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EASTERN PINE ELFIN (Callophrys niphon)
Total observations: 126 S vs N: 120/6 Highest Annual Total: 167 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 109.2 New Atlas Squares added: 18 (6 added by RCa, 3 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): April 23 at Ipperwash - Dunes and Swales Trail, LAMB (KaH) Latest date (Adult): June 19 at the Rail Trail at Brock Rd., E of Arden, FRON (RAL)
High Counts (Adult): 30 reported on May 12 at California Road, White Lake, LANA (RCa) 20 reported on May 17 at the South end of Malotte Creek Road, Khartum, RENF (RCa)
Reported Nectaring on: Blueberry (JBar, RT, RCa), Early Saxifrage (RCa), Dandelion (RAL), Cypress Spurge (RAL), Bastard Toadflax (RAL, RCa, JBar), Lilac (JBar), Wild Strawberry (CH, RCa), Chokecherry (JBar), Spurge (RCa), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (JBar), Bridal Wreath (RAL), Cow Vetch (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Moist sand and gravel (JBar), on dirt road (RCa), dry gravel (JBar), mud (JBar), large dried up bird dropping on trail (KAn)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, and most were added in eastern Ontario: 4 added in RENF, 1 in LEED, 1 in LANA, and 5 in FRON. There were surprisingly few reports from northern Ontario: 2 for RAIN, 3 for ALGO, and 1 for SUDB. Reports were patchy across southwestern Ontario: 3 for LAMB, 1 for NORF, 1 for HAMI, and 2 for WATE. HAST had the most observations reported with 18, while FRON came in second with 15, followed by OTTA with 14.
WESTERN PINE ELFIN (Callophrys eryphon)
Total observations: 11 S vs N: 5/6 Highest Annual Total: 21 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 12.6 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adult): May 12 at power line corridor - west of Shaw Rd, ALGO (MOli) Latest date (Adult): June 10 at Mew Lake, Algonquin PP, NIPI (KeMo & BJL)
High Counts (Adult): 8 reported on May 27 at Raft Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
Commentary: Most of the observations of this northern species that were reported in northern Ontario added
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new squares to the map: ● May 12 at power line corridor - west of Shaw Rd, ALGO (MOli) ● May 20 at Tribag Mine Road, ALGO (ChZ) ● May 27 at Raft Lake Road, RAIN (DHE) ● June 3 at Jack Pine area on trail out of Cedar Bay, KENO (SB) In southern Ontario, the observations were split between NIPI and HALI, but all 5 observations were reported in the southern part of Algonquin PP (along the Hwy 60 corridor).
WHITE-M HAIRSTREAK (Parrhasius m-album)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this irregular migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2013 at Point Pelee NP, West Beach, ESSE.
GRAY HAIRSTREAK (Strymon melinus)
Total observations: 54 S vs N: 54/0 Highest Annual Total: 167 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 68 New Atlas Squares added: 8 Earliest date (Adult): April 14 at Tweed, HAST (JBar) Latest date (Adult): October 20 at Daimler Dr., Kitchener, WATE (BoA)
High Counts (Adult): 3 reported on September 16 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (RJY & KRY) Out of 54 observations reported, 47 were of singletons.
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RCa), (potted) Purple-Top Vervain (KaB), Winged Sumac (JBar) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Dry concrete (JBar)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were no observations in the North this year, and aside from the past reports from TIMI, there have been no reports from northern Ontario in over 20 years. There was a marked separation between observations in eastern Ontario (37 observations) and those in SW Ontario (17 observations). Those observed in the East are likely part of the resident population found in barrens habitat. Those in the southwest are more likely to be migrants from the U.S., and all but one of those southwestern observations occurred along the north shore of Lake Erie. All of the southern observations were made after July 16, and most were in September, again supporting the hypothesis that this is a non-resident population. In some locations in eastern Ontario, numbers were down this year relative to previous years, and extreme dry conditions in previous summers
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may be to blame. At one such site near White Lake where this species was quite numerous last year in July, it was observed at the time that the Sweetfern had been adversely affected by the drought. Although the Sweetfern had mostly recovered by spring 2017, the Gray Hairstreaks were virtually absent, and only one was observed during the whole season despite several surveys by 2 independent observers. This boom/bust cycle may explain why the Gray Hairstreak is often uncommon on the barrens. Although it has been argued that the 2nd brood Gray Hairstreaks do not use Sweetfern as a larval host, all of the Gray Hairstreaks seen by the author in July/August were found perched on Sweetfern, or nectaring very close to patches of it. On the other hand, there was one observation made in Burnt Lands PP this year - in a moist alvar habitat (presumably, there was little or no Sweetfern present). Black Medic was reported present. This was the first observation for OTTA in 13 years (BCS).
EARLY HAIRSTREAK (Erora laeta)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this elusive species.
Commentary: Last reported in 2016, on Canoe Lake Road at Devil’s Lake Road, FRON.
MARINE BLUE (Leptotes marina)
Total observations: No records for 2017 for this infrequent migrant.
Commentary: Last reported in 2008 at Toronto, METR, Mississauga, PEEL and Leamington ESSE.
EASTERN TAILED BLUE (Cupido comyntas)
Total observations: 838 S vs N: 827/11 Highest Annual Total: 903 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 636 New Atlas Squares added: 50 (6 added by DaE & JoH, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): May 10 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (JCa & VCa) and at Walsingham, Wilson tract, NORF (BCS) Latest date (Adult): October 23 at Tenth Street East (closed off portion), Cornwall, STOR (WIr)
High Counts (Adult): 120 reported on July 15 at Westover Tract, Flamborough, HAMI (JoRe) 110 reported on July 8 at Eglington Flats, Toronto, METR (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Strawberry (KaB, JBar, LMN, RT), Coltsfoot (LMN), Buttercup (LMN), Ox-Eye Daisy
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(JBar), Common Milkweed (DAS, NGE), Crown Vetch (JBar, ASh), Red Clover (CH), Bird’s- Foot Trefoil (RT & HTh), White Sweet Clover (BCr), White Clover (GM), Goldenrod sp (JBar), Alsike Clover (JBar) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Soil (LMN), muddy tire ruts (KAn)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for DUFF: July 15 at Highway 89 & Co Rd 18, 3 km W of Rosemont (JK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. All the northern observations came from the northwest: 9 in RAIN and 2 in THUN. There were no reports between Thunder Bay and Muskoka. This species was reported in every county in southern Ontario with the exception of PARR and HURO. WATE had the most reports with 103, while OTTA came in second with 58, followed by HALT with 55. This is probably more a reflection of the effort and density of observers than the relative abundance of the species.
WESTERN TAILED BLUE (Cupido amyntula)
Total observations: 10 S vs N: 0/10 Highest Annual Total: 20 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 7.8 New Atlas Squares added: 7 (3 added by DHE) Earliest date (Adult): June 10 near Sioux Mountain, Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB) Latest date (Adult): August 11 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
High Counts (Adult): 2 reported on June 28 at old Geraldton Cemetery, THUN (NGE & JW & BJM) All other observations were of singletons.
Reported Nectaring on: Vetch (ERi) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: veg garden soil (NGE)
Commentary: This northern species was reported in RAIN, KENO, COCH, and THUN, but not in ALGO, SUDB, MANI, TIMI or the northern half of NIPI. New squares were added in 3 of the 4 most northerly districts: 3 in RAIN, 2 in KENO, and 2 in COCH. The fact that a mere 10 observations resulted in the addition of 7 squares to the map for this species illustrates that we still have much to learn about its distribution.
Blanket Caveat for the Azure species: Currently, it is believed that we have 3 species of Azure in Ontario (C. ladon, C. lucia, and C. neglecta). In some parts of southern Ontario, all 3 could conceivably be on the wing in early
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spring. While C. ladon can be separated from the other two species by microscopic examination of forewing scales on the males, it is difficult to tell the 3 species apart in the field and in most field photographs. Because of this, many current and historical observations for these species have ended up under Celastrina sp. This makes it difficult to make meaningful comparisons between current and historical observations - many historical records for C. lucia and C. neglecta are now grouped under Celastrina sp. For these reasons, new county records have not been cited for this group. The reader should keep these issues in mind, and take most of the stats and commentary for this group with a large grain of salt. If reliable field marks are discovered in the future that help us do a better job of identifying Azures in field photos, we may be able to revisit older records and identify them down to species. For the time being, “Azure species” is being given an entry as though it is a legitimate species.
See also article on page 29 by Chris Schmidt.
SPRING AZURE (Celastrina ladon)
Total observations: 13 (All-time High) S vs N: 13/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 0.2 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adult): April 14 at Moote and Church roads, Wellandport, NIAG (RCa) Latest date (Adult): May 10: 2 in NORF (BCS)
High Counts (Adult): 15 reported on May 10 at Harris-Floyd Tract, Walsingham, NORF (SC)
Commentary: It should be noted that to the best of our knowledge, the only way to positively confirm the ID for this species is to examine the forewing scales of the male under a microscope. As such, all records for this species in the Atlas correspond to specimens of males held in institutional collections that have been verified by BCS by microscopic examination. There have undoubtedly been many other sight and photographic observations for this species over the years, but we cannot positively confirm them since other Celastrina species may be on the wing at the same time as C. ladon. This has been confirmed as some male Azures collected during ladon surveys have been positively confirmed to NOT be C. ladon. These as yet unidentified Azures could be part of the spring flights of either C. lucia or C. neglecta. Until we find a reliable way to distinguish the 3 Azure species in the field, all (non-specimen) observations of Azures made during the Spring in southern Ontario should probably be labelled Celastrina sp.
With the addition of the 2017 observations, we now have recent confirmed observations of this species from a contiguous band of 4 counties across southern Ontario (ELGI, NORF, HALD, and NIAG). So far, the only observations from MIDD are historical. Although BCS failed to find C. ladon in KENT in the course of his 2017 survey, it is suspected that this species has a wider range in southern Ontario than what is currently reflected in the Atlas. We have only scratched the surface so far and more research is required.
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NORTHERN AZURE (Celastrina lucia)
Total observations: 514 S vs N: 436/78 Highest Annual Total: 775 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 561.8 New Atlas Squares added: 61 (10 added by MOli, 7 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): April 13 at Devlin, RAIN (MSD) Latest date (Adult): October 21 at Alexandria, STOR (MiLe)
High Counts (Adult): 100 estimated on May 19 at Goodwood Marsh in Beckwith, LANA (RCa) 81+ reported on April 29 at Marlborough Forest, Rideau Trail, south of Kettles Road, OTTA (ASh). Observers comment: 81 counted in 1 km of trail. Gave up counting after that.
Reported Nectaring on: Coltsfoot (TMa), Sharp-lobed Hepatica (RDo), Blue Cohosh (RDo), Dandelion (TMa, LMN, RAL), Violets (LMN), Prickly Ash blossoms (JBar & JaK), Blueberry (JBar, RCa), Chokecherry (JBar), Tatarian Honeysuckle (JBar), Bastard toadflax (RCa), Bridal Wreath (RAL), Dogwood flower clusters (LMN), Downy Arrowwood (RAL), Yarrow (RT), Large-leaved Aster (JBar), Goldenrod (BCS) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: mud (JBar, RT), moist sand (JBar), damp leaf litter (JBar), scat (RT), moist gravel (JBar), dirt road (RCa), driveway (LMN), on a woodland trail (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 3: attempted oviposition on northern bush honeysuckle reported at Mink Bay, KENO (NGE) ● July 15: Summer brood female, reported placing at least two ova on Narrowleaf Spirea flower bud at Silver Lake PP, LANA (JBar)
Commentary: C. lucia was reported in most of the northern districts, and in most of eastern and central counties. All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though readers are referred to the blanket caveat above.
SUMMER AZURE (Celastrina neglecta)
Total observations: 38 (All-time High) S vs N: 38/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3.2 New Atlas Squares added: 26 (4 added by RCa, 3 added by CCr) Earliest date (Adult): June 19 at Ferris PP, Campbellford, NORT (SuB) Latest date (Adult): September 26 at McGeachy Pond dike, KENT (SC)
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High Counts (Adult): 40 reported on July 24 at James N. Allan PP, HALD (RCa) 30 reported on July 26 at Monarch's Landing, ELGI (RCa)
Reported Nectaring on: Buttonbush (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: muddy area left by receding water (KAn)
Commentary: Please see the blanket caveat for Azures above. The observations that have been counted for C. neglecta are those where the appearance in photographs strongly supports the ID, though there is still some uncertainty.
AZURE SPECIES (Celastrina sp.)
Total observations: 567 S vs N: 567/0 Highest Annual Total: 818 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 579.2 New Atlas Squares added: 25 Earliest date (Adult): April 8 at St. Clair NWA, KENT (LuF) Latest date (Adult): October 22 at Presqu'ile PP - Owen's Point Trail, NORT (KAn)
High Counts (Adult): 200 reported on July 21 at Point Pelee NP--Deslauriers Trail, ESSE (ChCh) 200 reported on July 22 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (BAM)
Reported Nectaring on: Dandelion (BCr), Bearberry (KAn), New Jersey Tea (KaB)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● May 24 on flower of native Dogwood at Campbellville, HALT (KAn) ● July 13 on Narrowleaf Spirea flower buds at a site West of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● July 15 on Giant Yellow Hyssop at Campbellville, HALT (KaR)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map fall within the historical range for this group. See blanket caveat for this group above.
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SILVERY BLUE (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
Total observations: 395 S vs N: 343/52 Highest Annual Total: 537 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 390.8 New Atlas Squares added: 31 (6 added by DaE & JoH, 5 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): May 8 at Humber River Trail, YORK (CCr) Latest date (Adult): August 5 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Road, THUN (NGE)
High Counts (Adult): 100 and 70 reported on June 3 and 9 respectively at Humber River Trail, YORK (CCr) 50 reported on June 13 at RR tracks N of Shipyard Road, THUN (NGE)
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Strawberry (KaB, DKa, JBar, LMN, RT), Dandelion (JBar), Bastard Toadflax (RCa), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (JBar), Blueberry (RCa), Cow Vetch (RT) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: wet soil (LMN)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 2 on Vetch at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH) ● June 12 on Cow Vetch at Tweed, near the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar) ● June 21 on Cow Vetch East of Tweed, bordering the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar)\ ● July 1 on Cow Vetch at Stoco Fen, near East Hungerford Road, HAST (JBar & JaK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. It was reported in every district in northern Ontario, with 9 squares added to the map: 1 in RAIN, 1 in KENO, 1 in COCH, 4 in ALGO, and 2 in SUDB. The northernmost observation for 2017 occured on July 9 at Red Lake, KENO (VFa). At the other end of the range, 2 squares were added along the north shore of Lake Erie: 1 in NORF, and 1 in ELGI. The new location in ELGI (only the second observation ever in that county) is notable as it occurred on the observer’s property, which has been surveyed frequently for many years. Once a rarity in the ELGI/NORF/OXFO area, the annual total of observations has been trending upward for several years. That said, the bulk of the observations occurred in eastern Ontario. OTTA had the most reports with 35, while HAST came in second with 31, followed by PETE with 28.
NORTHERN BLUE (Plebejus idas)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 7 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3.4 New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by MOli)
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Observation: 1 reported on July 30 at Marne Twp - bush road, ALGO (MOli) - First record for ALGO in 36 years
Commentary: This is the first observation ever reported in the southern half of ALGO. There are historical records for this species from most of the northern districts, but it has not been reported in RAIN or SUDB in over 20 years.
GREENISH BLUE (Plebejus saepiolus)
Total observations: 5 S vs N: 0/5 Highest Annual Total: 39 in 1993 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 4.4 New Atlas Squares added: 3 ( 2 added by LBe, 1 added by MVB) Earliest date (Adult): July 14 at Mattice-Val Côté, COCH (LBe) and at Smokey Line, Pearce Twp., COCH (LBe) Latest date (Adult): August 3 at Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
High Counts (Adult): All 5 observations reported were of singletons.
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Observations were reported in 2 northern districts in 2017: 4 in COCH and 1 in THUN. The species certainly appears to have retreated northward over the course of the last century. There are very old records from various locations in southern Ontario, but the last report from anywhere in the South occurred in 1978. Even in northern Ontario, this species has not been reported in MANI since 1996.
ARCTIC BLUE (Plebejus glandon)
Total records: No records for 2017 for this species of the far North.
Commentary: Last reported in 2012 in Polar Bear PP, KENO.
EUROPEAN COMMON BLUE (Polyommatus icarus)
Total observations: 7 (first year observed in ON) S vs N: 7/0 New Atlas Squares added: 3 (2 added by WIr, 1 added by RAL) Earliest date (Adult): August 5 at Ingleside ONroute Hwy 401 Rest Area, STOR (WIr) Latest date (Adult): September 23 at Ontario side of La centrale de Carillon, PRES (WIr)
High Counts (Adult):
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14 reported on August 6 at Ingleside ONRoute, Hwy 401 Rest Area, STOR (RAL)
Reported Nectaring on: Bird’s-foot Trefoil (WIr), White Clover (WIr), New England Aster (WIr), Purple Loosestrife (WIr), Goldenrod (WIr)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for STOR: August 5 at Ingleside ONroute Hwy 401 Rest Area (WIr) First record ever for PRES: September 23 at Ontario side of La centrale de Carillon (WIr)
Commentary: This is a new species for Ontario. As outlined in Ontario Insects (Vol.23, No. 2), the first North American observation for this species was made near Mirabel Airport N of Montreal in 2007. The Common Blue has been spreading steadily in Quebec, and it was only a matter of time before it reached Ontario. It may have been in our province for some time without being noticed, since the far eastern corner of the province is seldom visited by observers.
Family: NYMPHALIDAE
AMERICAN SNOUT (Libytheana carinenta)
Total observations: 61 S vs N: 61/0 Highest Annual Total: 133 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 38.2 New Atlas Squares added: 13 (2 added by DaE & JoH, 2 added by DPy) Earliest date (Adult): May 31 at Pinery PP, LAMB (PCar) Latest date (Adult): September 26 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (ChB)
High Counts (Adult): 15 reported on August 8 at SC Johnson Trail, Brantford, BRAN (PaT) 7 reported on June 19 and July 21 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (RJY & KRY, ChCh)
Reported Nectaring on: White Sweet Clover (BCr), Queen Anne’s Lace (RCa), Goldenrod (JBar), Sedum (RJY & KRY)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for LENN: August 28 at Forest Mills (DaE & JoH) First record ever for PEEL: July 24 at Rattray Marsh CA, Mississauga (BCr) First record ever for PERT: September 22 at Listowel Zehrs plaza - field (GR) First record for ELGI in 27 years: June 30 at Hemlock (BrBo)
Commentary: 2017 boasts the second highest annual total ever recorded for this species in Ontario. Of the 61
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observations, 19 were made in ESSE (the traditional hotspot for the Snout in Ontario). However, the earliest observation was in LAMB, the high count was in BRAN, and there were 13 new squares added (including 3 new county records). Although observations extend into eastern Ontario, none were made in OTTA this year (where there have been a number of observations in past years).
GULF FRITILLARY (Agraulis vanillae)
Total records: No records for 2017 for this rare stray.
Commentary: Reported once in 2010 at Rondeau PP, KENT.
VARIEGATED FRITILLARY (Euptoieta claudia)
Total observations: 27 S vs N: 27/0 Highest Annual Total: 185 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 45.8 New Atlas Squares added: 0 Earliest date (Adult): April 22 at Scarborough, Doris McCarthy Trail, METR (BH) Latest date (Adult): October 22 at Campbellville, HALT (KaR)
High Counts (Adult): 25+ reported on July 17, July 21, and August 25 from a location in Campbellville, HAST (KaR) - other observers also reported from this same location.
Reported Nectaring on: Burdock (KaR), Dandelion (KAn), Red Clover (KaR), Purple Coneflower (KaR)
Commentary: Of the 27 observations made in 2017, 17 were made at a single location (Campbellville), which also boasted the high counts for the year. The observer states that the species was present on their property all summer, and breeding there. Although there were no reports of immatures, a photo of a pair in copula was submitted to eButterfly. It seems likely that either multiple individuals or perhaps a gravid female arrived at this location early in the season and it was their offspring that led to the large numbers reported beginning on July 17. If they had arrived there en masse, we would expect there to have been more reports from other nearby locations. The earliest report at this location was June 30, but it seems likely that they had arrived and were breeding prior to that date. The mere 10 observations from the rest of the province would appear to indicate a poor season for the species overall, but a large variation from year to year is expected for this species. There were only 2 observations reported in each of 2014 and 2015.
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GREAT SPANGLED FRITILLARY (Speyeria cybele)
Total observations: 402 S vs N: 350/52 Highest Annual Total: 598 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 558.6 New Atlas Squares added: 45 (11 added by MOli, 4 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 10 at Humber River Trail, YORK (CCr) Latest date (Adult): October 2 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
High Counts (Adult): 25 reported on July 9 at Arthur Langford Reserve, Barth Side Road, NORF (KaB & AuH) 20 reported on June 24 at Reveler CA, STOR (PH)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RT), Daisy (RT), Brown Knapweed (RT & HTh), Welted Thistle (CH), Common Milkweed (JBar, RT & HTh), Thistle (BCr), Wild Bergamot (JBar), Wild Teasel (RCa, DKa), Knapweed (RCa), Joe-Pye Weed (KAn, CH, JBar, JK), Common Boneset (JBar), Red Clover (CH), Large-leaved Aster (JK)
Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● May 24: 1 reported at Reveler CA, STOR (CH)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though 3 squares were added near the northern limits of that range: ● July 14: 2.5 km N of Guilfoyle Lake, COCH (LBe) ● August 1: off Rte 634, 20 km N of Smooth Rock Falls, COCH (DaE & JoH) ● August 3: at Fraserdale, COCH (BER) In 2017, this species was reported in every county with the exception of KENO, TIMI, MANI, and GREY. WATE had the most reports with 51, while PETE came in second with 27, followed by HALT with 24.
APHRODITE FRITILLARY (Speyeria aphrodite)
Total observations: 94 S vs N: 70/24 Highest Annual Total: 132 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 112.4 New Atlas Squares added: 23 (10 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): July 6 at 8.5 km S of Arden, E of Arden Rd, FRON (DaE & JoH) Latest date (Adult): September 22 at Devlin, RAIN (MSD)
High Counts (Adult): 30 reported on August 5 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD) 24 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD)
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Reported Nectaring on: Grass Pink (RCa), Canada Thistle (RCa), Common Milkweed (RCa), Purple Loosestrife (RCa), Large-leaved Asters (JK), Buddleia (CR), Purple Aster (CBl), Purple Coneflower (VFa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though one new square was added near the northwestern edge: August 11 at Red Lake, KENO (VFa). Outside of ALGO where 17 observations were reported, there were relatively few observations for northern Ontario: 3 for KENO, 1 for RAIN, 2 for THUN, and 2 for SUDB. Further south, the hotspot seemed to be PETE, with 18 records. There were no reports from southwestern Ontario.
ATLANTIS FRITILLARY (Speyeria atlantis)
Total observations: 113 S vs N: 17/96 Highest Annual Total: 138 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 89.2 New Atlas Squares added: 27 (9 added by MOli, 6 added by DHE & MSD) Earliest date (Adult): June 23 at Snowmobile trail GPS - Rose Twp., ALGO (MOli) Latest date (Adult): September 9 at Northbluff Point, COCH (RWo) and at Jim Lake Rd, RAIN (DHE)
High Counts (Adult): 40 reported on July 31 11.2 km W of Iroquois Falls, COCH (DaE & JoH) 31 reported on July 14 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
Reported Nectaring on: Thistle sp. (DHE & MSD), Red Clover (RCa), Common Milkweed (RCa), Coneflower (MOli), Joe-Pye Weed (ERi)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. As we would expect, most of the observations reported for this species were made in northern Ontario. The only northern districts that failed to report this species were MANI, TIMI, and the northern half of NIPI. RAIN had the most reports with 41, while ALGO came in second with 23, followed by COCH with 12.
BOG FRITILLARY (Boloria eunomia)
Total observations: 6 S vs N: 1/5 Highest Annual Total: 23 in 1990 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 12 New Atlas Squares added: 4 Earliest date (Adult): June 8 at Aspdin Bog, MUSK (RCa) Latest date (Adult): June 24 at Williams Bog, THUN (JW) and at Big Trout Bay NCC Property,
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THUN (AIH)
High Counts (Adult): 10 reported on June 8 at Aspdin Bog, MUSK (RCa) 8 reported on June 24 at Big Trout Bay NCC Property, THUN (AIH)
Reported Nectaring on: Labrador Tea (RCa, RRo)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for MUSK: June 8 at Aspdin Bog (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but it is interesting that out of 6 observations, 4 fell in squares where this species had never been reported previously. In addition to the new observation for MUSK, the following observations added new squares to the map: ● June 14 at Perry Creek, NE Searchmont, ALGO (RRo) ● June 23 at Invergarry Twp., W Hwy 144, SUDB (ReM) ● June 24 at Big Trout Bay NCC Property, THUN (AIH) All but one of the observations occurred in northern Ontario. After several years with new locations for the species being found in eastern Ontario, this is the first year [since 2001] with no reports at all from the area- not even from frequently visited locations like Algonquin PP. With a relatively inaccessible habitat and a short flight season, the Bog Fritillary is easy to miss (which accounts for how they remained undetected for so long at those locations in eastern Ontario).
SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARY (Boloria selene)
Total observations: 85 S vs N: 48/37 Highest Annual Total: 172 in 2016 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 127.6 New Atlas Squares added: 12 (2 added by DaE & JoH, by DHE, and by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): May 28 at rare Ecological Reserve, WATE (AA) Latest date (Adult): September 1 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
High Count (Adult): 15 reported on August 20 at Raft Lake Road, RAIN (DHE)
Reported Nectaring on: Hawkweed (JK, DAS)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for LAMB in 76 years: July 1 at West Ipperwash Road, Lambton Shores (LuF) - also a new square for the species.
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Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, and more than half were added in northern Ontario: 3 in RAIN, 2 in COCH, and 2 in ALGO. It was reported in every northern district with the exception of MANI, TIMI and the northern half of NIPI. In southern Ontario, most of the observations reported occurred east of Toronto. Only 12 counties had reports of observations, while 8 counties - KENT, ELGI, OXFO, NIAG, HALD, HALT, METR, and DUFF - have not reported this species in over 20 years.
MEADOW FRITILLARY (Boloria bellona)
Total observations: 52 S vs N: 33/19 Highest Annual Total: 128 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 111.6 New Atlas Squares added: 6 (3 added by DHE and MSD together and individually) Earliest date (Adult): May 14 at Goodrich-Loomis CA, NORT (BNa) Latest date (Adult): October 20 at OPG Power dam fields, STOR (RDo) - record late date
High Counts (Adult): 29 reported on July 24 at La Vallee Rd S - La Vallee Twp., RAIN (DHE & MSD) 16 reported on July 9 at N side of Brock Con 13, 700 m E of Lakeridge Rd, DURH (JK)
Reported Nectaring on: Pin Cherry (RCa), Wild Strawberry (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: feeding in skull of a Wild Turkey carcass (ChCh & BoK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The distribution of observations followed a sparse pattern in the North this year, with 12 of 19 records clustered on the west side of RAIN. 6 of the remaining observations were made in one area in TIMI - all on the same day by one observer, and there was only 1 report from ALGO. Only two observations added new squares to the map anywhere in southern Ontario: July 12 at Island Rd, 1 km N of Townsend, MIDD (JK), and September 2 at Shaw's Road, Sandy Lake, PETE (JCa). All but 4 of the observations were made E of Toronto, while 5 counties - KENT, NORF, OXFO, HALD, and DUFF - have not had reports in over 20 years. Looking at year over year totals, we see a general uptrend in observations of this species for the province as a whole, although the current year’s total is down. Looking at the same totals for each of the Forest regions, the Great- Lakes-St. Lawrence region appears to be largely responsible for this upward trend. The trend has been generally downward in the Carolinian zone (except for a slight uptick in 2015), and in the Boreal-Predominantly Forest Zone (except for a slight uptick in 2017). Whether these trends reflect changes in the abundance of the butterfly or changes in observer behaviour is unknown, but it is worth noting that this particular species has a long flight period, with multiple broods, so there are more opportunities for observation than is the case with other species that have a short flight season. In other words, where sightings are down, it is less likely to be a case of observers
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not being in the right place at the right time.
FRIGGA FRITILLARY (Boloria frigga)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 0/1 Highest Annual Total: 9 in 1990 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 0.4 New Atlas Squares added: 0
Observation: 6 reported on June 6 at BFP private road, THUN (NGE)
Commentary: We continue to see relatively few observations of this exclusively northern species (there are sometimes gaps of up to 2 years between reports). The species has not been reported in either ALGO or TIMI in over 20 years. Its short flight season and an affinity for remote northern wetlands are at least partly to blame.
FREIJA FRITILLARY (Boloria freija)
Total observations: 8 S vs N: 8/0 Highest Annual Total: 41 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 11.2 New Atlas Squares added: 3 (1 added by each of MOli, MSD, and NGE) Earliest date (Adult): June 1 a tie between two observations, both from RAIN (MSD, DHE) Latest date (Adult): June 9 at several locations S. of Matachewan, TIMI (RCa)
Noteworthy Observations: Two reports tie for the first record for RAIN in 28 years: ● June 1: presence reported at Hwy 611 N/River Rd junction| Miscampbell Twp. (MSD) ● June 1: 1 reported at Jim Lake Rd. (DHE) - adds a new square to the map for the species
Commentary: Two observations added squares which nudge the boundaries of the range for this species. The report from Jim Lake Rd mentioned above pushes the range into the western half of RAIN, and another report from ALGO pushes the range further south in that district: June 7 at Backroads Dunns Valley, ALGO (MOli). The only report we have from a point further south is a very old specimen record from OTTA.
This species is frequently confused with the Arctic Fritillary, which flies later in the summer in most locations (ie. south of the Tundra). Despite our best efforts to keep the two species straight in the Atlas database, these errors keep cropping up, making analysis of historical trends impossible.
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ARCTIC FRITILLARY (Boloria chariclea)
Total observations: 10 S vs N: 10/0 Highest Annual Total: 16 in 1990 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 4.2 New Atlas Squares added: 3 (2 added by DaE & JoH, 1 added by EP) Earliest date (Adult): July 13 at Cranberry Peatlands | Alberton Twp, RAIN (MSD) Latest date (Adult): August 12 at Little Pigeon Bay, THUN (AIH)
High Counts (Adult): 700 reported on August 1 at Bog, 1.6 km SW of Fraserdale, COCH (DaE & JoH) 300 reported on August 3 at Fraserdale, COCH (BER)
Reported Nectaring on: Daisy sp. (MSD), Thistle sp. (MSD)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, and are confined to COCH. As related in the account for B. freija, these two species are often interchanged in historical records, which makes looking at trends problematic. That said, it does appear that there have not been any reports of this species in ALGO since 1980, which is remarkable in light of the extensive surveying by MOli in recent years. On the other hand, it’s a big district, and even such a dedicated observer can’t be everywhere. The lack of past observations for this species may also be an artifact of it having a late flight season. Many observers from southern Ontario will head north in spring and early summer when a number of the northern specialties are on the wing, and therefore, this species is mostly reported by local observers. This year appears to be a bit of an exception, as over half the observations for this species (all in COCH) were made by visitors from southern Ontario.
GORGONE CHECKERSPOT (Chlosyne gorgone)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 1/0 Highest Annual Total: 25 in 1996 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 0.4 New Atlas Squares added: 1
Observation: 2 adults reported on June 14 in the Arden Road area, FRON (DaE & JoH) - new county record!
Commentary: This is the first observation of this species in Ontario since 2012. In 2013, the field where the most recent observations were made was cultivated. Despite surveys by several local observers, no Gorgone Checkerspots were observed at any of the other known locations in the intervening years. It was feared that this species had died out in Ontario, so this observation at a completely
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new location is a relief both because it shows that the species persists, and because it shows that the species occupies other habitats in other areas. This new observation in FRON gives us hope that other as yet undiscovered populations may exist.
Being unfamiliar with this species, the observers only recognized their discovery upon review of their photos after getting home. Based on the seasonal distribution of historical records, this observation appears to be of stragglers from the first brood. Despite subsequent, repeated surveys by several different observers, this species was not found again in the area. It could be that the timing of those subsequent visits to the area did not coincide with the anticipated second brood. These expectations were based on historical records from another area (LEED and OTTA), where the species may have exhibited a different phenology. Perhaps the species only has one brood per season in this new area, or perhaps the original observation was of strays from some other nearby location, and the subsequent searches were made in the wrong habitat.
SILVERY CHECKERSPOT (Chlosyne nycteis)
Total observations: 29 S vs N: 23/6 Highest Annual Total: 63 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 52 New Atlas Squares added: 8 Earliest date (Adult): June 14 at Fairy Vista Trail, MUSK (BJL) Latest date (Adult): July 31 at Spring Garden Natural Area, Windsor, ESSE (SuB & DaBo)
High Counts (Adult): 26 reported on June 24 at Pinery PP, LAMB (AnG) 9 reported on July 26 at Dancey Side Rd, St. Williams, NORF (ErG)
Reported Nectaring on: Butterfly Milkweed (JoRe & BoK)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There were observations in 4 of the northern districts: 1 in RAIN, 2 in KENO, 1 in COCH, 1 in SUDB, and 1 in ALGO. Reports were patchy in the south, with observations reported in only 7 counties. The long term absence of reports from some areas (no reports in 20 years for 11 counties, no reports ever for 5) might indicate that the species is more localized in the South. For the 3 counties in southwestern Ontario that did report the species in 2017, all records were concentrated in areas with dry Savanna type habitat (ie. Pinery PP area, Norfolk sand plains, Ojibway Prairie). Further to the north and east, the species does not appear to have such strict habitat requirements, and tends to have a different dorsal appearance. The photo submitted for this year’s late record appears to be of a very fresh individual. Combined with other late summer records in the Atlas, this suggests at least a partial second generation in the southwestern part of the range.
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HARRIS`S CHECKERSPOT (Chlosyne harrisii)
Total observations: 60 S vs N: 40/20 Highest Annual Total: 81 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 45.8 New Atlas Squares added: 17 (6 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): June 14 at Rose Lake area, Rose Twp., ALGO (MOli) Latest date (Adult): July 15 at Williams Bog, THUN (JW)
High Counts (Adult): 12 reported on June 21 at Bass Lake Road - power line corridor, ALGO (MOli) (this was the only double digit count reported)
Reported Nectaring on: Thistle (SuB), Ox-Eye Daisy (DAS), Black-Eyed Susan (JHE & MSD) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Muddy areas (MOli)
Commentary: Almost all new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range - there was a minor range extension of about 1 square to the SW in the far west of RAIN: July 10 at Byrnes Rd E of Worthington Rd 2| Dawson Twp.(DHE & MSD). The most northerly report for 2017 came from KENO: July 3 at Eady Farm, 3 km NE Eagle River (CaE). Aside from the usual cluster of reports around Sault Ste. Marie (where 15 of the 60 observations were made), all the more southerly reports form a band across central Ontario, with a conspicuous absence of reports from much of eastern Ontario. As expected, there were no reports from southwestern Ontario. In the few southwestern counties where the species has been found in the past, it has not been reported in at least 20 years.
PEARL CRESCENT (Phyciodes tharos)
Total observations: 453 S vs N: 451/2 Highest Annual Total: 536 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 399.8 New Atlas Squares added: 41 (6 added by DPy, 5 added by WIr) Earliest date (Adult): May 3 at Bovaird Dr W, Brampton, PEEL (PSB) Latest date (Adult): October 18 at Orchard Grove Road, Grafton, NORT (DD)
High Counts (Adult): 100’s reported on July 17 at Glenorchy Conservation Lands, HALT (AA) 107 reported on September 16 at Hillman Marsh, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
Reported Nectaring on: Dandelion (KAn, JBar), Bastard Toadflax (RAL), Golden Ragwort (LWN, RAL), Wood Lily
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(JoRe), New England Aster (RT), Balsam Ragwort (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Rusty water dripping from a dumpster (AA), dog feces (AA), unspecified puddling (BCr)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for ALGO: June 10 at Asam's Rd east of Hwy 638 - Plummer Twp (MOli)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. There are differing opinions on how to differentiate this species from the Northern Crescent, and not everyone is making IDs the same way. Therefore, I will refrain from further commentary on reports for these two species. That can of worms is beyond the scope of this summary.
NORTHERN CRESCENT (Phyciodes cocyta)
Total observations: 844 S vs N: 696/148 Highest Annual Total: 982 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 895.8 New Atlas Squares added: 52 (8 added by MOli, 7 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): April 29 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (KeMo) Latest date (Adult): October 25 at Floral Drive, Cornwall, STOR (RDo)
High Counts (Adult): 160 reported on July 1 at St. Williams Conservation Reserve - Gibson Rd., NORF (ErG) Several other reports of 100, as well as many between 20-50
Reported Nectaring on: Wild Strawberry (KaB), Philadelphia Fleabane (LWN), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (LWN). Ox-Eye Daisy (LWN, CH), Viper's Bugloss (LWN), Cow Vetch (JBar), Yarrow (MSD), Brown-Eyed Susan (RT), New England Aster (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Foraging for mineral nutrients (LWN), muddy areas (MOli), bear scat (RAL), scat (KAn)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for GREY: June 3 at Rocky Saugeen Rd E (LMN) First record for HALD in 26 years: July 14 at Caledonia (LWa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The species was reported in every county/district save NIAG, MANI, TIMI, and strangely, NIPI. The most northerly report was from COCH: August 7&9 at Longridge Point (MDo).
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TAWNY CRESCENT (Phyciodes batesii)
Total observations: 8 S vs N: 7/1 Highest Annual Total: 44 in 2004 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 15.6 New Atlas Squares added: 2 (both added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 13 at Kanata - Timm and Haanel Drive, OTTA (RCa) Latest date (Adult): July 31 just W of Rte 655, 47.7 km N of Timmins, COCH (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adult): 5 reported on June 17 at Carp Ridge, OTTA (MLa) 5 reported on June19 at Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.2 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH)
Noteworthy Observations: First record for COCH in 28 years: July 31 just W of Rte 655, 47.7 km N of Timmins (DaE & JoH)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The 8 observations were all made at only 4 locations. The species appears to have got off to a slow start this year. The author visited a reliable local site for this species repeatedly and did not find it flying there until June 13, around 2 weeks after it normally starts flying there. This species usually has a short flight season, so the late start may have been partly to blame for the paucity of sightings this year.
BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT (Euphydryas phaeton)
Total observations: 80 S vs N: 76/4 Highest Annual Total: 116 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 85 New Atlas Squares added: 10 (2 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): May 31 at Mountsberg CA - Main Entrance, HAMI (BVR) Latest date (Adult): July 28 at Railtrail, Cameron to Co. Rd. 38, PETE (JB)
High Counts (Adult): 50 reported on July 19 at Seaton Trail, N of Whitevale, DURH (JB) 22 reported on July 11 at Haak Homestead, Black River Rd, VICT (SuB)
Reported Nectaring on: Ox-Eye Daisy (MOli)
Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● May 30: one (13mm) reported on trail West of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● May 30: 1 reported at Larose Forest, Clarence-Rockland, PRES (CT)
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● May 31: 1 reported at Chapman Mills CA, Nepean, OTTA (BW) ● June 1: 3 reported West of Tweed, HAST (JaK) ● June 3: 3 reported (one on milkweed, 2 on Ash saplings) at Larose Forest, Clarence- Rockland, PRES (CT) ● June 10: 1 reported (~ 30 mm long, feeding on Turtlehead) West of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● June 16: 1 reported at Beaver River Wetland Trail, Blackwater, DURH (GrS) ● June 22: one 3rd instar feeding on plantain reported at Limmerick Forest, LEED (PH) ● July 3: 1 reported (~ 30 mm long, feeding on Turtlehead) West of Tweed, HAST (JBar) ● July 12: 1 reported (~30 mm long) West of Tweed, HAST (JBar)
Pupae: ● June 26: Attached to a grass stem about 30 cm from the ground, collected for rearing 2017-07-03, parasitoid wasp (Ichneumon sp) emerged 2017-07-12. W of Tweed, HAST (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for DUFF: July 7 at Amaranth Twp., 10th Line (DMac)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Observations were reported across the province from southern to eastern Ontario. Only 4 reports came from northern Ontario: 2 in RAIN (RHC, DHE), and 2 in ALGO (MOli).
QUESTION MARK (Polygonia interrogationis)
Total observations: 417 S vs N: 410/7 Highest Annual Total: 1358 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 409.8 (skewed by high total in 2012) New Atlas Squares added: 33 (7 added by JK, 5 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): April 18 at Fairplay Woods, Tecumseh, ESSE (MaNe) Latest date (Adult): October 20 at Presqu'ile PP - Woodchip Meadow, NORT (KAn)
High Counts (Adult): 8 reported on August 8 at Toronto - Rosetta McClain Gardens, METR (WF)
Reported Nectaring on: Butterfly Bush (ORe) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: on dirt road (RCa), soil (LMN), fermenting banana (RJY), damp patch on trail (BCr), moist sand and gravel (JBar), rotting fruit (KaB), watermelon (JoRe)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● June 2 on sapling. Laid 3 eggs on one leaf at The Riverwood Conservancy, Mississauga, PEEL (BCr)
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Larvae: ● September 4: 1 reported at Balsam Lake PP, VICT (MaG) ● September 13: 1 reported at Governors Rd, Hamilton, HAMI (GwG)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The overwhelming majority of observations were distributed across southern Ontario. The most northerly report for 2017 was in THUN: August 22 at McKellar Island Bird Observatory (TeAr). The other 6 reports for northern Ontario came from ALGO (MOli). Early reports were of the dark/summer form, which are believed to be migrants from the U.S. The first mention of winter/pale form was on July 19 at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH). There were several subsequent mentions of both pale and dark forms observed on the same day (DaE & JoH, RCa), indicating that either the dark form migrants that arrived in spring/early summer were long lived, or that there were additional migrants that arrived later than those which spawned the (presumed) local pale form individuals. The latest observation of both forms together was September 9, at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH).
EASTERN COMMA (Polygonia comma)
Total observations: 672 S vs N: 644/28 Highest Annual Total: 885 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 533.2 New Atlas Squares added: 50 (5 added by BVR) Earliest date (Adult): February 19 at Windsor, Spring Garden, ESSE (JL & Kla) - new early record! Latest date (Adult): November 29 at Rondeau PP, KENT (AlW)
High Counts (Adult): 20 reported on May 27 at Raft Lake Rd, RAIN (DHE) 13 reported on June 1 at Jim Lake Rd, RAIN (DHE)
Reported Nectaring on: Pussy Willow (RCa), Sharp-lobed Hepatica (KAn), Common Milkweed (TKi, RT & HTh), Wild Bergamot (RCa), Spotted Knapweed (KSp), Mexican Sunflower (KaB) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: overripe banana mix (KaR), mud (JBar), fecal matter (JBar), wet soil (JBar), wet sand and gravel (JBar & JaK), fermented banana feeder (RJY), rotting banana (KaB), rotting pear and apple (KaB), rotting apples (KAn, KaR)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● July 21 possibly on American Elm, East of Tweed, HAST (JBar) Larvae: ● August 5: 1 (~ 5 cm) reported on American Elm at erra Cotta, Halton Hills, HALT (KSp) ● August 26: 1 reported at Trans-Canada Trail, 2.7 km W Tweed, HALT (JaK)
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Commentary: Although there was a second early observation reported on February 19 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (JSk), it occurred several hours after the one at Spring Garden (cited above). All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. HAST had the most reports with 95, while WATE came in second with 64, followed by LENN and PETE each with 45. Only 3 northern districts reported observations: 1 in ALGO, 26 in RAIN and 1 in THUN. All but 3 southern counties reported observations. Only two counties, TIMI in the North and DUFF in the South have not reported this species in the last 20 years.
The first mention of summer/dark form individuals is on June 19 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE (RJY & KRY). The first mention of winter/pale form was on July 5 at French Settlement Rd, Tweed, HAST (JBar), though the observer specified that it was “faded but otherwise in good condition”. There is no further mention of pale form individuals until July 16 at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH). Dark form individuals were reported as late as August 9, indicating a large degree of overlap between the generations (or it may be that a few pale form individuals emerge in early summer with larger numbers of dark form individuals).
SATYR COMMA (Polygonia satyrus)
Total observations: 16 (tied for All-time High) S vs N: 11/5 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3 New Atlas Squares added: 5 (2 added by BCS & RCa) Earliest date (Adult): April 8 at the N end of Dinorwic Lake, KENO (ERi) - a new early record! Latest date (Adult): August 5 at the RR tracks N of Shipyard Road, THUN (NGE)
High Counts (Adult): 8 reported on August 5 at the RR tracks N of Shipyard Road, THUN (NGE) 5 reported on April 27 at Doorley Creek Road North, RENF (BCS & RCa)
Reported Puddling/Feeding on: dirt road (RCa)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. RENF had the most reports with 7, followed by KENO and LANA with 4 each. The unusually large number of reports this year is likely the result of increased observation rather than increased abundance. The 16 observations occurred in a total of 7 distinct areas. In eastern Ontario, 3 observations took place at a new location discovered in 2016, while another 8 observations were made at newly discovered locations which were probably not visited much in the past (if at all). There were repeat observations of both overwintering individuals in spring, and freshly eclosed individuals in summer at two of these locations in eastern Ontario, and at one of the locations in northern Ontario. These repeat observations at the same locations are encouraging as it establishes the reliability of the locations for this infrequently reported species. GREEN COMMA (Polygonia faunus)
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Total observations: 86 (All-time High) S vs N: 14/72 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 27.6 New Atlas Squares added: 20 (9 added by MOli, 3 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): April 8 at the N end of Dinorwic Lake, KENO (ERi) Latest date (Adult): September 10: two reports from the Moosonee area, COCH (TRS, MaP)
High Count (Adult): 5 reported on April 27 at Doorley Creek Rd, RENF (BCS & RCa)
Reported Puddling/Feeding on: gravel road (GFo)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. More new brood individuals than overwintering individuals were observed (56 vs 30). Observations were fairly widespread in spite of the fact that over half the total observations (47) were made in ALGO. The other northern records were spread across 5 districts: 5 in COCH, 4 in KENO, 1 in the northern half of NIPI, 7 in RAIN, and 8 in THUN. Reports in the south were also spread across 6 counties: 2 in HALI, 3 in LANA, 1 in the southern half of NIPI, 5 in OTTA, 1 in PETE, and 2 in RENF.
HOARY COMMA (Polygonia gracilis)
Total observations: 3 S vs N: 0/3 Highest Annual Total: 8 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 4.6 New Atlas Squares added: 3 (2 added by SB, 1 added by AlH) Earliest date (Adult): June 5 at clearcut east of town Sioux Lookout, KENO (SB) Latest date (Adult): September 9 at Caldwell Lake NR, Neebing, THUN (SB)
High Count (Adult): 4 reported on July 26 at Umfreville Lake, KENO (AlH)
Commentary: All 3 observations added new squares to the map for this species and fall within its historical range, though the Umfreville Lake observation stretches the far western boundary of the range in northern Ontario.
GRAY COMMA (Polygonia progne)
Total observations: 216 S vs N: 184/32 Highest Annual Total: 319 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 217.6 New Atlas Squares added: 23 (4 added by MOli)
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Earliest date (Adult): April 3 at N end of Dinorwic Lake, KENO (ERi) Latest date (Adult): October 18: 1 report each from LENN (DaE & JoH) and HALT (KaR)
High Count (Adult): 10 reported on July 23 at Separation Lake, KENO (AlH)
Reported Nectaring on: Pussy Willow (RCa), Milkweed (TKi) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: dirt/gravel road (RCa), bear scat (RAL), dung (RCa), moist sand and gravel (JBar), watermelon (JoRe)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for DUFF: September 16 at Mono (KrA)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Reports were well distributed across the province, with many counties/districts reporting observations. HALT had the most reports with 20, while HAST came in a close second with 19, followed by HAMI and WATE with 18 each. Interestingly, there appears to be no counties/districts that do not have at least one observation in the past 20 years. The most northerly observation was made on September 11 at Red Lake, KENO (VFa).
COMPTON TORTOISESHELL (Nymphalis l-album)
Total observations: 290 (All-time High) S vs N: 228/62 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 73.8 New Atlas Squares added: 50 (11 added by MOli, 6 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): March 29 at Sheridan Rapids Rd, LANA (LBal) Latest date (Adult): October 22: 1 report each from RENF (CH) and HALI (KrA)
High Counts (Adult): 71+ reported on July 15 at Pit Rd, Arden, FRON (RAL) 40 reported on July 18 at Pit Rd, Arden, FRON (DaE & JoH)
Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Tree sap (BCr, BCS, RCa), scat (RCa), dirt road (RCa), fermented banana feeder (RJY, KRY), bear scat (RAL), gravel road (DAS), gravel (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: Pupae: ● June 27: 1 reported West of Tweed, HAST (JaSk & RoSk) - eclosed July 3
Commentary: It was a banner year for this species in Ontario. Although there were a large number of squares
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added to the map, only a few squares stretched the boundaries of the historical range, chiefly in the northwest in RAIN and KENO, as well as in the southeast in LEED. This was not merely a case of increased observation effort, as numbers in some areas were unprecedented, and are not accurately reflected by the high counts quoted above. In particular, there were hundreds, if not thousands of individuals active in the Arden area on July 15. RCa observed many while driving to the area along Hwy 7 and on Arden Rd, noting many being struck by vehicles. RCa and RAL encountered each other on Pit Rd, where large numbers were active. At one point, RCa photographed a random spot on the road and 16 individuals can be counted in the resulting photograph (see page 127). Many observers would feel lucky to see that many individuals in an entire season. This was not a localized phenomenon, as there were also large numbers reported in LANA. The reason for this surge in numbers is unknown, but it appears that numbers have been climbing for several years now. There was a record high number of 181 observations in 2016, and the abundance was remarked upon in that year’s seasonal summary. The most recent low was 13 observations in 2013, and the previous peak was 129 observations in 2008. These large fluctuations in (apparent) abundance might give a false impression about the presence or absence of the species in any given area. In years of apparent absence, the species may actually be present in such low numbers that they go undetected. The author has been actively searching for this species for years and has found that it is often wary and can be quite difficult to find in off years.
The hotspot in northern Ontario was ALGO, boasting 30 observations. In the south, PETE had the highest number of observations with 34. The other high totals came from counties in eastern Ontario: 22 from FRON, 23 from HAST, 21 from LANA, 26 from OTTA, and 21 from RENF. There were also a number of reports from counties in the southwest where this species is not observed very often.
MOURNING CLOAK (Nymphalis antiopa)
Total observations: 828 S vs N: 734/94 Highest Annual Total: 934 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 815.8 New Atlas Squares added: 55 (8 added by MOli, 7 added by RCa, 6 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): February 22 at Amy Lynn Park Dr, Windsor, ESSE (MaNe) Latest date (Adult): November 28 at Kemble, GREY (FGi & JFr)
High Counts (Adult): 30 reported on July 18 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB & RD) 30 reported on July 27 at Echo Lake Rd (BER)
Reported Nectaring on: Pussy Willow (RCa), Bearberry (KAn), Crab Apple blossoms (JBar), Leatherleaf (RCa), Lilac (RCa), Chokecherry (RCa), Butterfly Bush (RJY) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: flushed from sap pails (SuB), sap (BCr, JBar & JaK), fermenting banana feeder (RJY), 6 on tree root (BCr), gravel road (LMN), sap from White Birch stump (JBar & JaK), mud (CEl, JBar),
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scat/dung (RCa), dirt road (RCa), moist sand and gravel (JBar), rotting pears (KaB)
Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● June 17: 1 reported on at Hwy 401 OnRoute, W of Dutton, ELGI (JHus) ● June 17: 3 reported “wandering to pupate” at Wendover Avenue, Ottawa, OTTA (PH)\ ● June 19: 1 reported at Todmorden Mills, Toronto, METR (KSp) ● June 20: 1 reported at Credit River, Mississauga, PEEL (MVB) ● June 22: 1 reported at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (DAS) ● June 27: 1 reported at Upper Rouge, Toronto, METR (CJT) ● July 1: 1 reported at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (LBe) ● July 3: 1 reported at Jocelyn Twp., St. Joseph Island, ALGO (MMAr) ● July 3: 1 reported at Big Nickel, Sudbury, SUDB (NaR) ● July 18: 3 reported at Sudbury - Big Nickel, SUDB (WF) Commentary: This species was reported in every county/district in the Province. All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Although it was reported in 6 Atlas squares in the Moosonee area, none of them were new squares for the species. The most northerly square added to the map was for an observation on June 3, near Taggart Lake, KENO (SFe). PETE had the most reports with 80, while WATE came in second with 73, followed by OTTA with 68.
MILBERT’S TORTOISESHELL (Aglais milberti)
Total observations: 130 S vs N: 86/44 Highest Annual Total: 139 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 87.8 New Atlas Squares added: 23 (3 added by GR & AM, 3 added by WIr) Earliest date (Adult): February 23 at Westmount, OXFO (CiCr) Latest date (Adult): November 8 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB)
High Counts (Adult): 9 reported on September 10 at Fairnorth Farm, NORF (KaB) 8 reported on September 23 at Cranbrook, HURO (GR & AM)
Reported Nectaring on: Hydrangea (TeAr), Goldenrod (KaB), Butterfly Bush (KaB, LJ), New York Aster (RJak), Pink Chrysanthemum (JuPo) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Moist soil (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for DUFF: August 13 NW of Shelburne (DMac) Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but it is noteworthy that a number of new squares were added around the eastern and western edges: 3 new squares were added in STOR (WIr), and 5 were added in RAIN (AlW, RHC, DHE,
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MSD). RAIN was the hotspot, with a total of 25 observations reported. Observations appeared to be concentrated in two regions: a band running from southwestern Ontario to eastern Ontario, and the area west of Thunder Bay. The area between these two clusters - a vast expanse in central and northern Ontario - had only 4 observations reported. It is interesting to see such a distribution in a year when the species appears to have been relatively abundant in some areas. Given the long flight season of the species, how conspicuous it is, and the intensity of observation in the Sault Ste. Marie area, it seems unlikely that this could be a matter of the butterfly being overlooked. Despite the abundance in some parts of southern Ontario, there are still 3 counties which have not had reports of this species in 20 years: GREY, HALD, and NIAG.
AMERICAN LADY (Vanessa virginiensis)
Total observations: 587 S vs N: 531/56 Highest Annual Total: 788 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 448.6 New Atlas Squares added: 62 (11 added by MOli, 5 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): April 10 at Stoney Creek, HAMI (LMa) Latest date (Adult): November 7 at Rideau River PP, OTTA (JVW)
High Counts (Adult): 20 reported on May 18 at Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn) 19 reported on April 17 at Toronto - Rosetta McClain Gardens, METR (WF)
Reported Nectaring on: Pansies (EMC), Pussy Willow (RCa), Small-flowered Bitter Cress (KaB), Johnny-Jump-Up (KaB), Coltsfoot (MVB, JBar), Spring Beauty (RCa), Dandelion (RCa, AA, KAn, TMa, JBar, LMN, JBar & MeL), Willow Catkins (JBar, RCa), Dutch Hyacinth (LWN), Sweet Violet (JHum), Creeping Phlox (KaB), Common Milkweed (RT & HTh, DAS, CT, KAn), Viper’s Bugloss (RCa), Spotted Knapweed (DAS), Red Clover (KAn), Joe-Pye Weed (BCr), Butterfly Bush (RJY), South American Vervain (KaB), Goldenrod (KSp), Chrysanthemum (BCr), Heal-all (JVW) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Woodland floor debris (JBar), wet sand and gravel (JBar), bear scat (RAL), on body (KAn), perspiration from the handle of a net (JBar)
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Compton Tortoiseshells gather on the road, July 15, 2017, near Arden, FRON (Photo: Rick Cavasin)
Compton Tortoiseshell, July 10, 2017, New Road, FRON Compton Tortoiseshell, August 5, 2017, Dinorwic, (Photo: Brenda Van Ryswyk) KENO (Photo: Ellen Riggins)
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Wild Indigo Duskywing, August 10, 2017, La Vallee Silvery Blue, May 11, 2017, Dinorwic, KENO Township, RAIN (Photo: Michael Dawber) (Photo: Ellen Riggins)
Pipevine Swallowtail, August 30, 2017, Centre Island, METR (Photo: Bob Yukich)
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Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● April 18 on Pearly Everlasting at McDonald St W, Listowel, PERT (GM) ● May 4 on St Joseph Island, ALGO (MOli) ● May 14 east of Robertson Lake - bush road, ALGO (MOli) ● May 23 on Pearly Everlasting at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) ● June 4 on Pearly Everlasting at June Avenue, Guelph, WELL (KDT) ● July 16 on Pearly Everlasting at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) Larvae: ● May 10: 2 reported on Pearly Everlasting at McDonald St W, Listowel, PERT (GM) ● June 14: 10 (first to third instar) on Pearly Everlasting and Pussytoes at Wendover Avenue, Ottawa, OTTA (PH) ● July 27: 1 reported at Prince 2 Wind Farm, ALGO (MOli)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though several were added on the west side of RAIN and KENO. The species was reported in every county/district except for DUFF, SUDB, TIMI, and COCH. The counties with the most records are as follows: LENN with 50, PETE with 47, METR with 45, and ALGO with 41. Aside from the cluster of observations in ALGO, there were relatively few reports from northern Ontario (compared to the Painted Lady).
PAINTED LADY (Vanessa cardui)
Total observations: 1156 (All-time High) S vs N: 972/184 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 248.8 New Atlas Squares added: 158 (22 added by MOli, 11 added by JK and by WIr) Earliest date (Adult): April 14 at Pinery PP, Lambton Shores, LAMB (SFu) Latest date (Adult): November 21 at Presqu'ile PP, NORT (KAn)
High Counts (Adult): 4500 reported on July 26 at Advent Rd| Near Pinewood| Dawson Twp, RAIN (MSD) There are several other very high counts from RAIN (JIr, MSD) 1500 reported on September 24 at Lemoine Point CA, FRON (AnK) 300 reported on September 19 at OPG Powerdam fields, STOR (RDo)
Reported Nectaring on: Red Clover (CT, LMN, JBar, RT, RT & HTh, RAL, PMac, RDo, DAS), Viper’s Bugloss (KAn, CT, RAL), Crown Vetch (JBar, LJ), Dame’s Rocket (CT, BCr), Zinnia (RCa, JSk, DaFi, RT & HTh), Coreopsis (BCr), Wild Bergamot (RCa), Knapweed (RCa), Queen Anne's Lace (JBar), Canada Thistle (KAn), Fuller’s Teasel (DKa), Clover (KAn, RDo, TeAr, RT, DD), Cow Vetch (LJ), Purple Loosestrife (LJ), Butterfly Bush (RJY, CR, XW, LJ), Joe-Pye Weed (JBar, JTe, ERi, LJ), Mexican Sunflower (KaB), Goldenrod (RJak, ASh, RAL, JBar, RP, KAn, DD), New England Aster (DLe, RT, LJ, ASh, RT, JBar, MPo, RAL, CT, BW, KAn, AA, RDi, RT & HTh, JoRe, DD), Wild Bergamot (TeAr), Mint (RDo), Sedum (TeAr, LJ), aster (RDo, RP, LJ), Salvia
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(LJ, AlW), Purple Coneflower (LJ, AlW), Brown-eyed Susan (JBar), Jerusalem Artichoke (GoR), Dandelion (CT, MPo, LJ, JBar, KAn), Brown Knapweed (RT & HTh), Bull Thistle (JBar, KAn), Dahlia (DKe), Marigold (LJ), Monkshood (LJ), Nodding Burr Marigold (KAn), Alsike Clover (RAL), Vervain (AM), Sky Blue Aster (DKa), Perennial Pea (DAS), Chrysanthemum (BCr, LJ) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: gull droppings (JBar), mud rich in decaying vegetation (JBar), moist soil, moist gravel, and moist sand (JBar), roadway gravel (LMN), dirt on road (KAn)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● July 16 on Thistle at Alice Ave, Thunder Bay, THUN (NGE)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but with such a large number of squares added, it is inevitable that some fall around the fringes of the province. In particular, there are a number of new squares added at the eastern edge in STOR and PRES, around St. Joseph Island in ALGO, and around EMO in western RAIN. While there were roughly twice as many observations for this species as there were for the American Lady in the province as a whole, the ratio was over 3:1 in the North.
Observations were reported in every county except for HALD, DUFF, MANI, RENF and TIMI. The highest number of reports came from OTTA with 116, followed METR with 96. This difference between zero observations in more rural counties and high totals in more urban ones is most likely a reflection of the relative abundance of observers rather than the relative abundance of the butterflies. In addition to the high counts listed, there were many other counts ranging from dozens to hundreds from across the province. Observations appear to have been more frequent in the later part of the season, during September and October.
RED ADMIRAL (Vanessa atalanta)
Total observations: 1468 S vs N: 1369/99 Highest Annual Total: 1951 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1016 New Atlas Squares added: 86 (17 added by MOli, 8 added by JK, 6 added by RCa) Earliest date (Adult): April 5 at St. Clair NWA, KENT (LuF) Latest date (Adult): November 24 at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH)
High Counts (Adult): 50 reported on April 17 at Port Colborne - Miller Rd Extension, NIAG (RCa) 31 reported on August 30 at Centre Island, METR (RJY)
Reported Nectaring on: Johnny-Jump-Ups (KaB), Dandelion (JoHa), Pussy Willow (PTa, DRy, RCa), Pennywort (KaB),
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Small-flowered Bitter Cress (KaB), Willow (RCa, ORe, JBar), Siberian Squill (DKa), Dandelion (JoRe, LMN, RAL & RCL, JBar, OCl, KAn), Coltsfoot (LMN), Common Violet (JHum), Leatherleaf (GR), Lilac (SGi, JBar & JaK, RT, RAL), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (JBar), Dame's Rocket (KAn), Thistle (BeA), Hemp Dogbane (BCr), Viper’s Bugloss (RAL), Yarrow (RT), Common Milkweed (LAt), Butterfly Bush (ORe, XW), Joe-Pye Weed (RT), Large-leaved Aster (JK) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: fermenting banana feeder (RJY), sampling the roadway (LMN), rich organic mud containing decaying vegetation (JBar, JBar & AdL), dirt road (RCa, KAn), dirt of trail (LMN), muck (KAn), wet sand (JBar), mud on trail (JBar), fecal matter (JBar), sand and gravel (JBar), rotting pear (KaB), rotting apple (KAn)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● April 17 on Nettles at Riverwood Conservancy, Mississauga, PEEL (BCr) ● July 16 on Nettles at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH) Ova: ● July 22 unspecified number reported at Kingston, FRON (XW) Larvae: ● June 7: 1 reported at 5 km SE Fitzroy Harbour, OTTA (RAL) ● June 13: 1 reported at Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Ottawa, OTTA (CT) ● June 18: 3 (2nd to 3rd instar) reported at 5 km SE Fitzroy Harbour, OTTA (RAL) ● July 1: 2 reported at Larose Forest, PRES (CT) ● July 22: 3 reported raised on Stinging Nettle at Kingston, FRON (XW) ● August 10: 1 reported at Sandbanks PP, PRIN (MVB) ● September 17: 1 reported parasitized at Kingston, FRON (XW)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. The most northerly addition was a singleton observed on July 23 at Separation Lake, KENO (AlH). The species was reported as far north as Moosonee. There were observations in every county except TIMI. The hotspot was WATE with 165 observations, followed by METR with 122, LENN with 114, and PETE with 82.
COMMON BUCKEYE (Junonia coenia)
Total observations: 183 S vs N: 169/14 Highest Annual Total: 800 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 225.6 (skewed by high total in 2012) New Atlas Squares added: 24 Earliest date (Adult): April 26 at Niagara Falls, NIAG (DBr) Latest date (Adult): October 30 at Toronto - Rosetta McClain Gardens, METR (WF)
High Counts (Adult): 11 reported on September 12 at Hanlan's Point, METR (RJY & KRY)
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All other reports are single digit.
Reported Nectaring on: Dandelion (KAn), South American Vervain (KaB), Goldenrod (KAn, KSp), Marigold (RJY & KRY), Pink Chrysanthemum (JuPo) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: on roadside (BaC)
Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● August 24: 1 reported at Malden, Windsor, ESSE (TPr)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for SUDB: June 26 at Invergarry Twp., W Hwy 144 (RMa)
Commentary: One Buckeye was reported on June 28 at Bankfield (W of Gerldton), THUN (NGE), extending the northern edge of the range for this species. In addition, the report of one individual on July 23 at Atikokan, RAIN (DHE) stretches the western boundary of the range in that district. The new county record in SUDB leaves TIMI as the only county in the province where the species has never been reported. Most of the southern counties had reports this year, with the highest total observations coming from METR with 32.
WHITE ADMIRAL (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
Total observations: 676 S vs N: 458/218 Highest Annual Total: 824 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 669 New Atlas Squares added: 52 (9 added by MOli, 4 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 11 at Alvar Road, VICT (MaP) Latest date (Adult): September 25 at S side of Henvey Inlet, PARR (JK)
High Counts (Adult): 90 reported on June 24 at Carden Alvar, Alvar Road, VICT (DLe) 70 reported on July 24 at Sandy Lake Rd, PETE (JB)
Reported Nectaring on: Dame's Rocket (KAn), Cow Vetch (RT), Ninebark inflorescence (LMN), Common Milkweed (CT, LAt), Purple Pitcher Plant (MOli), Coneflower (LVi), Butterfly Bush (LVi, CR), Joe-Pye Weed (JK, WF), Canada Goldenrod (DAS), Large-leaved Aster (JK) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: wet roadside ditch (LMN), moist gravel on the road (JBar), muddy areas (MOli), Coyote scat (DAS)
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Reports of Immatures: Larvae: ● July 17: 1 reported at Cloud Island, THUN (AEG)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, with 29 added in northern Ontario: 7 in RAIN, 4 in KENO, 10 in ALGO, 6 in COCH, 1 in MANI (KeMo), and 1 in SUDB. The species was reported in most counties in northern and central Ontario with the exception of TIMI. PETE had the most reports with 94, while ALGO came in a close second with 85, followed by RAIN with 68. There was a single report from SW Ontario: BAM reported a singleton on June 18 at Pinery PP, LAMB. Although there were a number of White Admiral x Red-Spotted Purple intergrades reported in southern Ontario via iNaturalist/eButterfly, there is no corresponding category for such an entity in the Atlas. It appears that these observations have been lumped in with the Red-spotted Purple observations. One such intergrade was reported by JoRe on June 22 at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve (ponds), Puslinch, WELL. The observation was treated as a Red-Spotted Purple in the Atlas.
RED-SPOTTED PURPLE (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
Total observations: 229 (All-time High) S vs N: 229/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 175 New Atlas Squares added: 10 (2 added by AlW) Earliest date (Adult): May 22 at Wilson Tract, NORF (RJY & KRY) Latest date (Adult): September 22 at Campbellville, HALT (KaR)
High Counts (Adult): 31 reported on June 24 at Pinery PP, Lambton Shores, LAMB (ChCh & JoRe & BoK) 24 reported on July 30 at Manestar Tract, St. Williams, NORF (SuB & DaBo)
Reported Nectaring on: Butterfly Bush (KaB) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Adjacent to scat on trail (KaB & AT), on the [dirt/gravel] roadway (LMN), unspecified puddling (BCr), attracted to watermelon placed on a rock (JoRe)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for DUFF: June 30 at Luther Marsh CA (DMac)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but 3 observations fell near the NE boundary of that range: ● June 28 at Alvar Road Kawartha Lakes, VICT (DLG) ● August 9 at Dance Nature Reserve - Kawartha Land Trust, PETE (MaP) ● August 21 at Sandhurst Shores, LENN (DaE & JoH) WATE had the most reports with 53, while HALT came in second with 31, followed by NORF
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with 25. As mentioned in the commentary for the White Admiral, reports of intergrades appear to have been lumped in with the Red-Spotted Purple observations.
VICEROY (Limenitis archippus)
Total observations: 607 S vs N: 563/44 Highest Annual Total: 723 in 2012 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 678.8 New Atlas Squares added: 31 (9 added by MOli, 4 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): June 3 at rare ECO Centre, Blair Road, Cambridge, WATE (JuRe) Latest date (Adult): October 10 - 3 locations: ESSE (RJJ), HAMI (BVR), and WATE (JuRe)
High Counts (Adult): 22 reported on August 30 at Presqu'ile Provincial Park - Beach Three, NORT (KAn) 21 reported on July 28 at the Railtrail, Cameron to Co. Rd. 38, PETE (JB)
Reported Nectaring on: cultivated Ninebark (MSD), Lilac (MSD), Common Milkweed (JBar & JaK), Queen Anne’s Lace (RCa, WDu), Joe-Pye Weed (DKa, CT, DAS, JBar), Bull Thistle (DKa), Butterfly Bush (RJY), Canada Goldenrod (DAS), Brown Knapweed (RT & HTh), Large-leaved Aster (JK), Loosestrife (KAn), Stonecrop (KAn), Common Boneset (JBar), New England Aster (JBar), Goldenrod (DAS, JBar), Aster (CT), White Aster (DD) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: At mud in a driveway (JBar), moist sand and gravel on the trail (JBar), damp area of dirt parking lot (KAn), on dead frog (CYu), minerals in the [beach] sand (KOs), fermented banana feeder (RJY)
Reports of Immatures: Oviposition reported: ● September 13 on a tiny Balsam Poplar (little more than a seedling) West of Tweed, a field north of the trans-Canada Trail, HAST (JBar & JaK) Ova: ● October 7: 10 reported on Missouri Willow (formed hibernacula) at Milton, HALT (XW) Larvae: ● July 1: 1 reported on Willow at Toronto, Rouge Park, METR (KRY) ● July 22: 1 reported at Stoco Fen, HAST (JaK) ● September 10: 2 reported at Listowel Zehrs plaza - field, PERT (GR) ● October 6: 2 reported on Missouri Willow (formed hibernacula) at Milton, HALT (XW)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Although there are widespread historical records for this species across the North, observations were more concentrated in 2017: 10 observations in RAIN fell within 4 squares in the far west of the district, 17 observations in KENO fell in 2 squares north of Moosonee, and 16 observations in ALGO
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were clustered in a narrow area along the U.S. border on either side of Sault Ste. Marie. There was only a single report for SUDB, and there hasn’t been an observation from TIMI since 1992. Observations are more evenly distributed across the South. PETE had the most reports with 62, while WATE came in second with 52, followed by NORT with 40. Of the southern counties, only HURO and RENF failed to report this species in 2017.
HACKBERRY EMPEROR (Asterocampa celtis)
Total observations: 54 (All-time High) S vs N: 54/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 38 New Atlas Squares added: 3 (2 added by DaMa & LiW, 1 added by AA) Earliest date (Adult): June 16 at Bridge on Stanley LIne near Kimbal, LAMB (PCar) Latest date (Adult): September 27 at Point Pelee NP, Visitor center, ESSE (ChB)
High Counts (Adult): 43 reported on July 3 at Daley & Hogs Back Road, HAST (BER) 26 reported on August 30 at Pelee Island, North Shore Road, ESSE (JoRA)
Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Mud on a path (JBar), moist sand and gravel (JBar), fecal matter (JBar & AdL & JaLe), mud (JBar), "Puddling" at paint on a building (JBar)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for METR: July 8 at High Park at The Queensway, Toronto (AA)
Commentary: With only 3 new squares added to the map for this species (one a county record), it seems that most observations continue to occur in the same areas where the species has been found in the past. The localized nature of these observations is further highlighted when we consider that this all time high of 54 observations came from just 5 counties. 8 other counties with historical records for the species had no reports in 2017. One of those counties - BRAN - has not had a report since 1990.
TAWNY EMPEROR (Asterocampa clyton)
Total observations: 36 (All-time High) S vs N: 36/0 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 28.6 New Atlas Squares added: 4 (1 added by each of DaMa & LiW, DPy, DPy & RP, and JK) Earliest date (Adult): Jul 2 - 3 locations: ESSE (DaMa & LiW), MIDD (DPy) and MIDD (AnG) Latest date (Adult): August 22 at Amburg Grand Canyon Trail, ESSE (DaMa & LiW)
High Counts (Adult): 10 reported on August 2 at Pelee Island, NCC Bike Path, Brown's Rd, ESSE (SuB & DaBo) 9 reported on August 2 at Pelee Island, SW quadrant, ESSE (RJY & KRY)
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Reports of Immatures: Ova: ● August 26 : reported on Common Hackberry at Campbellville, HALT (KaR) Larvae: ● October 3: 150 reported at Rattlesnake Point CA (HRCA), HALT (BVR)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Since the species is highly localized in Ontario, finding it at new locations is always encouraging. Although there was an all-time high in the total number of reports this year, a large percentage came from a limited area. Of the 34 reports of adults, 14 came from WATE, and of those, 11 came from some part of rare. Aside from this cluster, the rest of the observations were fairly widespread. Of the 13 counties with past records for this species, 9 reported observations in 2017.
GOATWEED LEAFWING (Anaea andria)
Total records: No records for 2017 for this southern species.
Commentary: First reported in 2016 at Point Pelee NP, ESSE.
NORTHERN PEARLY-EYE (Lethe anthedon)
Total observations: 382 S vs N: 326/56 Highest Annual Total: 469 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 337.4 New Atlas Squares added: 44 (7 added by MOli and by JK, 6 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 14 at Rare - Cliffs and Alvars, WATE (OLu) Latest date (Adult): August 27 at Blueberry Mountain, LANA (CT)
High Counts (Adult): 70 reported on July 11 at Sharbot Lake, Trans-Canada Trail 2 km W from Brewers Rd, FRON (DaE & JoH) 17 reported on July 6 at Rare - Thompson Tract, WATE (OLu)
Reported Nectaring on: Cow Vetch (RT), Viper's Bugloss (RT) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Tree sap (MOli, JHum), liquid from a freshly cleaned Pike (SFe)
Commentary: The northwestern boundary of the range for this species is refined a bit by a new observation on July 20 at Red Lake, KENO (VFa) - the second most northerly record ever for this species. There
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was one other square added in KENO (SFe), one in COCH (DaE & JoH), 8 in ALGO (MOli, RRo), and 3 in RAIN (DHE, MSD, AlH). Overall, the species was reported in all but 6 counties (last reported in OXFO in 1980). WATE had the most reports with 42, while HALT came in a close second with 39, followed by HAMI with 24. Some reports of congregations around tree trunks have no explicit mention of feeding or the presence of tree sap but such feeding is the likely reason for these congregations.
EYED BROWN (Lethe eurydice)
Total observations: 172 S vs N: 120/0 Highest Annual Total: 274 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 227.4 New Atlas Squares added: 29 (7 added by JK, 5 added by DaE & JoH) Earliest date (Adult): June 19 - two locations: WATE (JuRe) and PETE (JB) Latest date (Adult): August 16 at Dumfries CA, Dunbar Road, Cambridge, WATE (JuRe)
High Counts (Adult): 55 reported on July 2 at a wetland S of Pine Gate and E of Lakeridge Rds, DURH (JK) 35 reported on July 9 at Sideroad 17, 250 m N of Brock Con 13, DURH (JK & KLl)
Reported Nectaring on: Swamp Milkweed (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Bear scat (RAL)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. That said, the distribution of observations in the North is interesting. There are no reports from anywhere along the north shore of Lake Superior (indeed, the last report from THUN was in 1985). This year’s observations were clustered in the western end of RAIN, and around Sault Ste. Marie in ALGO. Outside these 2 districts, the only other northern observation was a singleton reported in SUDB on July 15 at Lake Laurentian CA (KeMo). Observations were reported in the majority of the counties in southern Ontario, though totals were in the single digits for most of them. PETE had the most, with 23 observations reported.
APPALACHIAN BROWN (Lethe appalachia)
Total observations: 53 S vs N: 52/1 Highest Annual Total: 75 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 58.6 New Atlas Squares added: 9 (2 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): June 18 at St. Williams Forest Station, NORF (ErG) Latest date (Adult): August 23 at Kirkfield, Blanchard's Rd. - private property, VICT (RJY & KRY & SuB & DaBo)
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High Counts (Adult): 25 reported on July 21 at Menzel Centennial NR, LENN (DaE & JoH) 20 reported on July 15 at Reid CA, LAMB (BAM)
Noteworthy Observations: First record ever for ALGO: July 18 at Milford Haven Rd at Richmond Rd., St Joseph Island (MOli)
Commentary: The new record for ALGO represents a range extension to the NW relative to older records in MANI and SUDB, and was the only report from northern Ontario this year. In southern Ontario, reports were a bit patchy, with 21 counties failing to report any observations. 3 counties - ELGI, OXFO and HALD - have not had a report in 20 years or more, while DUFF has never reported this species. HAMI had the most reports with 7, followed by WATE and ESSE with 6 each.
LITTLE WOOD-SATYR (Megisto cymela)
Total observations: 541 S vs N: 510/31 Highest Annual Total: 696 in 2015 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 526.2 New Atlas Squares added: 40 (8 added by MOli and by JK, 3 added by AlW) Earliest date (Adult): May 26 at Ojibway Prairie NR, ESSE (JK) Latest date (Adult): August 20 at Humber River Trail E,Kirby Rd at Huntington, YORK (CCr)
High Counts (Adult): 163 reported on June 14 at High Park, Toronto, METR (RJY) 80 reported on June 20 at Spring Garden ANSI, Windsor, ESSE (RJY & KRY) Numerous other high counts were reported from a range of locations in S. Ontario.
Noteworthy Observations: First record for HURO in 28 years: July 5 at Hullett Marsh (SFu)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. As was the case with the Eyed Brown discussed previously, the observations are spread out across southern Ontario, but more clustered in the North: 8 observations were reported in RAIN, 20 in ALGO, 2 in SUDB, and one in TIMI. There has only ever been 1 observation reported in each of THUN and COCH, both more than 20 years in the past. In southern Ontario, the species was reported in all but 3 counties: PERT, DUFF and NIAG. WATE had the most reports with 68, while PETE came in second with 39, followed by HAST with 36.
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COMMON RINGLET (Coenonympha tullia)
Total observations: 831 S vs N: 790/41 Highest Annual Total: 832 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 780.8 New Atlas Squares added: 37 (11 added by MOli, 5 added by GR & AM, 4 added by AlW) Earliest date (Adult): May 23 - 3 locations: LAMB (DPy), MIDD (DPy), and NORF (KaB) Latest date (Adult): October 2 - two locations in WATE (JuRe)
High Counts (Adult): 117 reported on August 30 at Dance NR - Kawartha Land Trust, PETE (MaP) 116 reported on June 19 at Lakefield Sewage Lagoons, PETE (KeMo)
Reported Nectaring on: Ox-Eye Daisy (JBar, LMN, KAn), Canada Anemone (JBar), Red Clover (LMN), Low Stonecrop (JBar), Yellow Hawkweed (KAn), Yellow Stonecrop (JBar), Brown-Eyed Susan (RT & HTh), Yarrow (CT), Joe-Pye Weed (BCr), small-flowered Pale Purple Aster (RAL) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: Bird dropping (JuRe), mud on the trail (JBar)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, though two new squares were added at the eastern edge in STOR (WIr). There was a smattering of observations across northern Ontario, ranging as far north as Longridge Point, COCH (MDo), on the James Bay coast north of Moosonee. The most northerly observations that added squares to the map for this species were both in COCH: ● 5 reported on August 1 at Bog along Marceau Rd, 1.6 km SW of Fraserdale (DaE & JoH) ● 1 reported on July 19 at Mowbray Twp., Bennet Creek (LBe) It was nearly an even split with 4 northern counties reporting 1 or more observations (RAIN, THUN, ALGO, COCH), while 5 had none (KENO, SUDB, MANI, TIMI, and the northern half of NIPI). In the south, every county had at least 1 report, except for NIAG. WATE had the most reports with 110, while PETE came in second with 67, followed by OTTA with 55.
COMMON WOOD-NYMPH (Cercyonis pegala)
Total observations: 542 S vs N: 790/41 Highest Annual Total: 613 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 507.4 New Atlas Squares added: 39 (10 added by MOli, 8 added by JK) Earliest date (Adult): June 4 at Wardsville Woods,Wardsville, MIDD (DPy) Latest date (Adult): September 6 - 3 locations: FRON (DaE & JoH), WATE (JuRe), and SIMC (YMe)
High Counts (Adult): 50 reported on July 21 at Arden - Pit Road, FRON (RCa)
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46 reported on July 20 at Fred's Rd, Atwood Twp., RAIN (DHE)
Reported Nectaring on: Brown Knapweed (RT), Joe-Pye Weed (RT, ERi), Yarrow (RAL)
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range. Most of the northern districts reported observations this year, but there were no reports in MANI, SUDB, TIMI and NIPI. Interestingly, there were also zero reports from neighbouring counties of PARR, HALI, and RENF, making for a wide swath across the province where this species was not observed. This may simply be a reflection of when and where observers were travelling this summer. In the North, observations were clustered in western RAIN and around Sault Ste. Marie in ALGO. Observations were more widespread in the South, with only 3 counties - HURO, PERT, and DUFF - failing to report sightings.
TAIGA ALPINE (Erebia mancinus)
Total observations: 4 S vs N: 4/0 Highest Annual Total: 10 in 1976 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 2.4 New Atlas Squares added: none Earliest date (Adult): June 1 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE) Latest date (Adult): June 28 at Geraldton, THUN (JW)
High Counts (Adult): 2 reported on June 1 at Jim Lake Road, RAIN (DHE) all other reports are of singletons
Commentary: This northern species is infrequently reported, so this year’s total of 4 observations is a respectable showing.
RED-DISKED ALPINE (Erebia discoidalis)
Total observations: 1 S vs N: 1/0 Highest Annual Total: 11 in 2014 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 3.6 (skewed by high total in 2014) New Atlas Squares added: 1 (added by AlH)
High Count (Adult): 1 reported on May 27 at Little Pigeon Bay, THUN (AlH)
Commentary:
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The new square added to the map for this species falls within its historical range.
MACOUN’S ARCTIC (Oeneis macounii)
Total records: No records for 2017 for this northern species which only flies in even years.
Commentary: Last reported in 2016, where it was reported in Algonquin Park, NIPI, and at 3 locations in THUN.
CHRYXUS ARCTIC (Oeneis chryxus)
Total observations: 36 (All-time High) S vs N: 31/5 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 17.2 New Atlas Squares added: 6 (4 added by DaE & JoH, 1 added by each of BTu and RCa) Earliest date (Adult): May 17: numerous reports from PETE, FRON, and MANI Latest date (Adult): June 10 at Algonquin PP, Mew Lake, NIPI (KeMo & BJL)
High Counts (Adult): 55 reported on May19 at Snowmobile Trail E101, 3.5 km NW of Kaladar, LENN (DaE & JoH) 20 reported on May17 at Camp Cove, Strawberry Island, MANI (MVB)
Reported Nectaring on: Bastard Toadflax (RCa) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: moist sandy area
Commentary: All new squares added to the map for this species fall within its historical range, but one is noteworthy for being the first in the vicinity of North Bay: 1 reported on the Cranberry Trail, N of Callander, PARR (BTu). However, in the satellite view, this area looks like a wetland habitat where O. jutta is more likely to be found. Without a photo or specimen, the identification cannot be verified. Reports for the species were not merely numerous, but widespread, with observations reported in a total of 10 counties: 2 in the North (ALGO and MANI), and 8 in the South. Observations of this species have been on the rise for a number of years, though this may be a reflection of more observers seeking it out, or simply of them being in the right kind of habitat at the right time of year.
JUTTA ARCTIC (Oeneis jutta)
Total observations: 3 S vs N: 1/2 Highest Annual Total: 40 in 1976 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 12.4 New Atlas Squares added: none
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Earliest date (Adult): June 6 at the Buchanan Fen, THUN (NGE) Latest date (Adult): June 25 at Markle Lake, TIMI (AGu)
High Counts (Adult): All reports were of singletons.
Commentary: This year’s low count is likely due to a lack of observers visiting appropriate habitats. That said, there does seem to be a tendency for the number of observations to be lower in odd numbered years than in even numbered years. Since 1984, there have been over twice as many observations in even vs odd years. It is difficult to imagine what would cause observers to visit bog habitats more in even years than in odd ones, so it seems unlikely that this could be the result of observation bias. If the species is biennial, it could mean that the even year cohort is more abundant. This is based on a quick look at the year over year distribution charts on the Atlas website, and is not a robust statistical analysis.
MELISSA ARCTIC (Oeneis melissa)
Total records: No records in 2017 for this northern species.
Commentary: Last reported in 2014, from the far northwestern part of KENO.
MONARCH (Danaus plexippus)
Total observations: 2979 (All-time High) S vs N: 2793/186 Annual average of the previous 5 years: 1495.4 New Atlas Squares added: 70 (9 added by GR & AM, 8 added by JK, 7 added by MOli) Earliest date (Adult): May 6 at Holiday Beach CA, ESSE (DW) Latest date (Adult): November 16 at Front St., Toronto, METR (AA)
High Counts (Adult): 7500 reported on October 10 at Toronto - Rosetta McClain Gardens, METR (RMG) There were a number of counts in the thousands generated by various raptor watches during the fall migration.
Reported Nectaring on: Lilac (KaB), Dandelion (KAn, JBar, KOs), Labrador Tea (RCa), Red Clover (GJo, CT, RT, JBar, PMac, RDo, KSp), Indian Hemp (NGo), Viper’s Bogloss (KAn, DAS, KSp), Dame’s Rocket (KAn), Common Milkweed (JBar, GJo, ORe, JuPo, FGi, DaMc, MSD), Cow Vetch (LJ), Purple Coneflower (JuPo, GJo, KAn, RT), Swamp Milkweed (JuPo, RCa, JBar, CT, RJak), Bull Thistle (JBar, KAn, JBar & JaK, RT), Fuller's Teasel (JuMo, KeHo, DKa), Loosestrife (RCa), Brown Knapweed (RT & HTh, RAL), Joe-Pye Weed (JBar, JK, CT, DAS), Queen Anne's Lace (JBar), Clover (KAn, KaR, DD, KOs), Sweet Pea (KAn), White Meadowsweet (RT), Butterfly Bush (BoT, RJY, CR, DKa, LJ, KaB, BCr), Spotted Knapweed (BoT), Butterfly Milkweed
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(JoRe), Purple Loosestrife (JBar, RJY), Thistle (GM), Blazing Star (BCr), Coreopsis (KAn), Cosmos (KAn), Goldenrod (JBar, KAn, RAL), Canada Goldenrod (CT, DKa), Verbena (AM), Rocky Mountain Blazing Star (JuPo), Aster (RDo, GM, JoHa), New England Aster (CT, RT, RAL, JBar, KAn, AA, LJ, WF, AlW), Sky Blue Aster (DKa), Mint (RDo, KAn), Tall Sunflower (LuF), Brown-eyed Susan (JBar), Agrimony (KAn), Zinnia (WF), Mexican Sunflower (WF, KaB), Spearmint (RDo), Brazilian Vervain (WF), False Sunflower (KAn), Salvia (LJ), Hairy Cat's-Ear (KAn), Purple Clover (DD), Tillage Radish (BJF), Sedum (KAn, JBar), Red Osier Dogwood (KSp), Pale Smartweed (KAn), old breed Chrysanthemum (BCr) Reported Puddling/Feeding on: unspecified puddling (BCr), mud on the race track (JBar), wet sand containing decayed vegetation and bird droppings (JBar), moist sand (JBar)
Reports of Immatures: There were over 300 observations of immature Monarchs (various stages) - far too many to mention individually here. The first report of Ova was on May 28 at Listowel wet/dry field - bicycle trail, PERT (GR). The first report of larvae was on June 18 at McIntosh St., Toronto, METR (WF). The latest report of larvae was on November 7 at Fairnorth Farm, Norfolk, NORF (KaB). Readers interested in that further detail are referred to the Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online.
Commentary: Although Monarch numbers rebounded somewhat in 2017, they were still far below historical levels and the wintering grounds saw a decrease in colony size over the winter from the previous year. Nevertheless, total annual observations reached an all-time high this year. Obviously, the all-time high is largely a reflection of an increase in observation/reporting. In 2017, Monarchs were reported in every county exceptTIMI, and there was only one report from COCH: 1 reported at Retreat Rd, Night Hawk Lake, Timmins (RFi). The most northerly observation reported extends the NW boundary of the range of the species in Ontario: 1 adult reported on September 13 at Crolancia Public School, KENO (RHe). Aside from these isolated reports, observations in northern Ontario were concentrated along the southern borders in RAIN, THUN, SUDB, and ALGO. In southern Ontario, reports were more distributed. METR had the most reports with 349, while WATE came in second with 201, followed by NORT with 197.
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Correspondence between plant names used in this publication and VASCAN names
VASCAN is the Database of Vascular Plants of Canada. It is a comprehensive list of all vascular plants reported in Canada, Greenland (Denmark) and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). VASCAN is widely accepted by botanists as the current authority for Canadian botanical taxonomy: http://data.canadensys.net/vascan/search
In some cases, it wasn’t possible to find an exact match between the common name used by an observer and a species listed in VASCAN. In these cases, I made a best guess at a genus.
VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Agrimony NA Agrimonia sp. Alfalfa alfalfa Medicago sativa Allium NA Allium sp. Alsike Clover alsike clover Trifolium hybridum Alternate-leaved Dogwood alternate-leaved dogwood Cornus alternifolia American Elm white elm Ulmus americana Anise-Hyssop anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum Ash ash Fraxinus sp. Aster NA Aster sp. Astragalus NA Astragalus sp. Autumn Onion autumn onion Allium stellatum Bastard Toadflax bastard toadflax Comandra umbellata Bearberry common bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bergamot bergamot Monarda didyma Bird’s-foot Trefoil bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Balsam Poplar balsam poplar Populus balsamifera Balsam Ragwort balsam ragwort Packera paupercula Black-Eyed Susan black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Black Locust black locust Robinia pseudoacacia Bladder Campion bladder campion Silene sp. Blazing Star blazing star Mentzelia sp. Blueberry blueberry Vaccinium sp. Blue Cohosh blue cohosh Caulophyllum sp. Blue Iris blue flag Iris versicolor Bog Laurel bog laurel Kalmia polifolia Bouncing Bet bouncing-bet Saponaria officinalis Brazilian Vervain common clasping vervain Verbena incompta Bridal Wreath bridal-wreath Spiraea prunifolia Brown-Eyed Susan brown-eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba Brown Knapweed brown knapweed Centaurea jacea
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VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Bull Thistle bull thistle Cirsium vulgare Burdock common burdock Arctium minus Buttercup buttercup Ranunculus sp. Butterfly Bush orange-eye butterfly-bush Buddleja davidii Butterfly Milkweed butterfly milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Buttonbush eastern buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Canada Anemone Canada anemone Anemonastrum canadense Canada Goldenrod Canada goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Thistle Canada thistle Cirsium arvense Carrot carrot family Apiaceae sp. Cauliflower NA Brassica oleracea Chicory wild chicory Cichorium intybus Chokecherry chokecherry Prunus virginiana Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum sp. Clover NA Trifolium sp. Coltsfoot coltsfoot Tussilago farfara Common Boneset common boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Common Hackberry common hackberry Celtis occidentalis Common Lamb’s Quarters common lamb's-quarters Chenopodium album Common Milkweed common milkweed Asclepias syriaca Common Violet violet Viola sp. Coneflower Echinacea Echinacea sp. Coreopsis NA Coreopsis sp. Cosmos NA Cosmos sp. Cow Parsnip American cow parsnip Heracleum maximum Cow Vetch tufted vetch Vicia cracca Crab Apple apple Malus sp. Creeping Phlox creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera Crown Vetch NA Segurifera varia Cultivated Lupin NA Lupinus sp. Cup Plant cup plant Silphium perfoliatum Cypress Spurge cypress spurge Euphorbia cyparissias Dahlia NA Dahlia sp. Daisy oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Dame’s Rocket dame’s rocket Hesperis matronalis Dandelion common dandelion Taraxacum officinale Dill dill Anethum graveolens Divaricate Rock-Cress spreading-pod rockcress Boechera divaricarpa Dogbane NA Apocynum sp.
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VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Dogwood dogwood Cornus sp. Downy Arrowwood downy arrowwood Viburnum rafinesquianum Dutch Hyacinth NA Hyacinthus orientalis Early Saxifrage early saxifrage Micranthes virginiensis Canada enchanter’s Enchanter's Nightshade Circaea canadensis nightshade False Goat’s Beard NA Astilbe sp. False Sunflower false sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides Fennel sweet fennel Foeniculum vulgare Fleabane NA Erigeron sp. Fuller’s Teasel common teasel Dipsacus fullonum Fuchsia NA Fuchsia sp. Garden Nasturtium NA Tropaeolum majus Garden Parsley garden parsley Petroselinum crispum Garden Peony Chinese peony Paeonia lactiflora Gas Plant NA Dictamnus albus Giant Yellow Hyssop yellow giant hyssop Agastache nepetoides Golden Alexanders golden alexanders Zizia aurea Golden Ragwort Golden Ragwort Packera aurea Goldenrod goldenrod Solidago sp. Grape Hyacinth NA Muscari sp. Grass Pink grass pink Dianthus armeria Green Ash red ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Hairy Cat's-Ear hairy cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Hairy Rock-Cress hairy rockcress Arabis hirsuta Hawkweed hawkweed Hieracium sp. Heal-all common self-heal Prunella vulgaris Hemp Dogbane hemp dogbane Apocynum cannabinum High-Bush Cranberry squashberry Viburnum edule Hoary Alyssum hoary alyssum Berteroa incana Hog Peanut American hog peanut Amphicarpaea bracteata Honeysuckle honeysuckle Lonicera sp. Hop Tree hop-tree Ptelea trifoliata Horse Radish horseradish Armoracea rusticana Hosta NA Hosta sp. Hydrangea NA Hydrangea sp. Indian Hemp hemp dogbane Apocynum cannabinum Japanese Anemone NA Anemone hupehensis Jerusalem Artichoke Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus Joe-Pye Weed spotted Joe Pye weed Eutrochium maculatum
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VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Johnny-Jump-Up European field pansy Viola arvensis Knapweed NA Centaurea sp. Korean Lilac NA Syringa meyeri Labrador Tea common Labrador tea Rhododendron groenlandicum Lady's-mantle lady's-mantle Alchemilla sp. Large-leaved Aster large-leaved aster Eurybia macrophylla Lavender NA Lavandula sp. Leafy Spurge leafy spurge Euphorbia virgata Leatherleaf leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata Ligularia NA NA Lilac NA Syringa sp. Loosestrife NA Lysimachia sp. Low Stonecrop NA Sedum sp. Marigold NA Several candidate genus Meadow Buttercup meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris Mexican Sunflower NA Tithonia rotundifolia Milkweed NA Asclepias sp. Mint mint Mentha sp. Missouri Willow cottony willow Salix eriocephala Monkshood NA Aconitum sp. Nannyberry nannyberry Viburnum lentago Narrowleaf Spirea white meadowsweet Spiraea alba Nettle NA Urtica sp. New England Aster New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New Jersey Tea New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus New York Aster New York aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Ninebark ninebark Physocarpus sp. Nodding Burr Marigold nodding beggarticks Bidens cernua Orange Hawkweed orange hawkweed Pilosella aurantiaca Ornamental Cabbage cabbage Brassica oleracea Ornamental Quince common quince Cydonia oblonga Ox-Eye Daisy oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Pale Blue Aster sky blue aster Symphyotrichum oolentangiense Pale Smartweed pale smartweed Persicaria lapathifolia Pansies NA Viola sp. Parsley garden parsley Petroselinum crispum Parsnip wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa Pearly Everlasting pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea Pennywort NA Hydrocotyle sp. Perennial Pea everlasting pea Lathyrus latifolius
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VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Philadelphia Fleabane Philadelphia fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus Pin Cherry pin cherry Prunus pensylvanica Pink Sedum NA Sedum sp. Pipevine dutchman's-pipe Isotrema macrophyllum Prickly Ash northern prickly-ash Zanthoxylum americanum Purple Clover red clover Trifolium pratense Purple Coneflower eastern purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea Purple Loosestrife purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Purple Pitcher Plant northern pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea Purple-Top Vervain purple-top vervain Verbena bonariensis Pussytoes pussytoes Antennaria sp. Pussy Willow pussy willow Salix discolor Queen Anne’s Lace wild carrot Daucus carota Red Clover red clover Trifolium pratense Red Osier Dogwood red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea Red Raspberry red raspberry Rubus idaeus Rocky Mountain Blazing Star meadow blazing-star Liatris ligulistylis Rubus sp. Rubus Rubus sp. Rue common rue Ruta graveolens Salvia NA Salvia sp. Sedum NA Sedum sp. Sharp-lobed Hepatica Sharp-lobed Hepatica Hepatica acutiloba Sheep Laurel sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia Shrubby Cinquefoil shrubby cinquefoil Dasiphora fruticosa Siberian Squill Siberian squill Scilla siberica Silverweed Cinquefoil silverweed Potentilla anserina Sky Blue Aster sky blue aster Symphyotrichum oolentangiense Small-flowered Bitter Cress small-flowered bittercress Cardamine parviflora small-flowered Pale Purple NA unknown Aster South American Vervain purple-top vervain Verbena bonariensis Spearmint spearmint Mentha spicata Spicebush northern spicebush Lindera benzoin Spotted Knapweed spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe Spreading Dogbane spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Geranium NA Geranium sp. Spring Beauty NA Claytonia sp. Spurge spurge Euphorbia sp. Stinging Nettle stinging nettle Urtica dioica Stonecrop stonecrop Sedum sp.
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VASCAN Accepted (accepted) VASCAN Scientific Name in this publication English Vernacular Name Name
Swamp Marigold bearded beggarticks Bidens aristosa Swamp Milkweed swamp milkweed Asclepias carnata Sweetfern sweet-fern Comptonia peregrina Sweet Pea sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus Sweet Violet English violet Viola odorata Tall Sunflower giant sunflower Helianthus giganteus Tartarian Honeysuckle Tartarian honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica Teasel common teasel Dipsacus fullonum Thistle NA Cirsium sp. Tillage Radish garden radish Raphanus sativus Trembling Aspen trembling aspen Populus tremuloides Tulip Tree tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera Verbena NA Verbena sp. Vervain NA Verbena sp. Vetch NA Vicia sp. or Astragalus sp. Vicia NA Vicia sp. Violet violet Viola sp. Viper’s Bugloss common viper’s bugloss Echium vulgare Weigela NA Weigela sp. Welted Thistle welted thistle Carduus sp. White Aster white heath aster Symphyotrichum ericoides White Clover white clover Trifolium repens White Dock triangular-valve dock Rumex triagulivalvis White Meadowsweet white meadowsweet Spiraea alba White Sweet Clover white sweet-clover Melilotus albus Wild Bergamot wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa Wild Geranium spotted geranium Geranium maculatum Wild Marjoram wild marjoram Origanum vulgare Wild Parsnip wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa Wild Strawberry wild strawberry Fragaria sp. Wild Teasel common teasel Dipsacus fullonum Willow willow Salix sp. Winged Sumac winged sumac Rhus copallinum Wood Lily wood lily Lilium philadelphicum Wormseed Mustard wormseed wallflower Erysimum cheiranthoides Yarrow yarrow Achillea millefolium Yellow Hawkweed meadow hawkweed Pilosella caespitosa Yellow Indigo yellow wild indigo Baptisia tinctoria Yellow Stonecrop NA Sedum sp. Zinnia NA Zinnia sp.
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CHECKLIST OF ONTARIO BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS
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 ___ Ephyriades brunnea (Herrich-Schäffer) FLORIDA DUSKYWING ___ 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) a) persius EASTERN PERSIUS DUSKYWING b) borealis (Cary) BOREAL PERSIUS DUSKYWING ___ 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
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___ 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 ___ 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 & 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 EASTERN GIANT SWALLOWTAIL ___ Papilio glaucus Linnaeus EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL a) glaucus ___ Papilio canadensis Rothschild & Jordan CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL ___ Papilio troilus Linnaeus SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL a) troilus
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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
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) HARVESTER
Subfamily Lycaeninae Leach COPPERS
___ Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus) AMERICAN COPPER a) americana Harris ___ Lycaena dione (Scudder) GRAY 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
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___ 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 ___ 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 GRAY 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 ___ Celastrina lucia (W. Kirby) NORTHERN AZURE ___ Celastrina neglecta (W.H. Edwards) SUMMER AZURE a) neglecta ___ 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)
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____Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg) EUROPEAN COMMON BLUE
Family NYMPHALIDAE Swainson Subfamily Libytheinae Boisduval SNOUTS
___ Libytheana carinenta (Cramer) AMERICAN SNOUT a) bachmanii (Kirtland)
Subfamily Heliconiinae Swainson HELICONIANS AND FRITILLARIES
___ Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus) GULF FRITILLARY ___ 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 & Schiffermüller] SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARY a) atrocostalis (Huard) ___ Boloria bellona (Fabricius) MEADOW FRITILLARY a) bellona b) toddi (Holland) ___ Boloria frigga (Thunberg) FRIGGA FRITILLARY a) saga (Staudinger) ___ Boloria freija (Thunberg) FREIJA FRITILLARY a) freija ___ Boloria chariclea (Schneider) ARCTIC FRITILLARY a) arctica (Zetterstedt) b) grandis (Barnes & McDunnough)
Subfamily Nymphalinae Swainson TRUE BRUSHFOOTS
___ 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 ___ Polygonia interrogationis (Fabricius) QUESTION MARK = form “umbrosa” (Lintner)
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___ 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) GRAY COMMA ___ Nymphalis l-album (Esper) COMPTON TORTOISESHELL ___ Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus) MOURNING CLOAK a) hyperborea (Seitz) b) lintnerii (Fitch) ___ 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 ___ Limenitis weidemeyerii (W.H. Edwards) WEIDEMEYER’S ADMIRAL
Subfamily Apaturinae Boisduval EMPERORS
___ Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Leconte) HACKBERRY EMPEROR a) celtis ___ Asterocampa clyton (Boisduval & Leconte) TAWNY EMPEROR a) clyton
Subfamily Charaxinae Guenée LEAFWINGS ___ Anaea andria Scudder GOATWEED LEAFWING
Subfamily Satyrinae Boisduval SATYRS AND WOOD-NYMPHS
___ Lethe anthedon A. Clark NORTHERN PEARLY-EYE ___ Lethe eurydice (Linnaeus) EYED BROWN a) eurydice ___ Lethe 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
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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
Subfamily Danainae Duponchel MILKWEED BUTTERFLIES
___ Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus) MONARCH a) plexippus
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Azures in Ontario: 2017 Update (see article pg. 29)
Figure 1. Current known distribution of Celastrina ladon (red) and C. lucia (blue) in southern Ontario, including C. ladon records for all US counties bordering southern Ontario (D. Wright, pers. comm.). “Undetermined” (open circles) constitute Ontario Butterfly Atlas records for which vouchers have not been examined, but deemed to represent either C. ladon or C. lucia (filtered to include only records south of the latitude of Kitchener, prior to May 11th). Empty squares are sites where no azures were found during searches conducted 8-11th May 2017 (BCS).
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An Update on Tiger Swallowtails in Ontario (see article pg. 25)
Figure 1. Dorsal views of P. canadensis (left), hybrid (middle), and P. glaucus (right).
Figure 2. From left to right, ventral views of P. canadensis, early flight P. canadensis from within the hybrid zone, late flight P. canadensis from within the hybrid zone, and P. glaucus.
Figure 3. First instar larva of P. canadensis (left), hybrid (middle), and P. glaucus (right).
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