The Beguiling of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens by Ann Swengel

The great butterflies of the central published a number of peer-reviewed Cobweb and Dusted to the fall-flying Wisconsin pine-oak barrens were scientific papers on detection, Leonard’s. Wildflowers cater to others, previously described in the fall habitat associations, phenology and such as sunflowers and related plants 1998 issue of American Butterflies fluctuations, and responses to site for Gorgone Checkerspot, and wild (“Definitive Destination: Pine-Oak management, as well as non-technical lupine ( perennis), which Barrens in Central Jackson County, articles. A past vice president of NABA alone has three specialized butterflies: Wisconsin”). With a decade already and co-editor of the annual 4th of July Frosted Elfin, ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue, elapsed, I’d like to update that Butterfly Count report, I am currently and Persius Duskywing. Shrubby information. The map on page 3 is honored to serve on the editorial board heaths sustain Pink-edged Sulphur and reprinted from that article, with kind of the Journal of Conservation. Hoary Elfin, while brushy oaks abound permission from the North American in Edwards’ Hairstreak. Ceanothus Butterfly Association (NABA). For Acknowledgments bushes (redroot and New Jersey scale, note that it is 1.5 miles on I am very grateful to the NABA tea) provide for the elusive Mottled Brockway Road between Bauer and chapter, the Southern Wisconsin Duskywing, and the trees support such Castle Mound roads. Butterfly Association, for their species as Eastern Pine Elfin and Sleepy Looking for butterflies in interest, in particular Ann Thering Duskywing. Wisconsin is particularly dicey in for editing, layout, web posting, Traversing these barrens is spring, but challenging season-long. encouragement, and patience. We relatively easy because of the open It’s a rare year when my co-researcher also greatly appreciate the agency and sparse vegetation on rather level Scott Swengel and I have a comfortable and private funders of portions of our topography. I’ve never encountered time getting all our field work in at the research surveys: Lois Almon Small poison ivy or much annoyance from right timing at all the sites we want Grants Research Program; Wisconsin mosquitoes, chiggers, or biting flies to check for their special butterflies. Department of Natural Resources; (except as noted below). But beware Many a time a perfect weather forecast U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jed the abundant ticks! They come in from just the night before completely Bromfield and Henya Rachmiel; Mrs. two versions: small (wood ticks) and misportrays the dismal weather that Sandra McKibben; and Drs. William smaller (deer ticks). The latter have actually happens. It helps to have and Elsa Boyce. Most of all, I thank high infection rates of Lyme disease; some backup plans. If the weather is Scott Swengel for his enthusiasm, both kinds offer other tick-borne poor in one spot, it might be tenable encouragement, and partnership. illnesses too. The size and color of a somewhere else within reach that Between us, I really can’t tell where one skin mole, ticks gradually (and utterly day. On the other hand, perfectly fine person’s ideas and insights end and the painlessly) bite into your skin to suck butterfly weather sometimes occurs other’s begin. blood, especially by lurking in parts on days with dismal forecasts—all of your body you don’t even know just to keep us gambling about what Why is this area special? you have. If you do not arrive well might happen next! We appreciate During the last Ice Age, most of what apprised on how to cope with ticks, your understanding that on our field is now Jackson County in central be sure to consult the Department days, we are very busy completing Wisconsin barely escaped the glacier’s of Natural Resources (DNR) ranger formal butterfly monitoring surveys. If farthest advance. Nonetheless, the station on Highway 54 just west of the you see us, we greatly appreciate your effect of the nearby ice sheet was great, interstate (toward Black River Falls) for understanding that we need to continue via glacially generated sands deposited informational brochures. our surveys uninterrupted, as we never by wind and water. The modern- These butterfly accounts derive have enough time when the weather day consequence is dry and infertile from the barrens research my husband and timing are right! soil. Inhospitable to agriculture, Scott Swengel and I have conducted extensive areas remain as relatively here between April 13 and September About the author undeveloped land dedicated to forestry 6 since 1987. Our surveys, analyses, An enthusiast of butterflies since and recreation, but also abounding in and papers have especially focused on childhood, I became serious about fascinating butterflies. Frosted Elfin, ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue, them in the mid-1980s, with the These sandy areas support jack and Phlox Moth. But in our research, encouragement of ornithologist pine-oak barrens, a combination we’ve tried to cover adequately the Scott Swengel, whom I met then and of scattered trees, groves, and other barrens specialties of this subsequently married. Field partners brush amidst extensive prairie-like area, plus I’ve added more summary in bird and butterfly surveys ever vegetation. This diversity of flora offers information here on some other species since, we’ve studied prairie butterflies a smorgasbord of caterpillar food not particular to barrens but notable in seven states, as well as Wisconsin’s plants. Native grasses nourish an array to visiting butterfliers nonetheless. So barrens and bog butterflies. We’ve of skippers, from the spring-flying the butterfly abundances and flight

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 1 periods I discuss are not idealized, but with Bauer Road (opposite the entrance track another 0.1 miles until you meet very much reflect what it’s like when to Wazee County Park), on the west up with a sandy, well-used ATV trail you can’t be here every day and can’t side of the road (no established trails). (beware of traffic). Turn right (west) pick your weather in this place of wild Stay within a quarter mile of Brockway and go about 0.2 miles up the hill. The climatic variation. Bright sunny heat Road to keep off private land. South ATV trail reaches West Castle Mound in mid-May can resemble a desert Brockway: Go 0.5 miles south on Road again, and you can loop back to summer day, or it may frost in late Brockway Road from Bauer Road, and your vehicle. Site A burned in spring June. Dangerous thunderstorms, after you cross the creek, park and then 1977; site B did not. Both sites have including tornadoes, are a distinct walk in along the sandy service road considerably forested over since we possibility. Remember that a vehicle to the west. Stay within a quarter mile started surveying here. furnishes shelter from lightning but of Brockway Road to keep off private Wildcat Road: At the junction danger during a tornado. For the land. West Bauer: This area is 0.75 of East Castle Mound and Wildcat latter, seek a basement or interior of a to 1.0 miles west of Brockway Road, on roads, also called Spangler-Wildcat reinforced building. the south side of Bauer. You may follow and Wildcat-Spangler roads, go either Since this article is restricted to the trace of an old dirt track (at the 1.0 to the Northeast quadrant or the barrens habitat, it does not reflect the mile distance) but it’s also interesting Southeast quadrant, and watch species’ overall abundance, or even to walk off-trail. Not marked on the for openings (no established trails). all the noteworthy species present, map but also of note in this complex is Beware nasty biting flies in summer. in the county. Minor changes in the Bauer cut: This is DNR property Northeast shows signs of past logging; topography lead to major changes in between Brockway and West Bauer southeast had signs of beaver. Both vegetation, from large patches of mesic sites. Be sure to be more than 0.5 miles sites have considerably forested over to wet deciduous forest to the most west of Brockway Road and do not go since we started surveying here, plus poorly drained areas, with extensive more than 0.25 miles south of Bauer the barrens vegetation in the Northeast sedge wetlands, noteworthy for their Road, in order to avoid trespassing on ditch has deteriorated. The Northwest associated skippers, and peatlands private property. Most of this parcel is quadrant has a roadside of barrens (sphagnum bogs), home to Bog relatively uncanopied, as the Christmas but at the south end (at Castle Mound Coppers and Jutta Arctics. Although trees formerly growing there were all Road), also some sedgy wetland. not the subject of this article, I provide cut down. But a sliver of barrens occurs Dike 17: From Highway 54, go 2 brief information on these two types of on the south end of this 0.25 x 0.25 miles south on North Settlement Road, wetlands. mile tract that had not been planted or from County Highway O at Millston, to Christmas trees. North Bauer wind mostly north on North Settlement Jackson County Barrens is public land for the entire mile of Road about 8 miles, then turn off to Sites frontage west from Brockway Road the west into the parking lot. A short Interstate (I-94) access to this area is at on the north side of Bauer Road, but trail leads to a wildlife viewing tower. two exits. From exit 116 (Highway 54 at relatively little lupine is there so we’ve The barrens habitat is on the slightly Black River Falls), go east on Highway spent little time there. raised sandy mounds by the parking lot 54 (away from Black River Falls) about North Brockway: Go 0.9 miles and beneath the tower (no established 0.5 miles, and turn east (right) on north of Bauer Road on Brockway trails). These areas are retired from Bauer Road. From exit 128 (Highway O Road. Just past a culvert under the burning management that used to at Millston), go northeast (away from road, park near a dirt service road occur every three years. The wide open Millston) 0.2 miles, then take the first to the east. Walk in 0.1 miles on this lupine patches are great for ‘Karner’ left onto North Settlement Road. Dike service road to an opening surrounded Melissa Blues, and this is our best spot 17, Stanton Creek Road, and Wildcat by forest. This area burned in a small for Common Ringlet. Road (Southeast part) are in Black wildfire in the late 1980s. Not quite Stanton Creek Road: The area River State Forest; the remainder are as outstanding as Bauer-Brockway of most interest is about 0.25 to 0.5 Jackson County Forest sites except as Barrens, this site is still very interesting miles east of Lambert Road (called noted. for elfins, ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue, and Hunter Haven Road to the north of that The Bauer-Brockway Barrens Gorgone Checkerspot. junction), or about 3 miles from North is a large area divided into several West Castle Mound: Park off Settlement Road (and about 0.5 miles subsites. Be careful not to get the road at the base of the hill, 1 mile west from where the road turns from disoriented or lost, as most of the west of Brockway Road. To get to the northward to westward). This roadside site is trackless. All of these burned savanna (“site A” on the map), is periodically mowed and graded; in spring 1977, and even if you’re not walk south down the disused dirt road it can look rather disturbed. Hunter into plants, it’s a delight to botanize 0.1 miles, then meander slightly off Haven Road may be questionable for here. About every barrens butterfly you this road to the east (left) on a slight passage by passenger cars. Roadside might want to find in the region occurs mound with dense lupine. Don’t lose and offroad site disturbance has here, and Common Ringlet (new in our your bearings! Look for the hill to the dramatically increased here, but this surveys in this region) is increasing west; that will get you back to the track. remains our best site for immigrants in here. Brockway: Go 0.2 miles south To get to the oak forest opening this area. on Brockway Road from the junction (“site B”), continue south on the

2 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel Map scale: It is 1.5 miles on Brockway Road between Bauer and Castle Mound roads.

Jackson County Barrens Sites. This map is reprinted with the kind permission of the North American Butterfly Association. It first appeared in the 1998 issue of American Butterflies, in the article: “Definitive Destination: Pine-Oak Barrens in Central Jackson County, Wisconsin.”

Additional sites not on the their butterfly offerings; the prime in a niche and lifestyle I didn’t even map interest is the lupine. conceive of until I started trying to South Brockway ATV trail: From Highway 54 bog: From the see barrens from the perspective Castle Mound Road, go a scant 1.0 junction of North Settlement Road of Frosted Elfins. As a result of this miles south on Brockway Road to the and Highway 54, go east 2 miles. At ongoing journey of discovery, I now well-used ATV trail crossing (watch for the lowest point of the highway, park pass just about any concept of barrens vehicles). Park away from the ATV trail, carefully off the road. To the south and conservation biology through the which can be treacherous for passenger lies a peatland (bog)—a nice change of “Frosted Elfin test.” If I don’t see how cars. Walk east along the north side of pace—which has peatland butterflies Frosted Elfin data fit it, then the score this trail and north into openings in the and sedge-associated wetland skippers. is Frosted Elfin 1, concept 0. bordering forest, which has excellent Location, location, lupine patches for the first 0.5 to 0.75 Finding Frosted Elfins location: Reliable Frosted Elfin miles. South Brockway motorcycle State-listed as threatened, Frosted Elfin spots in Wisconsin share these key trail: This site is just north of the ATV is an unobtrusive brown butterfly about characteristics. First, wild lupine trail site. This disused trail starts just the size of a nickel. Even I, as fanatical (Lupinus perennis), the caterpillar food north of where the ATV trail crosses about Frosted Elfins as anyone could plant, must be exceedingly abundant, Brockway Road. About 0.2 miles in, be, must admit that it’s not flashy. way more than what most people watch for lupine patches on both sides Besides that, Frosted Elfin is also usually consider it takes to be called of this path. Be careful not to get lost. challenging to find since it occurs at “abundant”—many thousands and Both of these sites are less diverse in relatively low densities. But I find great thousands of lupine stems. I describe beauty in its unobtrusive persistence what I’m looking for as a “profligacy

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 3 of lupine.” Second, the lupine mostly date is Eastern Pine Elfin. In years of other “slower” (e.g., West Bauer). needs to grow in semi‑shade (a savanna low Frosted Elfin abundance, we may Be sure to look pretty close in front or forest edge), so that the lupine does find only a very few individuals (10‑15) of you and to your sides. Frosted Elfins not experience full sun all day. Third, the entire flight period, and only on can be remarkably sedentary, and a number of patches in the vicinity a few dates. It seems as if there have may flush only just as you walk past also need to support a “profligacy of been more low‑abundance years lately, them. While they may fly out in front of lupine,” so that the site has a context which may be the development of a you, it’s also quite possible that they’ll of other patches of abundant lupines worrying downward trend. Regardless instead fly away to your side, or even and presence of Frosted Elfins within of year, May 20 has, so far, turned out behind you. They may also not flush 1‑2 miles. Fourth, the site needs to have to be a very safe date to target. Even very far away, but instead stay low over unintensive land use and management. with the great variation among years the vegetation and drop back onto the Suitable types include mowing no more in seasonal development here, due to vegetation rather quickly. Sometimes often than once a year (especially if it’s our extreme continental climate, that they don’t flush at all, even if you pass in late summer or fall) or brush‑cutting. date has been a safe bet in all our years, close by. They may instead stay still or If the site was burned in a wildfire, this whether near the end of a very early drop down deeper into the plant. So needs to be more than 5 years ago, and flight in 1998 or near the beginning of watch for Frosted Elfins perched on in a context of occupied Frosted Elfin those extremely slow springs of 1996- lupine, and focus your attention more sites nearby that burned much longer 97. Over the last 20 years, our mean on lupine than anywhere else. If I think ago, if at all. Scott and I have never and median date when we recorded I’ve flushed a Frosted Elfin, I freeze and found a Frosted Elfin in a site currently the most Frosted Elfin individuals wait to see if it will land or come back. managed with rotational burning (e.g., in central Wisconsin has been May Other elfin species are more rapid and 2-5 year rotation), but we have found 19 (range May 2 to June 4), and the more inclined to disappear. Frosted a few in formerly fire‑managed areas number of days in the flight period we Elfins may not come back to a spot near (>4-6 years since last fire). On the other observed each year averaged 23 days where they flushed, or may not land hand, absolutely no management or (range 1 to 38 days). Our earliest date soon, but they are more likely to return, activity at all for decades can also lead ever was April 26 (2000) and latest or perch quickly, than the other elfins. to decline of lupine, due to increased ever was June 14 (1995). Watch for Frosted Elfins brush and tree shading. Finally, the Other tips: First of all, it helps to maintaining a territory in an “arena” (a species has been recorded only in six be philosophical. Although occasionally sunny opening with lots of lupine about counties in the central part of the state we’ve experienced high densities 3-10 yards in diameter, surrounded by (Adams, Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, of Frosteds (multiple individuals brush and trees). They may be active, Monroe, and Wood counties). We’ve consistently in view at once as we but they usually stay in the same arena. looked extensively in Burnett County walk through the site), usually the Most flights will be horizontal and low at prime sites, to no avail to date. So species apparently occurs in rather low over the vegetation. Only the most far, we’ve not observed or learned of densities, perhaps due to its specialized intense interactions turn into vertical any evidence that Frosted Elfins in food requirement as a caterpillar—it flights. If the elfin is flying, it can be Wisconsin use wild indigo (Baptisia), is thought to feed primarily on lupine a good strategy to remain stationary as in other parts of the species’ range. flower parts, as well as small young and wait, watching the arena for the High densities (elsewhere) may be leaves. Once narrowed down to that, elfin to return. This is especially a good associated with wild indigo because it a “profligacy of lupine” doesn’t seem strategy if you flush a possible Frosted is a larger plant with more volume of nearly so abundant after all. So, Scott Elfin and lose sight of it. You may have flowering parts. and I go to lots of sites on a field a better chance of seeing it again by Timing, timing, timing: Peak day. We do not belabor a single site freezing (so as not to disturb it more) adult timing occurs right before or at by going around in circles repeating and waiting for it to return and settle, the start of lupine flowering (usually the same great lupine patches again than trying to chase after it when you around May 20 in central Wisconsin). and again. Instead, we visit as many aren’t sure where it is (so that you ‘Karner’ Melissa Blues will probably different sites as possible. Normally might disturb it again). The strategy not be flying yet in Frosted Elfin sites, we only see zero to a few individuals of freezing isn’t perfect. We have which are not seasonally “fast” Karner on a given day when we’re surveying occasionally watched Frosted Elfins sites because they have partial shade. in the right timing and locations with change arena, flying through shade But in the same county the very first favorable weather, and that’s when to do so. We have also seen Frosted Karner individuals may be flying in we’re going to as many sites as possible Elfins fly a good distance straight‑line, lupine sites that are in full sun, and all day (about 8‑10 walking miles of seeming not to have a “territory.” So so are more advanced in seasonal surveying). Another value to visiting the elfin may not return to the arena it development. It’s our sense that the as many sites as possible: even though started in. Ideally, remain stationary other elfin species may start their all consistent Frosted Elfin sites we but try not to lose sight of the elfin. adult flight period and peak slightly know of have partial shade, there still By staying still, you won’t disturb it earlier than Frosted Elfin. The only seems to be some variation in seasonal more and it may settle back in the elfin we’ve recorded later in central development among these sites, with same arena quicker; if it seems to be Wisconsin than our latest Frosted Elfin some sites “faster” (e.g., Brockway) and leaving the arena, at least you’ll see that

4 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel too and where to track it to next. If it in Wisconsin, Eastern Pine Elfin is climatic limitation related to pulling doesn’t come back, then it’s a very good fond of nectar and mud, and also flies off two generations per year, relative idea to check in the neighboring arena readily both in horizontal and vertical to adequate, unwilted lupine growth or two in the direction you saw it fly. directions. It’ll be hard to miss this available for enough time in both time Good spots: The best sites elfin during its main flight period, but slots when the caterpillars need it. The are these (with the year we last saw Stanton Road is a remarkably good site lupine may not start soon enough in Frosted Elfin in parentheses, 2008 for this species. spring (which may be what excludes being the most recent possible): northern Wisconsin) and might not Brockway (2008), South Brockway Finding ‘Karner’ Melissa last long enough due to hot weather (2008), West Bauer (2008), Bauer cut Blues putting the lupine through its cycle (2004) (only the south end but don’t Although listed as federally of flowering and seeding and wilting go too far or you will trespass), North endangered, the ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue back too quickly (possibly excluding Brockway (2008), South Brockway —the “blue snowflake” of Vladimir southwest Wisconsin). At any rate, the ATV trail (2008), and South Brockway Nabokov—can be a blizzard here, with Karner’s known range in Wisconsin motorcycle trail (2008). Dike 17 (1996) remarkable abundance, at least in some is climatically consistent in terms has always been intermittent in our years in some sites in Wisconsin. We’ve of growing season with its range experience (more likely in/along forest observed some trends, both positive elsewhere. edge than out in uncanopied lupine, and negative, in the last two decades. The all-out highest Karner but there’s not that much lupine in Many sites are becoming more forested, numbers ever have been recorded in sufficiently shaded spots). Frosted which is unfavorable for this butterfly’s very open sites (lupine patches in wide Elfins used to be more regular at the caterpillar food plant (wild lupine, open grasslands in full sun). But some following sites, but we haven’t found Lupinus perennis) and therefore the interesting studies have shown that them for some years (despite annual Karner too. Forest succession is not caterpillar success is relatively greater searches). Canopy has increased at surprising or new. But what may be on partially shaded lupines in forest West Castle site A (2001), West Castle new is seemingly greater difficulty edges and semi-shaded savannas. site B (2000), Wildcat Northeast demonstrating the other side of that Apparently, wide open sunny sites (1998), and Wildcat Southeast equation: new populations colonizing often make up for a somewhat lower (1998), while roadside and offroad recently opened sites. It’s too soon to caterpillar success by sheer greater site disturbances have dramatically be definitive and maybe this is a longer volume of lupine per area, thus often increased at Stanton Creek Road term fluctuation that will swing up generating more Karners per area (1995). again. However, another category of than semi-shaded sites. As shade The other elfins: Strongly tied site favored by Karners (roadside and increases too much, of course, lupine to bearberry, the tiny and strongly powerline rights of way) also shows declines, as it is a sun-loving plant. flyingHoary Elfin is more abundant strong declines in our observations, Climatic variation also plays a part in in northern Wisconsin but is regular in even though these sites are not this equation. Excessive drought can a few sites here (North Brockway East, foresting over and routine management wither wide open sites, while partially Bauer-Brockway complex). Brown there can be compatible with Karners. shaded sites would be more buffered Elfin is also more abundant in bogs Unfortunately, one-shot drastic events and then have relatively more Karners. up north than in central Wisconsin, (roadside reconstruction, forestry What works best in one brood may not and more abundant in bogs than occurring on the adjoining land) and apply to all years or all sites or both barrens there and here. Henry’s off-road vehicle use are increasing. broods. Both wide open sites and open Elfin is very unpredictable but does Both of these scrape the soil bare and savannas have consistently supported occur sporadically in Jackson County reduce lupine, which in turn reduces large populations, even with these up’s barrens. In most years, we found none Karners. On the other hand, some and down’s and tradeoffs. in any of these sites, but in 2008, conserved sites managed for natural Compared to butterflies in general, we found more than twice as many value have held steady or even shown Karners are localized and exacting Henry Elfins in these sites than in all some small long-term increases. in habitat. But compared to other previous years combined. This rapidly Location, location, location: specialized butterfly species, Karners flying elfin is also more vertical in its Karners have been documented in are relatively tolerant of habitat flight behavior than Brown, Hoary, Wisconsin in a number of central degradation (that is, “disturbance” of and Frosted Elfins. However, Henry’s counties as well as a few northwestern the soil surface and the vegetation, can also show territorial behavior, ones. It could have also extended, or with native diversity of flora reduced and may return to the general area still occur, in southeastern counties and non-native diversity (weeds) where you flushed it from. Sometimes along Lake Michigan, as this butterfly increased) and land use/management it seems to be associating with short is also known from counties bordering activities (certain kinds of timber ericaceous shrubs and gooseberries Lake Michigan in Illinois and Indiana. cutting, mowing, spot-herbiciding, and (Ribes), but other times with oaks The caterpillar food plant also burning can be compatible with Karner and other deciduous trees. Best bets: occurs in northeast and southwest populations). The critical requirement North Brockway, Bauer-Brockway Wisconsin, but Karners have not been is consistent abundance of wild lupine. complex. The most widespread elfin documented there. There could be a While we have found Karners that

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 5 had wandered up to a half mile from Timing of the spring brood varies Karner densities (which really means lupine, and that were occupying small 2-5 weeks among years, and the higher male densities). Conversely, isolated patches of lupine, all Karners summer brood up to 6 weeks, with percent males is higher in spring we’ve seen and know of occurred either about 46-50 days between the two than summer (even though numbers in a discrete patch with very abundant broods usually. In two years, we think are typically higher in summer than lupine or within 1-2 miles of other it’s possible that we saw first and spring). I wonder if increased female patches with abundant lupine. second brood individuals on the same feeding in summer also increases Karner adults feed on a wide day (based on very worn and very fresh their detectability, and so lowers variety of nectar flowers, as well as individuals), on July 11, 1997 (a very observed percent males. Males show mud, droppings, and carcasses. slow year), and on June 22, 1998 (a more density dependence in their Their feeding appears primarily very warm one). Our earliest and latest behaviors—the higher the density of opportunistic, although they do show dates in the first brood are May 13 to individuals, the relatively more males a particular preference for certain July 11 (or June 26 if discounting our are observed feeding and flying. That is, flowers. But these marked preferences attribution of July 11, 1997), and for males respond to crowds by being more vary from site to site, too. For example, the second brood: June 22 (or July 1 active. Females show much less of this. butterfly weed seems to be a particular if dropping our report from June 22, But both sexes are density-dependent favorite, but large populations occur in 1998) to September 6. Approximate in mating and what we call intraspecific sites without this and other particular peak dates varied from May 29 to June interactions (pursuits, courtship favorites such as leadplant, showy 12 for spring and July 12 to August 5 rejections, and so on). Both occur goldenrod, and brambles (Rubus). for summer. In most years, reliable relatively more at higher population So, even these favorites appear scheduling to find adults is the first densities. In other words, boy blues opportunistic, too, as it’s hard to detect week of June and fourth week of July. meet girl blues relatively more in how Karners are adversely affected in Other tips: The trick to finding crowds, and as a result, make love and their absence. Karners is to be in the right place at the war relatively more too. Timing, timing, timing: The right time. Once you’ve done that, the Other blues: Many other blues books all say this butterfly has two Karners themselves are relatively easy occur in Wisconsin. The Northern broods, but I suspect the possibility of a to find, track, and identify. Karners can Blue is most similar to the Karner but partial third in some years. Otherwise, be relatively tolerant of cloudy, even their ranges are known to approach I find it hard to explain the relatively drizzly weather. We’ve also spotted a each other only in Menominee County. fresh individuals we’ve occasionally fair number of roosting individuals in State-listed as endangered, and known found in early September, such as a or on the grassy vegetation, especially in Wisconsin from the northeast part, male on September 6, 1994, when when we’re searching for Phlox Moths Northern Blue is much more localized our first summer brood individuals in early in the morning or in cool weather. and rare than the Karner. Greenish the same county that year occurred Higher observed numbers do associate Blue is another northern species on July 8. On the other hand, we with higher temperatures though. that we’ve observed in Northern Blue find no evidence for a partial third in Weather and time of day affect their habitat but never in Karner sites. The some other years. In 2007 (a very dry behaviors, with Karners flushing more Eastern Tailed-Blue is the most summer), we had main second flight (that is, being more sedentary until we common other blue species we’ve found on July 13, only a single individual in come along) when it’s cooler and early in Karner sites. It has much less orange the second half of August, and none on and late in the day, flying more when on the underside, although sometimes September 3. Again, the Karner veers it’s warmer, sunnier, and at mid-day, those 2-4 spots can be unusually large. toward vast variation due to a vexing and feeding more when it’s warmer and Even so, they never form a full arc of vat of variables, such as how long the from mid-day into the afternoon. They an orange spot-band as on Karners. growing season lasts and how favorable also do more feeding in summer than The next most frequently encountered those conditions are. spring, perhaps due to dehydration blue is the Spring Azure complex. The first brood is more sharply from the heat. When in flight, their lighter blue color timed, while the second (or second Because Karners are readily sexed (than the Karner) is readily apparent, and partial third) is more protracted. and observed at length, they offer plus they tend to fly up when disturbed, Both timing and abundance varies an interesting glimpse into butterfly while Karners typically fly low and extraordinarily among years, even gender issues. For one thing, observed horizontally. In central Wisconsin, in the relationship of timing and sex ratio (percent males of sexed Silvery Blue is fairly localized and abundance of the two broods to each individuals) is higher not just at the infrequent in Karner sites, but in other. Climatic variation both among start of the brood (as is typical with northwestern Wisconsin, Silvery Blues years and even between months (i.e., butterflies) but also at peak numbers abound, with a flight period slightly warmer than average in May but (which is mid-brood in timing). This offset earlier than but still much cooler in June and July) appears to be indicates a “density-dependent” overlapping the Karner’s first brood. a critical factor in this. The summer behavior—although more females are We’ve found the two immigrant blues brood is on average a bit larger than the out of their chrysalises mid-brood than recorded in Wisconsin in Karner sites spring, but the highest abundances we earlier, they adopt a lower profile and as well: Marine Blue and Reakirt’s ever recorded were in spring 1998. become less detectable at the highest Blue. When active, they have a frenetic

6 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel flight that combines both horizontal when mature (full size is a whopping capsules or pods of the food plant, and vertical features. If it gets away, it 12-15 millimeters long). Ants, with sometimes feeding on the flowers first, probably wasn’t a Karner. their activity and dark color, are also and overwinters as a pupa. So, like the Immatures: Karners are also a good clue, as they often tend Karner Frosted Elfin, Phlox Moths also require relatively amenable to searches for caterpillars (as they also tend aphids). a “profligacy” of the food plant, as only their immatures. Their white eggs are Beware, though—while some ants are a small part of the phlox is actually distinctive, shaped like a white Tums scaredy-cats, others are very protective used. or a red blood corpuscle: disk-like but of their charges, and will run and even While they have been found depressed in the center. When laid jump at the opportunity to bite you. perched on other plants, by far most they are adhered to a surface, but may Once we also found a possible individuals are found on the flower later fall off. They are laid singly on pupa, a small green capsule being parts of downy phlox, so targeted lupines or on nearby vegetation. After tended by ants in the leaf litter under a searches there are much more likely to the summer generation has laid their screaming plant. succeed. When roosting inactively or eggs, we’ve found that searches on the Good spots: Dike 17 is a “fast” when in an active mode yet perched, dried, dark lupine pods are particularly (warmer and earlier) site. South Phlox Moths may be in an unconcealed successful, not necessarily because this Brockway is a good “slower” site. position up on top of the phlox flower is a preferred surface, but because the Brockway and North Brockway East head, or tucked in an obscured location color contrast makes the egg easier to are good sites of average seasonal within or underneath the flower head. spot. development. West Bauer is also slow, Should you find one Phlox Moth, Karner caterpillars make distinctive with lower but reliable numbers. Other remember to look unobtrusively for feeding signs that are helpful in calling sites have been declining for some time additional individuals on the same your attention to a possible location and now have a long string of few, if plant. About one-third of individuals for a caterpillar. In fact, when a lupine any, Karners: Stanton Creek (due to we’ve found occurred in groups of two is adorned with a sufficient number of frequent scraping of ditches) and West or more on the same flower head/stem. these signs, we dub it a “screaming” Castle Mound and Wildcat sites (due to After all the work of finding the first plant—not for pain, but for how loudly increasing forest cover). moth, you might as well go for that it announces the presence of a Karner bonus individual(s). nursery. The most characteristic Finding Phlox Moths Timing, timing, timing: signs by both spring (May) and Not a butterfly, the Phlox Moth (or Seasonal timing for Phlox Moth is tied summer (June-July) caterpillars is the Phlox Flower Moth) is also unlike many to the seasonal development of downy “windowpane,” where the caterpillar moths, for it is active during the day. phlox. We have found phlox moths eats some of the leaf tissue, but not As a result, searches for Phlox Moths from May 23 to June 15 (with searches all the way through, leaving behind are easily incorporated within butterfly attempted from May 19 through June a thin veil of tissue that eventually searches. As there are way more moth 26). The moths occurred throughout turns whitish. Other caterpillars make species than butterflies in the Order the primary period of phlox flowering. windowpanes too, but the Karner’s is , day-active moths like But individuals found were significantly usually elongate with a smooth and Phlox Moth are a wonderful window skewed to what we judged to be subtle, not abrupt, border between the for butterfly enthusiasts to glimpse into “prepeak” (but many in flower) and pane and the unaffected surrounding the immensely diverse and primarily “peak” (within 2 days of peak flowering tissue. But Karner caterpillars make nocturnal world of moths. date), while few individuals were found other signs too. In our spring surveys, Location, location, location: when the phlox was mostly in bud (a we found them making holes—both State-listed as endangered in few flowers open), post peak (both pinpricks and a bit larger holes, Wisconsin, and listed at some level in open and wilted flowers), and mostly including paired holes, when the many neighboring states too, Phlox wilted flowers. Within a given year, the caterpillar bit a hole all the way through Moth is closely tied to its caterpillar longest spans in which we’ve recorded both sides of a young leaflet while it was food plant, downy phlox (Phlox pilosa), the species were 21 days (1999) and 17 still folded together—as well as nibbling and well camouflaged to hide in plain (2006). Taking into account the great edges and tips of leaflets. We’ve done site on phlox flowers. As is usual variation in seasonal development less searching for summer caterpillars with localized Lepidoptera, the plant among years, the most reliable time to (too many adult butterflies to find!) and is more easily found in more places look, except in very slow, cool springs, this is complicated by leftover signs than the lep. Like Frosted Elfin with is about June 1-5. Interestingly, its from spring. However, windowpanes its food plant wild lupine, so also for phenology appears notably later in seem even more dominant in summer, Phlox Moth with its downy phlox: an Minnesota prairies, where we found possibly because the other signs are individual site is much more likely to them during July 2-8 in the mid-1990s. more feasible on younger leaflets. have the lep if it has both abundant No doubt about it, most of the time, The caterpillars themselves are food plant and also a context of it takes searching a lot of phloxes— well camouflaged in green, flattened numerous nearby sites with abundant even hundreds or more—to find the a bit (as if lightly stepped on), and food plant (and the lep) too. The genus moth. But you can greatly improve with a small black head capsule and a Schinia, to which Phlox Moth belongs, your odds by taking account of how longitudinal light stripe down the side typically feeds on developing seed weather and time of day affect its

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 7 activity. Like butterflies, Phlox Moths such as nectaring grass skippers, will Olympias are relatively widespread bask in sunshine to warm themselves. pop the moths. In these circumstances, in barrens. But higher Olympia But unlike butterflies, Phlox Moths we joke about finding out what we’ve abundance often correlates with greater are so tiny that it’s extraordinarily missed by viewing a live feed from presence and abundance of other difficult to track a flying Phlox Moth, so “skipper cam” (our fanciful concoction barrens-specialized butterfly species. it’s all about finding perched, inactive of a miniature camera mounted on a Location, location, location: individuals. skipper’s forehead). High wind is also Widespread in barrens here, Olympias Whether a Phlox Moth flushes bad news. While the moths do not seem strongly associate with lyre-leaved from its perch strongly relates to to flush more in high wind, they do rock cress (Arabis lyrata), their weather and time of day. In our move more in high wind, if for no other caterpillar food plant. This butterfly experience, except for one individual reason than being dislodged by the occurs in roadsides, forest tracks, that flushed at 61 degrees, all others wind. However, my voice of experience and barrens with this plant, which in flushed when it was 68 degrees or testifies that it’s not hopeless in high turn is relatively tolerant of light soil warmer. Furthermore, regardless heat or even high wind. We’ve actually disturbance. of temperature, no flushes occurred found a decent number of moths when Timing, timing, timing: Easily before 8:42 a.m. local time (even when it was in the 80s and low 90s, even in found while you’re looking for elfins, it was warmer than 68 degrees). While 20-30 mph wind -- enough moths to Olympias start their flight period just Phlox Moths are significantly more keep on trying. Use your close-focus before the start of elfin flight. Our active when it’s warmer, sunnier, and binoculars to scan flowers, and use all earliest and latest dates here are April later in the day, many individuals your skills honed on creeping up on 13 and June 12, but the main flight did not flush after these thresholds flighty butterflies and you could be in period typically occurs somewhere occurred. We haven’t surveyed late the pink. from about April 28 to May 27. We’ve enough in the afternoon and evening While I’m game through drizzle, always found this butterfly during May to define a settling (non-flushing) showers, high heat, blasting wind, and 7-13, no matter the seasonal variation. threshold. Our latest individual, at at the crack of dawn, I give up when it’s Other tips: Olympias are a bit 5:04 p.m. local time, flushed. cool and cloudy during and right after a smaller, more pointed in the front So, while sunny weather in the 50s downpour. wing tips, and purer white than the at any time of day seems ideal (as no Other tips: If you have old more common whites, which are individuals would be expected to flush, presbyopic eyes like I do, bring your actually relatively uncommon in this yet they could be basking), I suspect reading glasses. And with phlox being habitat. Striking as the marbling is on sunny and 60s (again at any time of so short, be prepared for a lot of the Olympia’s underside, this is not day) may be optimal. More individuals bending over and crawling. something you will notice in flight, may have moved to unconcealed Good spots: At North Brockway, especially since Olympias fly low over basking positions and are nonetheless when you arrive and park, walk south the vegetation. In fact, striking as the quite disinclined to flush. Alternatively, along the road down to the culvert and Olympia’s white color is, you might regardless of sky conditions and just beyond. There’s a good phlox patch be surprised how easy it is to overlook temperature, search before about there in the roadside on both sides a single individual basking on the 8:40 a.m. local time, again because of of the road (beware traffic, including vegetation or flitting past. their disinclination to flush then, unless large barreling gravel trucks), as well Good spots: Olympias are a pounding rain has occurred since as off-road to the west (beware getting particularly abundant in the Bauer- the last time when the moths could disoriented and lost once out of sight Brockway complex and reliable at be active (on a previous day). Heavy of the road). South Brockway West is North Brockway and Stanton Creek. I rain knocks petals off, pushes plants another reliable site, while Bauer cut would say the same for Dike 17, except over, and presumably dislodges moths. (at the south end) also has records. for their extended absence on our Good luck finding them in drenched surveys there from 2002 to 2006. But leaf litter. However, light rain before Finding Olympia Marbles Olympias seem to be reliable again or during searches can be okay. While While not rare, the Olympia Marble there too. The species is still present moths won’t move into bask positions, is both localized to barrens and but in declining numbers at the West they may remain in unconcealed roost prairies and delightfully beautiful. Just Castle Mound sites, hit and miss in positions. If it’s 60s or cooler, it’s okay when the last snows of winter have the ditch at Wildcat Northeast, and to search (at any time of day) in cloudy passed, this pure white butterfly with no longer appearing on our surveys at conditions, especially if this follows a magnificent green marbling and rose Wildcat Southeast. sunny period, when moths may have tinge on the underside announces Other whites: Three whites adopted unconcealed perches, because the certain arrival of spring in flurries with relatively long flight periods are they may remain there. of white in these barrens. Olympias possible. Cabbage White is a very It’s less suitable if it’s 70s (or do serve a very useful function for common and widespread resident in warmer) and after about 8:40 AM local conservation, too, as an excellent Wisconsin; we’ve found them here time, regardless of sky conditions, “indicator species” for other barrens from May 6 to September 6. Abundant because the moths are active. Plus, the butterflies. It’s not mere presence of overall in North America, Checkered warmer it is, the more other , Olympias that does this trick, since White is a rarely encountered

8 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel immigrant (or sporadic resident) in caterpillar food plants (daisy-like occur. Our earliest and latest dates for Wisconsin, with a much longer flight composites such as sunflowers and these occasional summer individuals period than we’ve recorded here in black-eyed Susans) do not seem are July 8 (1998) and September 3 Jackson County (July 17 to September limiting, for these plants occur widely. (2001) with most dates falling between 3, only in 2001, 2005, and 2007). A So other factors (as is often the case July 13 and July 24, and only four more northern species, Mustard with butterflies), such as microclimatic August dates: August 6 (2001), 8 White has turned up very sporadically conditions tolerated by the immature (2000), 19 (1994), and 23 (2008). in our central Wisconsin surveys, life stages, may be involved. While Other tips: It takes some including two records in these sites: any medium-sized orange butterfly practice, but you can winnow down May 13, 1998 (North Brockway), and can get lost amongst the crescents, your search among the crescents August 19, 2005 (Brockway). While some of these other species (such as by watching for the more strongly technically not whites, both Clouded Silvery Checkerspot) are detected more contrasting black veins vs. orange Sulphur and Orange Sulphur often than Gorgone, and can even background on the hindwing above, have a leucistic (whitish) female form, be considered locally common. This and the more strongly white vs. brown which looks a lot like a white. These suggests that Gorgones aren’t just being contrast below (crescents are a more Sulphurs also have very long flight overlooked among the crescents, but mellow beige/tan tinged with orange). periods, which we’ve recorded from actually are localized in occurrence. But you’ll need a good look at the April 29 to September 6 in this area. Timing, timing, timing: underside to be confident of your ID. The sulphur most tied to barrens, Gorgone Checkerspot has an explosive Meanwhile, watch for the remarkable Pink-edged Sulphur, doesn’t have spring flight period, with numbers difference in size between males and a white form. But its caterpillar food building rapidly (in good years at least) females, particularly obvious when plants are in the blueberry family, with from first observation date to peak you encounter a mating pair or males Jackson County at the southern end of date. The species appears only to have chasing females. Also, don’t assume its range. Although reported as single- a very partial summer flight here most that if a crescent is pursuing it, what’s brooded, it has a remarkably long years, so that it is very sporadic and being pursued must be a crescent. flight period -- May 10 to September hard to find yet still possible in mid Crescents chase after anything that’s 6 in our experience here. This length July to early August. remotely orange. Gorgones readily is consistent with the span of May For the first brood, our first nectar, mudpuddle, and feed on animal 2 to August 21 reported by Mogens observation date has varied from droppings. We do encounter them on Nielsen in The Butterflies of Michigan. May 11 (2007) to June 3 (2005, a low our early morning rounds in search of However, our more extreme early and year) and last date from June 2 (1998 Phlox Moths, when the Gorgones are late dates are usually represented by and 2007) to June 15 (2008). Peak still roosting or just barely active. one or two individuals. Main flight is dates varied from May 13 (1998) to Good spots: This species very late May or early June to early/ June 6 (1996, 2002, 2008). Except abounds in the Bauer-Brockway mid-August. for 2005, when the very low numbers complex and occurs regularly at North resulted in a very short observed flight Brockway. While we have sporadically Finding Gorgone period, and in very cool, seasonally recorded this species at other sites in Checkerspots slow springs (1996, 1997, 2008), it’s Jackson County, this species has not About the size and color of a Pearl reliable to target searches in most years turned up on our surveys at any other Crescent, Gorgone Checkerspot can from about May 15 to May 31. For the site here in this decade. easily be overlooked as just another coolest, latest springs, aim for the first Other crescents/checkerspots: of the vast abundance of crescents in week of June. Pearl Crescent and Northern the landscape. Not officially listed as We have recorded a full second Crescent both occur here, as Jackson threatened or endangered, Gorgone brood only once, on July 8, 1994. County is in the overlap zone of seems to be declining statewide and But in most summers we record very these two crescents’ ranges. These warrants careful monitoring of its sporadic numbers (usually singletons), crescents are way more widespread and conservation status. suggesting the possibility of only a abundant than Gorgone Checkerspot, Location, location, location: partial second brood in many years. and occur throughout barrens as well In Wisconsin, Gorgone is more While it’s possible that we’re missing as other habitats. Even harder than localized than you may expect from the main part of the summer brood separating Gorgones from crescents the habitat and range descriptions in (with it occurring between Karner is separating these two crescents the field guides. These may be more broods, and so between our surveys), in from each other. Using the basic reflective of the species’ occurrence two years when we recorded singletons wing pattern characters in the field on the Great Plains, which may be (on July 19, 2000, and July 17, 2001), guide, with no guarantee that any one climatically more favorable or more we searched in good Gorgone sites the individual ID agrees with a genetic or abounding in habitat in a less tilled and previous week in good weather and anatomic identification, we find on our developed landscape. Here Gorgone found none. Searches after those July surveys that 95% of individuals appear favors dry open sites, occurring (in our dates resulted in sporadic individuals, to allocate as Northern Crescents. observations) in drier upland prairies too. This is evidence that in at least However, both versions of crescent and sandy barrens. Its apparent some years a full second brood may not occur throughout the entire flight

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 9 period (May 15 to September 6) we’ve Location, location, location: Good spots: This duskywing identified for each crescent. Particularly The third of our lupine-specialized is regular in the Bauer-Brockway high crescent counts have occurred on butterflies, Persius Duskywing seems to complex. It’s consistent but lower in June 2-26 as well as August 19 (2005) get lost in the shuffle. This duskywing number at Dike 17 and North Brockway and 25 (1999). is more widespread and abundant East. At Stanton Creek, it has occurred The other crescent and than Frosted Elfin but seemingly not recently but seems to have declined. checkerspots primarily occur in other as widely occurring as ‘Karner’ Melissa Low numbers have continued to occur habitats, so that you would only Blue. As with those butterflies, so also at the Castle Mound sites but it’s encounter them sporadically in barrens with Persius Duskywing: the search dwindling at Wildcat (last recorded but could have more luck in adjacent begins with the caterpillar food plant, at Southeast in 2003 but still barely moister areas such as wetter ditches wild lupine (Lupinus perennis). present in Northeast). and wetland/stream margins. More Timing, timing, timing: Among Other species: Six other frequently encountered further north in years, our first date has varied from duskywings overlap with Persius in Wisconsin, Tawny Crescent is easily May 2 (2000) to May 23 (1997) and range as well as in time. The three overlooked, a needle in the haystack of last date from May 26 (1998) to June commonest are Juvenal’s, Dreamy, the Pearl/Northern Crescent complex. 26 (1996). The best dates (with the and Sleepy Duskywings. We have But if you’re very patient, and lucky, most individuals that year) have varied recorded all of these species earlier you may find this species in Jackson from May 11 to June 11. Reliable timing than our first Persius (April 23, 13, County, more so if you target moister in most years is about May 18-28. It and 26, respectively) and all of them open meadows than barrens. Mid- is definitely possible to find all three on our latest Persius date too (June June through July to early August lupine-specialized butterflies in the 26). So you’ll have to wade through a would seem to be the time period to same day, with Frosted Elfin being the lot of these more common duskywings try. Harris’ Checkerspot is also hardest to find. In fact, we have done in your searches for Persius. While more abundant further north, but is this in the same location (portion of not a rare duskywing overall, Wild regular at Dike 17 around the wetter a site) on the same survey 11 times Indigo Duskywing does not seem margins. Its caterpillar food plant is between May 22 and June 3, plus an to occur often in this area. However, reported as flat-topped white aster outlier late date of June 12 (1997) back we have recorded it from May 6 to (Aster umbellatus). We’ve observed in the more canopied area of Bauer. June 14 and from July 23 to August 15, this butterfly with the spectacular Other tips: This duskywing is at Brockway, South Brockway West, underside from June 2 (2007) to July 5 regularly encountered here but easily Dike 17, and Wildcat Northeast. As its (1989). But its flight period is primarily blends in among the rapid flights of name suggests, wild indigo (Baptisia) between the Karner broods (mid-June the common duskywings also flying in is its primary caterpillar food plant, and later), and so usually missed by May. The primary challenge is coping but many populations have made our surveys. Silvery Checkerspot with the abundance of these other the switch to the non-native plant, has multiple broods, occurring on our duskywings and spotting the Persius crown vetch. The tiniest of the lot, surveys from May 22 to August 6. The amongst them. It helps to look for the Columbine Duskywing is named for prime times have been May 28 to June ones that are flying low in figure eights its caterpillar food plant, which lives in 1 in spring and July 25-27 in summer. near lupines, perhaps as a territorial other habitats than barrens. However, While hit and miss, this species has behavior. But also bring an extra dose in your travels here, you might turned up in most of these sites (except of patience. encounter this duskywing “leaking” into Castle Mound savanna and Wildcat Identification is definitely a barrens from adjoining habitat. While Southeast) at one time or another. challenge. It helps to be philosophical the species has several generations per and willing to admit that some year, our few encounters here have all Finding Persius Duskywings individuals may be “identified” based occurred in spring (May 18 to June One of those confusing spreadwing on appearance but those IDs may 7). Already scarce when we began our skippers when seen in the field, the not withstand genetic or anatomic surveys here in the late 1980s, Mottled Persius Duskywing is also confusing verification. As a result, I think of Duskywing has declined even more; in butterfly books. In the eastern many individuals as identified to the we have recorded none in the county U.S., including here, this species species complex level (Columbine/ since 2002. We found it in this area appears associated only with lupine as Wild Indigo/Persius), rather than from May 28 to June 7 and from July caterpillar food, while out west it also definitively to species. A clue that 14 to August 3 (more often in spring), uses other legumes. But in Canada, we’re in the offing is if the four tiny in Brockway, North Brockway, Dike 17, there are reports of association with spots at the leading edge of the front and Stanton Creek. Here’s hoping the poplar and willow, which are also wing are well aligned to each other species still occurs somewhere in this widespread in Wisconsin. But Persius rather than disjointed. Males are area, either at these sites or some other is not common here, which suggests easier than females, in that males are places with its caterpillar food plant, that perhaps there is a confusing sister more uniformly dark on the front wing Ceanothus shrubs. species out there. At any rate, one thing above (which helps eliminate the more is clear. In Wisconsin, look in lupine contrastingly marked Columbine and patches for Persius Duskywing. Wild Indigo Duskywings).

10 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel Finding Cobweb Skippers emerges mid-Cobweb-flight. As the appreciate a fresh, distinctive skipper Tiny but distinctive, Cobweb Skipper is Cobweb Skipper flight winds down, like Leonard’s when you see it. a relatively easy ID in Wisconsin, and more grass skippers begin to put in Location, location, location: so a relatively easy entrance into the an appearance. Grayish rather than As I keep saying about our barrens- confusing but interesting world of grass brownish, Pepper and Salt Skipper preferring skippers, Leonard’s Skipper skippers. However, of the specialist is not easy to find here, as it is a more uses relatively common native prairie/ grass skippers that are reliable in northern species and more often barrens grasses as caterpillar food. Jackson County, this one is the most occurs in moister habitats. But we have While these grasses are limited in restricted in location. encountered it a few times in these occurrence (due to habitat destruction Location, location, location: barrens (North Brockway, Stanton and degradation), the skippers are As with so many localized skippers, Creek) from May 28 to June 6. The more localized and rare than these Cobweb Skipper appears to use remaining grass skippers are orangish. grasses. While definitely a specialist, relatively common native prairie/ An avid nectarer at downy phlox, wild Leonard’s Skipper doesn’t seem as barrens grasses as caterpillar food. indigo, orange hawkweed, and lupine, picky about habitat as some others While these grasses are limited in Indian Skipper has first appeared of these localized skippers (such as occurrence (due to habitat destruction in our surveys from May 23 (2000) to Cobweb Skipper). In Wisconsin, and degradation), the skippers are June 7 (2001). Main flight dates have Leonard’s Skipper favors dry (upland) much more localized and rare than occurred from May 26 (1998) to June prairie and sandy barrens. these grasses. In Wisconsin, Cobweb 14 (2008). Good sites for this species Timing, timing, timing: Our Skipper appears to favor very dry, include the Bauer-Brockway complex, first Leonard’s date of the year has sparse turfs in their dry prairie and North Brockway, and Stanton Creek. varied from August 6-15, except for barrens habitats. A generalized forest and forest edge July 28, 1998, and July 30, 2001. Main Timing, timing, timing: Among species, Hobomok Skipper has first flight dates usually fall in mid to late years, our first date has varied from appeared on our surveys from May 13 August: August 12-27. We’ve not tried May 2-27 and our last from May 22 to (1998) to June 3 (1997, 2005). Tiny to determine last dates of the year—on June 11, except in 2000, a very low year and rapid in flight,Arctic Skipper all our surveys in early September when our last date was May 15. Main can be easily overlooked as a moth. (September 3-6), we’ve recorded the flight period dates have varied from We’ve recorded it here from May 19 to species here. In 2004, we only found May 6 (1998) to May 30 (1995), with June 25, but its primary flight occurs the species on August 19, and in low most falling during May 11-26. during June 1-10. Although we haven’t numbers, although we tried on several Other tips: Cobweb Skipper recorded many here, the best site has dates earlier in the month (but not later avidly nectars at birdsfoot violet. been Wildcat Southeast. Other fairly in August-September). Otherwise, be very alert to spot this good sites have been South Brockway Other tips: In southwestern tiny skipper that, with its brown color, West, North Brockway East, Stanton Wisconsin, Leonard’s Skipper blends in well with the browns and tans Creek, West Castle Mound forest intergrades into the ‘Pawnee’ form of sand and early spring vegetation. opening, and Wildcat Northeast. It’s (golden-yellow background color to On the other hand, the Cobweb’s flight also turned up at Bauer, Brockway, the hindwing, and sometimes the period occurs when few other grass Dike 17, and West Castle Mound light spot-band is reduced), but in skippers are in flight, which gives you savanna. Resembling Cobweb only central Wisconsin, we’ve only seen an advantage in the identification in size, the darkly colored Common the ‘Leonard’s’ form (lovely rusty department. With practice you can Roadside-Skipper has not often red hindwing below, with distinctive spot this small brown butterfly in flight occurred on our surveys here. But the white spot-band in a sideways v-shape and track it to a landing, and in this species has turned up in the Bauer- like this: >). In Wisconsin, Leonard’s habitat at that time of year, there’s only Brockway complex, Dike 17, North Skippers exhibit an inordinate fondness one species a small brown triangular Brockway, Stanton Creek, and West for rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) butterfly can be. Castle Mound forest opening. Most of nectar. This flower is an excellent place Good spots: Very localized in our encounters have been in spring to look for Leonard’s, and also gives Jackson County, Cobweb Skipper (May 30 to June 11), with sporadic you an idea of when to look as well. occurs in good numbers in the Bauer- records in summer (July 22, August 4). Good spots: Leonard’s Skipper Brockway complex in consistent is abundant in the Bauer-Brockway populations, and in low numbers at Finding Leonard’s Skippers complex. It’s also reliable at Dike 17, North Brockway. Distinctive in color and pattern, and North Brockway East, and Stanton Other grass skippers: At the later in the summer in flight period Creek. We have not found the species start of Cobweb Skipper flight, there than many skippers, Leonard’s at the West Castle Mound and Wildcat are no other resident grass skippers Skipper is a refreshing relief after sites in this decade. in flight in these barrens. Additional wading through the confusing welter Other grass skippers: In skipper species that emerge during of midsummer grass skippers, which northeastern Wisconsin, you need to Cobweb Skipper flight are quite have become even more confusing due be mindful of Common Branded distinctive. Very dark and much larger, to wing wear by the time Leonard’s Skipper, another later summer Dusted Skipper (see that account) appears. All the more reason to skipper (although yellowish), but not

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 11 here. We’ve never seen Sachem in fond of nectaring at lupine and downy especially just southwest and downhill Jackson County, but this immigrant phlox, which are plants of interest of the parking lot (right before you hit skipper is a possibility, and is the only already at this time of year, since brush and wetland), and Stanton Road skipper with a distinctive white spot- they are also important caterpillar are particularly good sites. The species band on the underside (females only) food plants (see accounts for Frosted is regular at the Bauer-Brockway I can think of that could be seen here Elfin, ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue, Persius complex and North Brockway. The in Leonard’s timing. However, Sachem Duskywing, and Phlox Moth). West Castle Mound and Wildcat sites females have a brownish underside Good spots: The Bauer- are not good bets. background color, not reddish as on Brockway complex is great, especially Edwards’ Hairstreak: This Leonard’s. Otherwise, a variety of other South Brockway West. North Brockway butterfly is readily found maintaining grass skippers are a possibility, but is also reliable, and the species has territories from perches on shrubby they won’t have as distinctive a spot- become more reliable at Dike 17 in oaks during mid-summer, especially band below, and they’ll by and large this decade. Dusted Skipper has also the middle two weeks of July. If be pretty faded. Mostly they’ll be (or occurred at Stanton Creek (even fairly something small and brown flies off a once were, before fading) tan, brown, recently), but not recently at the West bushy oak, it pays to freeze in hope of or dark in hindwing background color, Castle Mound and Wildcat sites. its return. Our earliest and latest dates such as Northern Broken-Dash, Other grass skippers: Dusted are June 22 to September 6. We find it Dun, Tawny-edged, and Crossline Skipper is a very distinctive dark at all the barrens sites included here. Skippers. Alternatively, they may grass skipper, but two species are Other midsummer brown hairstreaks be (or used to be) orangish (not rusty close in appearance. About the same here include Coral, Banded, and red) in hindwing background color, size, Northern Cloudywing is Striped; Acadian is more gray/silver. such as Delaware Skipper. You may a spreadwing skipper but can give Common Ringlet: This butterfly have trouble identifying them, but at the appearance of Dusted Skipper, has recently shown up in our surveys least you will be confident they are not especially with wings completely here (2004), and has increased since. Leonard’s Skipper. closed. Although not often found on So far, we’ve found them from May 29 our surveys here, it overlaps in both to June 15. Although not common (yet), Finding Dusted Skippers space and time with Dusted Skipper. good sites are the Bauer-Brockway A later spring species, Dusted Skipper We’ve recorded Northern Cloudywing complex, Dike 17, and Stanton Creek. is another welcome entrant in the from May 22 to June 26, with most Lower numbers have occurred at North distinctive grass skipper derby. They individuals from May 26 to June 11. Brockway, West Castle Mound forest help you get your grass skipper year The species has occurred at South opening (along the ATV trail), and under way more confidently than if you Brockway West, Stanton Creek, and Wildcat Northeast (ditch). wait to dive in after the proliferation of West Castle Mound forest opening. confusing tawny and brown summer Tiny and not often encountered in Peatland butterflies skippers appear. these sites, Common Roadside- Peatlands (sphagnum bogs) occur Location, location, location: Skipper has occurred on our surveys in this county. While more bog Here I go again. Like the Cobweb here mostly in spring (May 30 to June butterfly species occur farther north Skipper, Dusted Skipper also uses 11) but also sporadically in summer in Wisconsin, you can pick up a few relatively common native prairie/ (July 22, August 4). Besides these here too. All the local observations I barrens grasses as caterpillar food. two species, beware confusion from a report here come from the Highway 54 These grasses aren’t common from duskywing, when it perches with its bog. Brown Elfin is more abundant, the point of view of the landscape as a wings shut. and its flight period may extend later, whole, since they are limited to native in bogs than barrens. If you want to patches of vegetation. But the skippers Other notable butterflies in find one and didn’t happen upon one are more localized and rare than these these barrens in your barrens searches, it’s worth grasses. While definitely a specialist, These species aren’t particular a try here. Look in open areas with Dusted Skipper isn’t quite as picky specialties of this area or this habitat, short shrubs, as the caterpillar food about habitat as some of these localized but can be enjoyed here, and may be of plants are heaths. Bog Copper is a skippers (such as Cobweb Skipper). particular interest to out-of-staters. tiny silvery treat in midsummer. We’ve In Wisconsin, Dusted Skipper favors American Copper: This not tried to define the full extent of the sparse dry (upland) prairie and sandy butterfly has shown huge variation in flight period, but we’ve found at least barrens. numbers. Our first date of the year has four individuals on both our earliest Timing, timing, timing: Our fallen between May 2 (2000) and May date of the season (July 5, in 1989) first date of the year has varied from 30 (1995), except in two years when and latest (July 31, in 1996). Look May 11 (1999) to June 6 (1996), and our we found none until summer: July 27 in more open areas where cranberry last from June 2 (1998, 2007) to June (2000) and July 24 (2004). We found abounds. We’ve never recorded Bog 26 (1996). Main flight dates have varied American Copper on our last survey Fritillary in Jackson County, but its from May 23 to June 12, with most date ever here (September 6, 1994), range extends generally as far south as falling between May 26 and June 6. so I assume the species is possible for this area, so it’s worth watching for this Other tips: Dusted Skipper is at least a bit later than that. Dike 17, butterfly too. Based on its flight period

12 The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel in northern Wisconsin, early to mid- Editor’s Note: Photographs will be June would seem to be appropriate added to this article in the future. timing. A large and distinctive butterfly You can find images of the butterflies with a floppy flight,Jutta Arctic described in this article in Butterflies prefers spruce groves and open forests through Binoculars: the East by Jeffrey of the bog instead of areas with fewer Glassberg and other field guides. trees. In only relatively few and cursory visits over a number of years, we’ve Copyright 2009 Ann Swengel. All rights recorded a flight span of almost a reserved. month, from May 18 (in 2007) to June 15 (in 2008), with most observations Published by the Southern Wisconsin between May 23 and June 6. Butterfly Association (SWBA), a chapter of the North American Wetland skippers Butterfly Association. For information Since the wetland skippers of Jackson about SWBA, including upcoming field County deserve as much interest and trips and meetings, please visit our web surveying as the barrens, a detailed site: account awaits another person’s http://www.naba.org/chapters/ efforts. But even in passing, with the nabawba/ skippers “leaking” upland into the edges of barrens and us “leaking” down into the edges of their habitat, we’ve realized we’ve seen the tip of a very diverse and intriguing iceberg of butterfly interest. The barrens at Dike 17 emerge out of neighboring lowlands and impoundments. You don’t need to jump into the water to find interesting wetland butterflies there. Watch nectar flowers around the shorelines and wetland edges. At Bauer-Brockway, examine the creek corridor that runs through it (between the South Brockway West area and the Brockway area). At Wildcat, go to the roadsides on either side of Castle Mound Road, west of the junction with Wildcat Road. As you travel among these barrens sites, watch for flowery lowland ditches where it’s safe for you to pull off. I’ll proceed in seasonal order. We’ve found Least Skipper from June 2 to August 27. Long Dash comes next, in our experience from June 25 (and I expect that date should be earlier) to July 22. Kicking off the mid-summer bustle is Dion Skipper (July 1 to August 1, but primarily July 13-24), which is regular at Wildcat Northwest and Dike 17. Next, but not frequently encountered, are Two-Spotted Skipper (July 5-17) and Broad-winged Skipper (July 8 to August 12, but primarily July 8-26). Dun Skipper (July 9-August 19) first appears a bit late in this seasonal sequence, but it more than makes up for that with abundance. Rounding out the list are Black Dash (July 13-24) and the very rarely encountered (here by us) Mulberry Wing (July 13-21).

The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens byAnn Swengel 13