<<

Lepidopterist Bulletin of the Utah Lepidopterists' Society

Volume 12 - Number 2 December 2005 Utah’s Dixie by Todd L. Stout

Utah's Dixie" represents one of the most picturesque, biodiverse regions of Utah and one of the most scenic areas in the world. Located in Washington County in the southwest corner of Utah, this physiogeographic region , also known as "Utah's Color Country," displays abrupt topographical changes ranging from volcanic remnants and mountains to Navajo sandstone hills and buttes. The native flora also displays dramatic changes ranging from aspen-ponderosa pine forests in the Pine Valley Mountains to joshua tree-creosote flora of the Beaver Dam Slope in the northeastern Mojave Desert. In the words of Schmerker, "Utah's Dixie is where the Basin and Range province, the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert converge into St George, Washington County, Utah - The Heart of Utah’s Dixie a surreal pile of rocks, flora and Photo Courtesy of www.olwm.com www.utahstgeorge.com fauna..."

The history of the region is perhaps as heavy rains and early season floods till, sow, and harvest cotton. equally enchanting as its topography. during 2005 which washed out many After the Mormon pioneers settled the Mainly because of its breathtaking homes and bridges along the Santa Salt Lake Valley in 1847, their leader, vistas and mild winters, Utah's Dixie Clara River is proof enough that this Brigham Young, in December of is one of the fastest growing regions is as true today as it was in the past! 1849, sent Parley P. Pratt and fifty in Utah where snowbirds, golf gurus, other men to explore this unique The region is known as "Utah's retirees, or anyone else looking for geographical region. Parley P. Pratt's Dixie" because of the establishment improved scenery are attracted to the glowing report of the fertility and of the Cotton Mission in the city of region. The downside to this water availability soon prompted Washington in 1857. Because of the accelerated growth in Utah’s Dixie is colonization. However, taming the Civil War, Brigham Young, knowing the ongoing destruction of native and Virgin and Santa Clara Rivers during that the cotton necessary to make distinctive -rich habitat. drought times and subsequent clothing would become scarce from In addition to local areas such as the torrential floods at other times warring states, hand picked and sent Gorge, Snow Canyon became more than a challenge. The 38 experienced Southern families to State Park, Tuacahn Outdoor Theater,

15 Hurricane Cliffs, and Red Cliffs and Virgin Rivers (Figure 3, p. 18). Corridor transition from the Navajo Desert Reserve, tourists and locals are The community found here sandstone hills and lava ridges to the also attracted to nearby Zion includes Larrea tridenta (creosote montane backdrop of the Pine Valley National Park, Cedar Breaks National bush), Atriplex lentiformis (big Mountains. Looking to the south, Monument, and Bryce Canyon saltbush), Phragmites australis your vista is completely different as National Park. Even the Grand (common reed), Baccharis glutinosa you witness many of the Plateau Canyon in northern is within (seep willow), Salix exigua (sandbar buttes and knolls against a scenic a few hours' drive of St. George. willow), Populus spp. (cottonwood), backdrop of . and, unfortunately, the nonnative Due to its geology, southern latitudes Some of the that are found Tamerisk ramosissima (salt cedar). and lower elevations, Utah’s Dixie in the Plateau region of Utah’s Dixie Some of the butterflies found here are contains several unique environments include Precis coenia (buckeye), Danaus gilippus thersippus (queen), found nowhere else in Utah. mormo mormo (mormon Precis coenia (buckeye), Ochlodes Consequently, many butterflies and metalmark), Brephidium exilis yuma yuma (yuma ), and skippers are found exclusively here in (pygmy blue), Megathymus yuccae Limenitis archippus obsoleta (arizona the southwest corner of the state. coloradensis (yucca giant skipper), viceroy). These environments can be divided and, at higher elevations, Polygonia into five topographical subsections The Dixie Corridor represents the rest satyrus (satyr comma). known as the Utah Mojave, Virgin of the St. George basin including low The Montane region of Utah's Dixie River Basin, Dixie Corridor, elevation lava hills and ridges, red is represented mainly by the Pine Montane, and Plateau regions. Navajo sandstone knolls, buttes, and Valley Mountains (The highest point hills (Figure 4, p. 18), as well as the The Utah Mojave (Figure 2, p. 18) reaches 10,365 feet.) located in the Yucca, Larrea, and Rumex-covered represents the northeastern limits of north-central portion of Washington sand dunes found in the vicinity of the Mojave Desert and is situated in County. One of the more picturesque Warner Valley. Some of the the extreme southwest corner of canyons in Utah's Dixie that butterflies and skippers found in this Washington County. At a statewide demonstrates a subtle transition from subsection include Chlosyne lacinia elevational low of 2,200 feet, it Dixie Corridor to montane is Leeds (bordered patch), includes the Mojave Desert floor, the Canyon (Figure 6, p. 18). The mouth cethura pima (desert orangetip), Beaver Dam Wash, the Beaver Dam of Leeds Canyon (3900') contains Euchloe (hyantis) lotta (desert Slope, and even portions of the Navajo sandstone ridges with a desert marble), Euphydryas anicia hermosa Beaver Dam Mountains where Yucca community of common trees and (anicia checkerspot), Chlosyne brevifolia (joshua tree) makes an shrubs such as Larrea tridenta neumoegeni neumoegeni (desert attempt to climb the mountains. (creosote bush), Juniperus checkerspot), Papilio indra calcicola However, as witnessed by those who osteosperma (utah juniper), Quercus (cliff swallowtail), Apodemia palmeri have driven old US 91, joshua trees turbinella (permanent oak), Populus (palmers metalmark), haven't quite made it over the summit fremontii (cottonwood), and Prunus scriptura (small checkered skipper), of Utah Hill. COL Clyde Gillette fasciculata (desert almond). Some of and Megathymus yuccae coloradensis defines the Utah Mojave as that the butterflies that are found in the (yucca giant skipper). Figure 1 (p.17) portion of Utah’s Dixie that contains lower portions of Leeds Canyon illustrates a collage of some of the native stands of joshua trees. include Callophrys siva siva (juniper unique butterflies found in Utah’s hairstreak), Nymphalis antiopa Another plant that seems to be Utah Dixie. (mourning cloak), Anthocharis Mojave specific is Thamnosma The Plateau region of Utah's Dixie cethura pima (desert orangetip), montana (turpentine broom), the located in the south, southeastern thoosa larval hostplant of Papilio coloro portion of Washington County (southwestern orangetip), Adelpha (mojave swallowtail). Other includes the Navajo sandstone, eulalia (arizona sister), Brephidium butterflies that are found in the Utah Chinle, and other rock formations that exilis (pygmy blue), Euphydryas Mojave are Thessalia leanira alma make up the knolls, buttes, and mesas anicia hermosa (anicia checkerspot), (utah beaded checkerspot), Apodemia of Warner Ridge (Figure 5, p. 18), Cyllopsis pertepida dorothea mormo mormo (mormon metalmark), Sand Mountain, Mollies Nipple, (canyonlands satyr), and Erynnis Callophrys comstocki (desert green Vermillion Cliffs, Hurricane Cliffs meridianus (meridian duskywing). hairstreak), Heliopetes ericetorum and Zion National Park. (northern white skipper), and, in some As you proceed east up Leeds Canyon years, Libytheana carinenta larvata One of the best places to witness the toward Oak Grove Campground and (american snout). scenic dissimilarities found in Utah’s the Pine Valley Mountains, the desert Dixie is from I-15 itself. As you community transitions from creosote- The Virgin River Basin represents the drive northeast from St. George to shadscale scrub to pinyon-juniper riparian section of the St. George Cedar City and approach the forest. Similarly, Quercus turbinella basin and includes the Santa Clara Hurricane area, you will see the Dixie is gradually replaced by Quercus

16 gambellii; Penstemon palmeri is Grove Campground, it would require eulalia (arizona sister), Limenitis replaced by Penstemon eatonii; and a 63-mile drive to access one from the weidemeyeri weidemeyeri parryi (parry lomatium) is other as the terrain separating the two (weidemeyer's admiral), Papilio replaced by a small population of campgrounds is a wilderness of high bairdi (bairds swallowtail), Papilio Lomatium scabrum tripinnatum (cliff cliffs and peaks. The Pine Valley rutulus (western tiger swallowtail), lomatium). One of the species of Campground is accessible from St. Papilio multicaudatus multicaudatus butterflies that is found more George by traveling north on UT. (two-tailed swallowtail), Zerene commonly in the higher elevations of Hwy 18 to the community of Central, cesonia (southern dogface), Ochlodes Leeds Canyon at Oak Grove then turning east on the road to the sylvanoides omnigena (woodland Campground is Papilio bairdi (bairds Pine Valley Campground. skipper), Speyeria nokomis swallowtail). apacheana (nokomis fritillary), and At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the Speyeria hesperis chitone Another locale in the Pine Valley aspen/ponderosa pine community of (northwestern fritillary). Mountains is Pine Valley Pine Valley Campground is Campground (Figure 7, p. 18). picturesque and offers a unique mix Utah's Dixie truly is one of the most Although Pine Valley Campground is of butterflies including Adelpha scenic areas on earth. Incredible! roughly four aerial miles from Oak

Figure 1. Some of the butterflies that fly in Utah’s Dixie include the following: Zerene cesonia (southern dogface), Euphydryas anicia hermosa (anicia checkerspot), Limenitis archippus obsoleta (arizona viceroy), pima (desert orangetip), Danaus gilippus thersippus (queen), Chlosyne neumoegeni neumoegeni (desert checkerspot), Hesperopsis libya libya (mojave sootywing), Pyrgus scriptura (small checkered skipper), Precis coenia (buckeye), and Papilio indra calcicola (cliff swallowtail). Collage Designed by Todd L. Stout

17 Figure 2. Utah Mojave joshua trees and creosote bush. Figure 3. The unruly Virgin River in Washington City. This photo was taken prior to the Spring floods of 2005.

Figure 4. Picturesque view of grasslands in the foreground, followed Figure 5. Warner Ridge is one of the many plateaus in the south, by Yellow Knolls Ridge, lava hills, and, lastly the snow-covered Pine southeast corner of Utah’s Dixie. Valley Mountains in the background.

Figure 6. Leeds Canyon in the foreground followed by a series of Figure 7. Pine Valley Campground. Many interesting butterflies ridges and mesas with West Temple (Zion National Park) in the turn up here such as Papilio bairdi, Speyeria nokomis apacheana, distant background. as well as Zerene cesonia.

18 Selected Butterflies of Utah’s Dixie By Todd L. Stout (Modified from the ULS Web Page) Anthocharis cethura pima (Desert Orangetip)

Figure 1. Anthocharis cethura pima (desert orangetip) Figure 2. Color transformation of a young fifth instar larva to a male dorsal (left), male ventral (right) fully-grown fifth instar larva which generally occurs in only 3-4 days.

General found in desert flatlands and on low The ova are deposited on the lower The type locality of Anthocharis hills and slopes. Populations can be leaves of the larval hostplant. Newly- cethura pima, Scudder 1888, is found at Welcome Springs in the hatched larvae work their way up the Pantano, Pima County, Arizona. This Beaver Dam Mountains, Red Cliffs plant toward the flowers and siliques. is commonly called the Desert Reserve, Warner Valley, These first instar larvae are very small desert orangetip (Figure 1) by some Yellow Knolls, Leeds Canyon, and (even for a pierid), light colored with and pima orangetip by others. It flies West Black Ridge. Within a dark head and may be cannibalistic early in the spring and has been Washington County, the highest if they encounter any other ova. regarded by many as a "jewel of the elevation documented for pima is Second and third instar larvae are desert" providing a reminder that the 5200' (COL Clyde F. Gillette pers. greenish with a white lateral stripe. long days of winter are soon-to-be communication). To date, it is Fourth instar larvae gain an additional over. Males hilltop on desert hills, interesting to note that no records purple lateral stripe above the white buttes, or even fly over flatlands (i.e., exist for this butterfly in Kane and stripe. After a short period of time, Warner Valley), in order to seek San Juan Counties even though the newly-molted fifth instar larva females. Females, on the other hand, habitat, conditions, and availability of initiates an amazing color fly more inconspicuously as they seek some of its larval hostplants suggest transformation that takes about 72 out native mustards, most of which that the butterfly might thrive there. hours (Figure 2). From an essentially double as larval hostplants and nectar green larva with purple and white Bionomics sources. lateral stripes, the larva ends up Anthocharis cethura pima is a having alternating gray and There are those who would assign univoltine . Larval hostplants yellow-orange horizontal bands Utah populations of cethura to ssp. include , coupled with an alternating white and mojavensis (Emmel, Emmel, and Caulanthus lasiophyllum utahensis, black lateral stripe. This breathtaking Mattoon 1998). However, based and Streptanthella longirostris. mature larva maintains this upon the recommendation of Because the edible flowers and conspicuous color for roughly 24 researchers who have studied siliques of these native mustard larval hours before the coloring fades and it mojavensis from its type locality, hostplants stay succulent and useable wanders away from its hostplant mojavensis should be considered a for a very short time, larval seeking a place to pupate. (For an cline between pima and nominate development can be very rapid, as online slide show demonstrating this cethura. quickly as 21 days from ova to pupa transition see under lab conditions. Most of these Utah Distribution and Habitat http://www.utahlepsociety.org/ulsgra can be found in ravines, Anthocharis cethura pima flies phics/pimalarvaani.gif ) mountainsides, or hidden under exclusively in Washington County in creosote or other desert shrubbery. In nature, it is necessary for late the southwest corner of the state. Its The yellow ova turn orange after 24 winter precipitation to arrive in distribution within the county is fairly hours and hatch in about four days. proper timing and magnitude in order extensive as this butterfly can be

19 to induce germination of the mustards all. Populations of the desert lab conditions. For example, during this butterfly uses. If the preceding orangetip can withstand years of 2005, an 8-year-old chrysalis, conditions do not occur, few if any drought. Their pupae have been harvested as an ovum in 1997, finally emerge from their pupae resulting in known to survive up to 8 years under emerged as a healthy male adult. a very poor flight or possibly none at Thessalia leanira alma (Utah Beaded Checkerspot)

Figure 3. Thessalia leanira alma, utah beaded checkerspot Figure 4. Fifth instar larva of Thessalia leanira alma top row: male dorsal, female dorsal, bottom row: female ventral Photo courtesy of Wayne H. Whaley

General Mts., as well as the Wasatch Mts. in It's interesting to contrast the different Thessalia leanira alma, Strecker Juab and Utah County. strategies of post-diapausal larvae of 1878, the utah beaded checkerspot, is Thessalia leanira alma and The region of the state that seems to perhaps our most beautifully Euphydryas anicia wheeleri. In many contain the largest colonies of T. patterned checkerspot (Figure 3). Its areas of the Basin and Range leanira alma is the Basin and Range type locality is in northwestern Province, alma and wheeleri are Province, especially Utah's West Mohave County, Arizona. However, sympatric, with both using indian Desert in the House Range, Little the species is more widespread paintbrush as a larval hostplant. Drum Mts., and Dugway Range. throughout , and However, they do not normally fly Colonies within the West Desert seem Utah. It flies at low to mid elevations synchronically. to be more concentrated on north in mountainous regions of both facing slopes where its larval The reason for this is that when southern and western Utah. It has also hostplant is not as exposed to direct exposed to identical spring been known to fly in sagebrush flats sunlight during the hot summer conditions, larvae of wheeleri will where colonies of its larval hostplant months. break diapause rather quickly and are established. Males, for the most resume feeding on the new leaflets of part, hilltop in search of females. Bionomics ground-breaking Castilleja. Larvae Females fly on mountainsides and Post-diapausal larvae (Figure 4) have of alma initiate the breaking of bottoms in search of its larval been found on indian paintbrush diapause by resting a few days before hostplant. T. leanira alma is (Castilleja chromosa). Larvae will setting themselves up to molt. After univoltine with its flight period being feed on leaves, but prefer to feed on alma larvae have shed their winter from early May to June; July at higher flowers. Females oviposit on the skin, the larvae then start to feed. As elevations in the Wasatch Mountains. underside of the leaves in clutches of a result of this delay, alma larvae do approximately 15-25 ova. Utah Distribution and Habitat not usually start feeding until wheeleri Pre-diapausal larvae feed gregariously Within the state, populations exist in larvae are usually fifth instars, or have until they diapause at third or fourth many regions including the Utah already pupated. This results in a instar. When overcrowded with Mojave in the vicinity of Castle Cliff main flight of T. leanira alma that is siblings, post-diapausal larvae will in the Beaver Dam Mts., along the usually 10-14 days after E. anicia sometimes disperse and seek out I-15 corridor near Fillmore, the East wheeleri. nearby plants, or re-diapause. Tintic Mts., Oquirrh Mts., and Lake

20 Papilio coloro (Mojave Swallowtail)

Figure 5. Papilio coloro (mojave swallowtail); top row: male, female Figure 6. Papilio coloro fifth instar larva on Thamnosma form “coloro” bottom row: male, female, form “clarki” montana. Photo courtesy of Jerry Lagrone

General now serves as a junior synonym to family). The fruits of this unique The type locality of Papilio coloro, coloro. plant have a strong smell of Wright 1905, (mojave swallowtail) is grapefruit. Females prefer to oviposit Utah Distribution and Habitat Whitewater Hill, west end of In Utah, Papilio coloro is a denizen on new leaflets that can be abundant Coachella Valley, Colorado Desert, of the northeastern Mojave Desert, in the spring, but only spotty during Riverside County, California. Many flying only in the southwest corner of the summer and fall months. Besides taxonomists consider Papilio coloro Washington County. The best place Thamnosma montana, larvae (Figure (Figure 5) a subspecies of Papilio to find coloro is in the Beaver Dam 6) have been successfully reared in polyxenes (eastern black swallowtail). Mountains. Males are strong the lab on Foeniculum vulgare Because of Felix Sperling's mtDNA hilltoppers where they seek females to () and Anethum graveolens research showing coloro's affinity to mate. In addition to hilltopping, both () both members of the polyxenes, P. coloro may yet be sexes of P. coloro have also been ( family). Attempts with proven to be conspecific with seen flying across the vast habitat of Lomatiun dissectum and Cymopterus polyxenes. However, because of its the joshua tree-creosote community in terebinrhinus have not been differing habitat, adult morphology, association with its larval hostplant. successful. and mature larval morphology, it is Strong winter precipitation, as well as In Southwest Utah, there are up to treated as a full species here (At least heavy spring and summer rains can three broods of this butterfly for the time being). produce strong spring flights of this depending on timing and magnitude For years, locals used to refer to this butterfly. of precipitation. As is the case with butterfly as Papilio rudkini, many swallowtails, P. coloro Bionomics Comstock, 1935, type locality in the The larval hostplant in the Beaver overwinters as a pupa. However, Ivanpah Mountains, San Bernardino Dam Mountains is Thamnosma COL Clyde F. Gillette found that late County, California. However, since montana (turpentine broom). This is fall feeding larvae, that have run out Wright's description predates somewhat of an unusual hostplant as of hostplant, can also overwinter as Comstock's by thirty years, rudkini it is a member of the Rutaceae (citrus larvae.

Ranger Steve Campus Labor Day Natural History due to the amount of knowledge continued from p 24 Weekend in the Upper Peninsula packed in his head. His research through Ody Brook where information flowed easily She expressed it was her great Enterprises has been a source of his from his head about a broad pleasure to present the award to such tremendous knowledge about the spectrum of nature. She stated that it a deserving environmental education natural world. Dorothy said she is a wonder he can even stand erect colleague. attended a walk he led at a Cedar

21 Vernon E. Evans and the Hutchings Museum of Lehi, Utah By Dr. Richard Edwin Howard, Director Natural History Museum Amarillo College

Vernon E. Evans is presently involved in the development, preparation and display logistics of an insect exhibit for the John Hutchings Museum of Natural History in Lehi, Utah. This unique museum has its origins in its inquisitive founder, John Hutchings, whose lifelong interests included geology, art, Western history, and anthropology. It presents to the public, among other things, a mineral display which is one of the most complete private collections in the as well as fossil specimens ranging from Precambrian to recent, many of which have been loaned to such institutions as the Smithsonian and 's American Museum of Natural Figure 1. Butterflies of the World Display, Hutchings Museum, Lehi, Utah History. The museum also includes a Created by Vernon E. Evans, Utah Lepidopterists’ Society member small but remarkable collection of museum status models of historic sailing vessels. list of contributors.) moth pupae as well as various moth cocoons. There is even a side-cut of The Hutchings Museum display will The “Lepidoptera Life Cycle” display a cocoon with the pupa inside. The include several display cases created (Figure 2) shows various ova sizes display then goes on to show an adult by Vernon which present the and then directs you to the larval butterfly. following: Butterflies of Utah, Moths stage. There are several different of Utah, of Utah, Butterflies dried larvae that were donated by Bill The “Differences Between Butterflies of the World, Moths of the World, Houtz. The next step shows the and Moths” (Figure 3, p. 23) display Life Cycle and Butterfly Parts, differences between butterfly and shows several examples of butterflies Mimicry, Protective Resemblance, and Camouflage. In addition, the display will include an interactive computer program illustrating different aspects of the life histories and survival strategies of various Lepidoptera. The display cases themselves have an interesting history. They originally housed much of the pinned collection of Kenneth B. Tidwell. They have been modified and painted in the distressed French Country style which gives them an appealing antique appearance.

In the development and building of the Hutchings Museum display, Vernon enlisted the assistance of numerous scientists and students of natural history. The contributors represent nine countries, sixteen ULS members from seven US states. Of the Figure 2. Lepidoptera Life Cycle Display, Hutchings Museum, Lehi, Utah Created by Vernon E. Evans, Utah Lepidopterists’ Society member ULS members, five are under the age of thirteen and in the Utah Bug Club. (See “Special Thanks...” p. 23 for a

22 and moths side-by-side. These examples illustrate and explain the differences in their antennae, coloration, wing resting position, and the crepuscular and nocturnal habits of the moths versus the diurnal habits of the butterflies.

The “Camouflage and Mimicry” display case shows examples of mimicry and how various lepidoptera, as well as other insects, utilize camouflage in their various environments.

The “Butterflies of the World” (Figure 1, p. 22), “Moths of the Figure 3. The “Differences Between Butterflies and Moths” Display (left) and the “Insects of the World” Display (right), Hutchings Museum, Lehi, Utah World” and “Insects of the World” Created by Vernon E. Evens, Utah Lepidopterists’ Society Member (Figure 3) display cases illustrate the large variety of colors and shapes found in lepidoptera and other insects from around the globe. and lepidoptera displays at the display will continue to be a great Hutchings Museum. A touch screen educational tool for the community. There are three cases dedicated to monitor provides additional Vernon’s personal involvement with Utah specific insects. The information about the displays as well entomology and especially the “Butterflies of Utah” and “Moths of as other Utah lepidoptera. It also lepidoptera began at the age of ten Utah” displays are arranged by family utilizes information taken from the through association with Dr. Richard groups while the “Insects of Utah” Utah Lepidopterists’s Society website Edwin Howard, Director and Senior display is less structured but still and provides links to the website. Curator of the Amarillo College allows visitors to see the wide variety Handouts are also available on how to Natural History Museum. He has of insects that can be found within the contact the Utah Lepidopterists’ traveled and collected extensively state. Society for further information. throughout the United States and Many visitors have viewed the insect This 18 foot wide by 12 foot tall

Special Thanks To The Following Contributors To The Hutchings Museum Entomology Display The Monty L. Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University for providing specimens. Ramel Cabale an entomology dealer from the Philippines for providing specimens. Muhammad Djufri an entomology dealer from Indonesia for providing beetles, butterflies and other insects. Kati, Auvi, Zoÿ, Kelby and Conner Evans members of the Utah Bug Club for providing specimens, research and display material. Vernon E. Evans a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for the creation of the displays and for providing specimens. Preston Hayes a member of the Utah Bug Club for providing specimens. Bill Houtz a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society who resides in for providing specimens, pupae, larvae, and eggs for the life cycle display. Dr. Richard E. Howard Director Natural History Museum Amarillo College and a member Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for help with the audio presentation and providing specimens. Joel M. Johnson a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for providing specimens. Stephane Le Tirant curator for Butterfly House & Insect Zoo in Montréal Canada for providing specimens. Florence Makanya an entomology dealer from Tanzania, East Africa for providing large beetles. Robert C. Mower a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for providing specimens. Alan R. Myrup a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for providing specimens. Dmitry Podgornov a lepidopterist from Russia for providing moth specimens. Francesco Stipo an entomologist from Santiago, Chile for providing specimens. Floyd Preston a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society from for providing many butterflies. Todd L. Stout a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for help with the video presentation and providing specimens. Heurtin Richard an entomologist from France for providing specimens. John L. Richards, MD a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for providing specimens. Raimund Spruzina an entomologist from Vienna, Austria for providing specimens. Dan Sundberg "Bugman" a coleopterist from for providing beetles. Kenneth B. Tidwell a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society for donating the cases built for his personal collection and for providing many Utah specimens. Russell Witkop a member of the Utah Lepidopterists’ Society from Colorado for providing specimens, pupa, larvae, and eggs for the life cycle display.

23 South America. His scientifically mounting techniques (fastest in the Tropical Museum in Colorado significant personal collection now state), and studying the life histories Springs, Colorado, serving as an numbers some 10,000 plus of moths, first collecting their Assistant Curator of Lepidoptera for specimens. caterpillars in 2002. He has also the Amarillo College Natural History contributed to the science of Museum in Amarillo, Texas, and Some of Vernon’s recent entomology by preparing lepidoptera providing extensive volunteer entomological background in addition for the Monte L. Bean Life Science mounting service for the Kenneth B. to his work with the Hutchings Museum at Brigham Young Tidwell Lepidoptera Collection at Museum includes: joining the Utah University, serving as an Assistant BYU. Lepidopterists' Society in 2002, Curator of Lepidoptera for the May specializing in butterfly and moth

“Ranger Steve” Mueller was presented with the 2005 William B. Stapp Award for Environmental and Outdoor Education

“Ranger Steve” Mueller was environmental education. Ranger greater Grand Rapids, area. presented with the 2005 William B. Steve has more accomplishments and The Kent Intermediate School District Stapp Award by the Michigan recognitions than can be shared at one closed the center in June 2005 as a Alliance for Environmental and sitting. In 1969 he started his career result of the school district’s funding Outdoor Education (MAEOE) on 22 as a State Park ranger in Traverse crisis, but Steve landed on his feet October 2005. The award recognizes City, Michigan. In 1973 he began a and accepted a position as director of and honors “Ranger Steve” for formal teaching career and worked in the Wittenbach/Wege Agri-science outstanding contributions to the field a variety of locations across the U.S. Environmental Center and Natural of environmental education. He also worked as a naturalist at the Area for the Lowell Area Schools Morningside Nature Center in where he continues the charge of The Award was presented by Dorothy Gainesville, Florida and as a ranger environmental education. Beside McLeer, MAEOE awards chair. She naturalist and director of the significant education contributions, stated the award is the highest environmental education school at Steve’s resume includes a long environmental education award Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. bibliography of scientific research presented and is reserved as a lifetime He became director to the Howard and popular article publications. achievement award for significant Christensen Nature Center in 1986 See Ranger Steve p 21 contributions to the field of serving students and educators in the

The Utah Lepidopterists' Society will host the 2006 Pacific Slope Meeting The Utah Lepidopterists' Society will host the 2006 Pacific Slope meeting of the Lepidopterists' Society from July 21-23, 2006 at the Environmental Education Center (GBEEC) near the top of Ephraim Canyon, Sanpete County, Utah. This beautiful area (el. 8600 feet) forested by aspen, fir, and spruce, and a variety of neighboring habitats, contains a wide diversity of butterflies and moths. For more information, contact Todd L. Stout, 1456 North General Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84116; by phone at 801-322-2049; or by email [email protected]. Contents of this Issue Page Utah’s Dixie, by Todd L. Stout ...... 15 Selected Butterflies of Utah’s Dixie (Modified from the ULS Web Page), by Todd L. Stout ...... 19 Anthocharis cethura pima ...... 19 Thessalia leanira alma ...... 20 Papilio coloro ...... 21 Vernon Evans and the Hutchings Museum of Lehi, Utah By Dr. Richard Edwin Howard, Director Natural History Museum Amarillo College ...... 22 “Ranger Steve” Mueller was presented with the 2005 William B. Stapp Award ...... 24

The ULS website address is: www.utahlepsociety.org The Utah Bug Club address is: www.utahbugclub.org Annual membership in the ULS can be had by sending ten dollars to: Sec/Tres John L. Richards, MD at 9708 South 2740 West, South Jordan, Utah 84095 E-mail address: [email protected] Ph: (801) 253-3442 Active members receive our bulletin Utah Lepidopterist usually published twice each year.

24