Butterflies of Northumberland County: An Annotated Checklist

Transcription

1 Butterflies of Northumberland County: An Annotated Checklist by David Bree Purpose This annotated checklist is intended as an introduction to the appearance, distribution and behaviour of the butterflies found in Northumberland. The species summaries come from the author s own field observations but also rely heavily on the literature, particularly Butterflies of Canada by Layberry et al. (1998). It is hoped the document will provide some stimulus for those interested in nature to start taking a closer look at butterflies in and around Northumberland County. It can also be used as a knowledge base for beginner and experienced observers to supplement, by submitting both old records and future observations. Enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their records to the Toronto Entomological Association (TEA) on a yearly basis to be added to the Ontario database. Information can be found at on how to do that. Such records maintained over time, besides being fun to add to, can be a useful tool in conservation and an early warning sign of species that may be declining. This checklist is not a field guide, though the accompanying images and comments may be useful in identifying some species. A proper field guide should be consulted for identification purposes, and to learn more about identification skills and about butterfly distribution and behaviour. The list at the end of this document provides a few suggestions of useful books. Records While butterflies are the most visible and studied group of insects, Northumberland has relatively few records on which to base an annotated checklist. Butterfly enthusiasts have either been scarce in the County or, as is often the case, may simply not have made their records public. Most of the records studied to gather this checklist come from: Presqu ile Provincial Park, where a succession of seasonal naturalists have been recording butterflies on and off since the late 1960s; the files of TEA, which has been publishing a butterfly summary of Ontario since 1966; and the specimen holdings of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Most of the Canada Swallowtail. Photo credit: Steven Furino To locate a particular species, type the name in the Search box at the top right. Copyright for the photographs in this website belongs solely to the photographers. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. This document last modified on: 14 Nov 2010 David Bree 140

2 Northumberland records from the latter two sources come from one man, Dr. William Eberlie of Cobourg, who made submissions from the 1960s to the late 1990s. In addition Eberlie was responsible for summarizing the records of Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, who was President of the Entomological Society of Canada and a resident of Port Hope in the late 1800s. This document provides some interesting insights into the historical distribution of some species. While these records certainly give a good indication of butterfly distribution in Northumberland County there remain many holes for the contemporary amateur enthusiast to fill. Butterfly Distribution The distribution of butterflies is controlled by two main factors: availability of the food plant, and the climate. Butterfly caterpillars eat only very specific plants, sometimes being restricted to a single species. Butterflies can only successfully reproduce in places where their food plant grows. Consequently they would be found most commonly around their food plant, and a knowledge of plants is certainly useful in butterfly study. Reference in this checklist to host plant and food plant refer to the species of plant that the caterpillar (larva) of each species eats. Adults, on the other hand, can find nourishment from a variety of wide-ranging sources; nectar from flowers as well as sap from trees and rotting fruit provide sugars. Minerals come from wet soil, dung, and the decaying corpses of animals. Some species of adult butterflies have distinct preferences for some of these food sources. All these adult food sources can be good locations to find butterflies. Climate also controls butterfly distribution. Butterflies that are resident in Northumberland have adapted to be able to survive winter. They do so in various forms, as either larva, pupa or adult. While the larva of butterflies are very range restricted, the adults can range widely and some species do, searching for new areas of food plant to use for the next generation. There is a whole range of butterflies that cannot survive a Northumberland winter but routinely to rarely move north into the County in spring and summer. These species are usually referred to as migrants, though only a few show a true migrant s ability to move south again en masse to escape winter (e.g. the Monarch). Most, if they are able to breed here at all, raise a generation or two and are then wiped out by the cold of winter. This seemingly suicidal behaviour does allow a species to rapidly colonize new areas if local conditions change. Butterflies will be among the first organisms to take advantage of local warming conditions due to global climate change. Painted Lady. Photo credit: Steven Furino 141

3 Skippers (Hesperiidae) Skippers are in their own Super-Family, distinct from both Moths and Butterflies. They are usually associated with butterflies with their day-flying behaviour and they are included in this checklist. Structurally their antennae distinguish Skippers, which are slightly swollen at the tip and distinctly hooked. Butterfly antennae are just swollen at the tip and club-like. Skippers, due to their muted colours, small size and similar patterns are among the most challenging of butterflies to identify in the field, though most can be mastered with good looks and practice. Visually skippers can be divided into two groups - the Spread-winged Skippers and the Foldedwinged Skippers. Spread-winged Skippers These skippers rest with their wings outstretched, and look like normal little butterflies, or perhaps moths, as they are uniformly dark-coloured. The species in the Erynnis genus can be especially difficult to separate, though most of those seen can probably be assigned to the two common species. Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus): This is the exception to the skipper rule, being relatively large with a wingspan of about 4 cm, and being well-marked, with a distinct golden-yellow band above and a large silverywhite spot on the hind wing below. It is the latter which catches the eye as this skipper zips by. In general it is widespread, but rare to uncommon in the County. It can be locally common in areas of its food plant; however, there remain many areas where the food plant is common and this skipper is absent (e.g. Presqu'ile). It is difficult to get a close look at this species without catching it, as it is a fast flyer and fairly skittish. The one close-up picture here was only possible because the individual is in the grasp of a crab spider. Host Plant: Black Locust, Hog-peanut,; sometimes Showy Tick-trefoil & Groundnut June & July, rarely into August Status: uncommon. Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades): Found in areas with at least some forest cover, usually nectaring at ground flowers. More likely to raise its wings above the horizontal than other dark spread-winged skippers. Host Plant: Hog-peanut and other ground peas June Status: uncommon to locally common. Silver-spotted Skipper, with Crab Spider (l) and top view (r). Photo credit: David Bree Northern Cloudywing. Photo credit: David Bree 142

4 Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus): Uncommonly recorded in Northumberland, but widespread and probably reasonably common in wooded areas. Flies early in the season and often lands flat on the ground. Host Plant: Willows, Poplars, Birch May Status: uncommonly recorded. Juvenal's Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis): Reasonably common in wooded areas, this species can be quite skittish. It is usually observed sunning flat against the ground. Host Plant: Oaks May to mid-june Status: common, but local. Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius): A rare southern migrant that makes its way up into southern Ontario in some years but has not been confirmed from Northumberland. Specimens from the County held in the ROM originally identified as this species have been found to be misidentified. Confirmed Ontario specimens have all been from the second brood. Host Plant: Oaks Brood 1: May to mid-june, Brood 2: mid-july to September Status: unconfirmed southern migrant. Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis): A rare and local resident, with only three records; in the 1980s from Burnley, and more recently from the Alderville prairie rehabilitation areas. Another species very difficult to pick out from the more widespread Erynnis species. Host Plant: New Jersey Tea mid-may to June, possible second brood here in August Status: rare and local. Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius): Rare, or at least rarely recorded in Northumberland, though it could be overlooked due to its similarity to the other Erynnis spp. Records come from Seymour Conservation Area, Crowe Bridge, and Castleton, with historical records from Presqu'ile and Trenton. It should be looked for in the woodland habitat of its food plant. It is the only spread-wing skipper that has a second brood in our area and any small, dark spread-winged skipper in July and August is likely this species (or something really rare!). Juvenal s Duskywing. Photo credit: David Bree 143

5 Host Plant: Wild Columbine Brood 1 - May to mid-june, Brood 2 - July to mid-august Status: rare. Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius): Two specimens from the Burnley area in Northumberland exist in the ROM. Extensive searches for this species in its historical locations since the 1980s have yielded no positive results and it is felt it has been extirpated with the loss of its savannah habitat and food plant in Ontario. Host Plant: Wild Lupine May to June Status: Rare, probably extirpated from Ontario. Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus): Most like a Northern Cloudywing, this species has not yet been recorded in Northumberland though it is likely present, at least in some years. Only resident in Canada south of Toronto, this species does wander north occasionally and will even establish colonies for a few years. Such colonies were well documented in the Ottawa area in the 1960s. Its food plant is a common weed of waste-places and it should be searched for in such locales in Northumberland. Host Plant: Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) May to September (mostly July) Status: possible vagrant or rare resident. Juvenile Duskywing showing typical hooked antennae of a skipper. Photo credit: David Bree 144

6 Folded-winged Skippers These skippers rest with their wings held in a peculiar and distinctive way. The forewings are held vertically and the hindwings are horizontal. They are all small, somewhat triangular (delta-winged) in aspect, and are some combination of orange-brown. They are easy to recognize as a skipper but challenging to identify to species. To add to the confusion males and females often have a different pattern and some species have a distinctly different form all together. The underwing pattern is the most useful feature for identification. Most skippers first land with all wings help up, showing the underwing, before dropping the hind-wings. The upper wing pattern often helps in clinching the identification. In many cases, particularly for the beginner, it is best to catch these and place them in a small glass jar for close examination, before letting them go. Because of their small size and difficulty in identifying this group, they are underreported and many may be more common than the records indicate. Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon):this species is actually somewhat intermediate between spread-winged and folded-winged skippers, and often holds its wings at a 45 angle at rest. It is the easiest skipper to identify having a distinctive and contrasting wing pattern, both above and below. A butterfly of the boreal forest, it is uncommon in forested areas of the County, only being recorded from Hartop Conservation Area (formerly located on the lakeshore east of Archer Road, near Cobourg), Castleton, and Presqu'ile. There is the possibility it is present in other forested areas of the County, particularly ones with conifers and disrupted drainage. Host Plant: Grasses May and June Status: uncommon. Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor): A very small skipper (about 2 cm wingspan) that flies in among the grasses and sedges of wet meadows and marsh edges. It can do well in vegetated ditches and is common throughout the County in the proper habitat. It has two distinct broods, being more common in the second. Host Plant: Wetland grasses Brood 1 - late June to early July, Brood 2 - late July to mid September Arctic Skipper. Photo credit: P. Mackenzie 145

7 European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola): As its name suggests this species was introduced from Europe to North America in the London, Ontario area about It is now the most common skipper by far and can be very abundant in grassy fields in agricultural areas throughout eastern North America. Host Plant: Grasses, preferably Timothy June and July Status: common to abundant. Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus): A resident of the southern US and points south, this species migrates north every year but rarely makes it as far north as Northumberland County. There have been fewer than five records. Host Plant: Grasses late summer in Ontario Status: rare migrant/vagrant. Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus): A relatively distinctive, late flying species. Found throughout the County, it is never very common. Its preferred food-plant is common in relict prairie habitats. It should be looked for in these habitats in late summer. Host Plant: Perennial grasses, including Little Blue-stem mid-august to mid-september Status: uncommon. Indian Skipper (Hesperia sassacus): One of the more difficult skippers to identify, it may be more common than the few records indicate. It should be looked for in grassy habitats. Host Plant: Grasses mostly June Status: rare to uncommon. Peck's Skipper (Polites peckius): Another grassland skipper, widespread but can be local. Generally single brooded, but can have a partial second brood here. Usually seen nectaring at flowers. Host Plant: Grasses Brood 1 - July, Brood 2 - September Status: uncommon. European Skipper (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree Leonard s Skipper (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree Indian Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree 146

8 Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles): This can be the third most common skipper at Presqu'ile, but only in dry years. It prefers moist meadows and drought years may force it towards lakeshore marshes. It rarely has a second brood in this area. Host Plant: Grasses Brood 1 - June to mid-july, Brood 2 - September Status: uncommon. Crossline Skipper (Polites origines): This species is most like the Tawnyedged in appearance, but is a little bigger. It also shares the same moist meadow habitat. It has been recorded in a number of locations in the County, but is very local in nature, rarely straying from its restricted habitat. Host Plant: Grasses late June to early August Status: rare and local. Long-dash Skipper (Polites mystic): Found throughout the County in moist meadows and other grassy areas. Host Plant: grasses June and July Northern Broken Dash (Wallengrenia egeremet): A dark skipper that without a close look can be mistaken for the Dun Skipper. It may be more common here than the few records for Northumberland would indicate. Host Plant: Grasses late June to mid-august Status: rare to uncommon. Little Glassywing (Pompeius verna): Only a few records, Northumberland represents the extreme northern edge of this species range and it may not be present here every year. It has been recorded from Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area, Colborne, and Centreton. Host Plant: Grasses mid-july to early August Status: rare, possibly only an occasional migrant. Tawny-edged Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree Long-dash Skipper (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree Northern Broken Dash. Photo credit: David Bree 147

9 Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan): A rare skipper in Ontario, this species has been recorded at Presqu'ile, the Northumberland Forest north of Centreton, and Hartop Conservation Area (formerly located on the lakeshore east of Cobourg). It prefers grassy openings in forest and should be looked for in these habitats throughout the County. Host Plant: Grasses mid-july to mid-august Status: rare. Mulberry Wing (Poanes massasoit): A species generally restricted to wet habitats with narrow-leaved sedge species, including roadside ditches. It has not been recorded from Northumberland but is known from both north and west of the County and should be looked for in areas of appropriate habitat here. Host Plant: Narrow-leaved Sedges July Status: unrecorded in Northumberland. Hobomok Skipper (Poanes hobomok): The second most common skipper in the County, it prefers forest edges. It is generally easy to recognize but there is a dark female form (Pocahontas) that looks quite different and occurs in about 2% of the population. Host Plant: Grasses late May to early July Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator): A local sedge-eating species that is found in small numbers at Presqu'ile every year, and has been recorded in two other locations in Haldimand Township. It should be looked for in sedge meadows throughout the County. Host Plant: Broad-leaved Sedges late July to mid-august at Presqu'ile but maybe as early as late June. Status: local and uncommon. Dion Skipper (Euphyes dion): A local sedge-eating species found at a few marshes along Lake Ontario. Host Plant: Broad-leaved Sedges July to mid-august Status: local and uncommon. Delaware Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree Hobomok Skipper, pair mating, Pocahontas form above, normal below (l) and normal pair (r). Photo credit: David Bree Broad-winged Skipper (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree 148

10 Two-spotted Skipper (Euphyes bimacula): Another sedge-eating skipper with a restricted habitat. Only recorded from Presqu'ile but not seen there in many years. Host Plant: Sedges late July to mid-august at Presqu'ile but as early as late June. Status: rare and local. Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris): Found throughout the County, but usually encountered in grassy areas along roadsides. Host Plant: Grasses July to mid-august Common Roadside Skipper (Amblyscirtes vialis): Despite being a reasonably common butterfly in areas just to the north of Northumberland it appears never to have been recorded in this County. Should be looked for on the ground along trails and roads in forested areas. Host Plant: Grasses late May to mid-june Status: Unrecorded in Northumberland. Two-spotted Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree Dun Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree Common Roadside Skipper. Photo credit: David Bree 149

11 Swallowtails (Papilionidae) After the Monarch, members of this family are probably the most widely recognized butterflies. They are all big; often brightly coloured, and all have elongations from the hind wing, forming "tails" that give the family its name. The larvae of Swallowtails are distinctive among butterflies, having hidden horns behind their heads, known as osmataria, that can be quickly protruded when they are disturbed. Foul smelling chemicals on these orange or red fleshy horns can deter most predators that come in contact with them. Three species are resident and a further three are occasional to rare southern migrants. Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor): A black southern swallowtail that migrates north yearly. It likely cannot overwinter in Ontario and the insects that make it to Northumberland are usually from the second and third broods of the year. Official records are few but date back to Anecdotal records indicate that this species makes it to at least one garden in Cobourg almost every year where its food plant is grown as an ornamental plant. It has only been recorded from Presqu'ile twice. Host Plant: Dutchman's Pipe late June to mid-october, usually later in the summer Status: uncommon to rare migrant. Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus): A rare southern migrant to SW Ontario. It has been recorded historically in Port Hope in It could occur here again. Host Plant: Pawpaw late summer in Ontario Status: rare historical vagrant. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes): A widespread but generally uncommon species, usually found in abandoned farmland and along roadsides with tall weeds. Its larva feed on plants in the parsley family, many of which are native, but the more common introduced Queen-Anne's- Lace is often used. It will also lay eggs on parsley plants in gardens. Host Plant: plants in the Parsley Family Brood 1: mid-may to June, Brood 2: mid-july to August Status: common to uncommon. Black Swallowtail on dead gull. Photo credit: David Bree Giant Swallowtail caterpillar with osmataria extended. Photo credit: David Bree 150

12 Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes): Before 2007 only resident in extreme SW Ontario and a rare migrant or vagrant to Northumberland. Since 2007 a resident population has been established in nearby Prince Edward County. This butterfly is double-brooded, flying in late May to early July and again in August to September. Early brood migrants are rare here, and may be associated with the population in Prince Edward. Before 2007 it was a rare migrant in late summer. Since then it has been uncommonly but regularly seen in August. It may well establish itself in Northumberland as a resident species in the next few years. Host Plant: Prickly Ash Brood 1: late-may to early July, Brood 2: August to September Status: rare to uncommon. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and Canada Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis): Our yellow swallowtails present a challenge. Yellow swallowtails can be found flying in forested areas throughout the County from May to August. However, two species are present here. The Eastern Tiger is a southern species and the Canada Tiger is a northern one. At the moment they are considered separate species, but they probably hybridize where they meet, which is right here! Northumberland County lies right on the boundary of these two forms/species. While a yellow swallowtail can be identified from far away, separating the two species usually requires an in-hand examination. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is double brooded, flying in May-June and again in July-August. The Canada Tiger Swallowtail flies only in the spring; May and June. The insect s condition can distinguishing the two after late June. Any fresh yellow swallowtail seen in July and later would be an Eastern Tiger. To confuse matters there is evidence that spring broods of Eastern Tigers can look like Canadas! There is also a black form of the Eastern Tiger but it is rare in Ontario. The major flight of yellow swallowtails at Presqu'ile is in July and most, if not all, can be assigned to Eastern Tigers. To try to sort the status of these two species in May and June would require careful examination of all individuals seen and perhaps genetic work beyond the scope of the amateur naturalist! Host Plant: Cherry, Ash, Poplar, and Birch see above Status: common to uncommon as a group, unknown to species. Giant Swallowtail (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree Canada Swallowtail. Photo credit: Steven Furino 151

13 Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (top left and right), Canada Swallowtail (bottom left), thicker basal stripe of Canada Swallowtail (bottom right). Photo credit: David Bree 152

14 Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Some members of this family have adapted well to cleared agricultural land and are pervasive throughout, comprising the most numerous butterflies in Northumberland. Their very abundance, along with their plain colours, results in most people not even noticing these insects and even butterfly enthusiasts rarely record more then the first sighting of the spring. Checkered White (Pontia protodice): A rare southern migrant that is capable of establishing colonies in Ontario, none of which last for more than a few years. There are only two records from Northumberland, an undated ROM specimen from Cobourg and one from Presqu'ile on August 21, Interestingly Bethune in the 1890s stated it was formerly common but now rarely seen. Host Plant: Mustards Brood 1: June and July, Brood 2: August and September Status: rare migrant. Mustard White (Pieris oleracea): This insect is widespread but somewhat scarce in Northumberland, though it is probably underreported due to its similarity to the abundant Cabbage White. Any white butterfly flying in woodlands has a chance to be this species. The spring form is more darkly marked below than the summer brood. Not enough records of forms and dates are available to determine if the broods overlap flight dates in Northumberland. Host Plant: Forest Mustards (Arabis and Dentaria mostly) Brood 1: late April to June, Brood 2: June to September Status: uncommon. West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis): Once on the endangered species list, this butterfly has been found to have a few stable populations throughout southern Ontario and was removed from the list in A specimen in the ROM from Gully Road near Grafton is somewhat suspect as it is dated July 21,1988, and this species only flies in the spring. It resides in rich deciduous woods where its food plant grows and its presence is just possible in Northumberland. Host Plant: Toothwort Mustard White, spring brood. Photo credit: David Bree Mustard White, summer brood. Photo credit: David Bree 153

15 May to early June Status: probably not present in Northumberland. Cabbage White (Pieris rapae): Introduced into North America near Quebec in 1860, this butterfly is now found throughout the continent and is often the most abundant butterfly in agricultural and urban areas, though it can be found in any habitat. It eats mustards like other whites but its preferences for those mustards which also came from Europe, and now make up both weeds and crops here, have assured a steady supply of food for the Cabbage White. Those smooth green caterpillars on your garden broccoli are probably this species. Host Plant: Mustards a number of overlapping broods from mid-april to mid-october Status: abundant. Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice): The common little yellow butterfly found in Northumberland. Present in two or more overlapping broods all summer long and often the last butterfly seen flying in fall. Its preference for alfalfa often makes it a pest of that crop. It is most numerous in late summer and fall. Host Plant: Legumes, particularly Clover and Alfalfa May into November Status: abundant. Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme): Generally common, numbers of this species can vary dramatically from year to year. While the species is resident in Northumberland in peak years its numbers may be boosted by migrants from the south. Host Plant: Legumes, particularly Clover and Alfalfa May into November Status: generally common to abundant. Little Yellow (Eurema lisa): A species that cannot overwinter in Ontario, it regularly migrates north every year into at least extreme SW Ontario. It makes it further north to Northumberland much less frequently, but a few widely scatter records from the County exist. There is no indication that it has successfully raised a summer brood in Northumberland though it has done so in other locations in southern and eastern Ontario. It is usually seen along roadsides. Host Plant: Legumes July and August Status: rare migrant. Cabbage White. Photo credit: David Bree Clouded Sulphur. Photo credit: David Bree 154

16 Harvesters, Coppers, Hairstreaks and Blues (Lycaenidae) Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius): This species is unique among Canadian butterflies in that its larva is carnivorous, feeding on aphids, particularly the woolly aphids found on alder. It is scarce throughout its Ontario range and it has only been recorded from Cramahe Twp., near Baltimore, and once at Presqu'ile. Part of its scarcity may be its preference for wet, shrubby areas. These are habitats not often visited by butterfly enthusiasts. It is likely double brooded in Northumberland, though records are lacking. Host Plant: eats aphids found on alder. Brood 1: late May to early June, Brood 2: July and August Status: rare. American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas): This striking little butterfly is widespread in Northumberland, but is nowhere abundant and can be quite local. It prefers dry fields where its food plants grow. It is double brooded in Northumberland, though there are not enough records to determine the full range of these broods. Host Plant: Rumex; Curled Dock and Sheep Sorrel Brood 1: June, Brood 2: July to October Status: uncommon and local. Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus): Another widespread but local and uncommon species in Northumberland. It prefers moist meadows and marsh edges. It is double brooded in Northumberland with the second brood being less common, though there are not enough records to determine the full range of these broods. Host Plant: Rumex; Curled and Water Dock and wetland Polygonum spp. Brood 1: mid-june to July, Brood 2: August to September Status: uncommon and local. American Copper. Photo credit: David Bree Bronze Copper, female (top left), male (top right), underside (bottom). Photo credit: David Bree 155

17 Hairstreaks (Satyrium) A number of delicate, beautiful, but similar looking species of this genus are found in Northumberland. Most are widespread, but none are particularly common. An enthusiast searching diligently during their flight season would be very lucky to find all the species in a single year. Mostly found near good quality forests, all are partial to nectaring at roadside flowers (particularly milkweed) and are most common in early July. All Satyrium lay their eggs on the twigs of the foodplant, where they remain until they hatch in spring. The larvae feed and then pupate, to emerge as adults in mid-summer. Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadicum): Widespread but uncommon and local. Usually seen nectaring on roadside flowers (milkweed) in damp areas. Host Plant: Willow late June to mid-august Status: uncommon. Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus): Generally uncommon and local, with records from Oak Heights, Grafton and the Centreton area. Host Plant: Prunus spp., also Amelanchier and rarely Oaks late June to August Status: uncommon. Edward's Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii): Widespread but uncommon and local. A butterfly of oak savannah, it becomes quite rare as one moves east from Northumberland. Host Plant: Oak late June to mid-august Status: uncommon. Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus): This is generally a reasonably common species in Ontario but rather surprisingly there are only a few records from Northumberland. Recorded from Grafton, Colborne and Presqu'ile (where rare). Food plant are trees in the Oak and Hickory Family, most particularly Butternut. The demise of the latter species due to a canker disease may be affecting its numbers in Northumberland and beyond. Host Plant: Butternut, Hickories, Oaks and Walnut late June to August Status: rare. Acadian Hairstreak (left), Coral Hairstreak (right). Photo credit: David Bree Edward s Hairstreak (left), Banded Hairstreak (right). Photo credit: David Bree 156

18 Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum): Rare, with the only Northumberland records coming from Grafton, Colborne and Presqu'ile (one only). Host Plant: Hickory, Butternut, Oak, and Ash. late June to early August Status: rare. Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops): Perhaps the most common hairstreak in Northumberland, but it is still somewhat uncommon. Host Plant: Prunus spp. and Hawthorns mid-june to mid-august Status: uncommon. Hickory Hairstreak (left), Striped Hairstreak (right). Photo credit: David Bree Elphins (Callophrys) In contrast to the Satyrium, all the Callophrys hibernate as pupae and emerge as adults in early spring. Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys grynea): A rare to uncommon and local species in Ontario, present in Northumberland only in the Red Cedar savannah habitats of the Campbellford area. Host Plant: Red Cedar late May to June Status: rare to uncommon and local. Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici): Only recorded a few times in Northumberland, from the Centreton area. Host Plant: Blueberry and Plums May Status: rare. Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon): Uncommon, but recorded in a number of inland sandy areas with pine trees. Host Plant: Pine, probably Eastern White Pine in Northumberland May Status: uncommon. Juniper Hairstreak (left), Grey Hairstreak (right, account next page). Photo credit: David Bree 157

19 Grey Hairstreak (Strymon melinus): Resident populations in Ontario are only known from dry, sandy areas where Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) grows, a rare plant in Northumberland. Southern migrants that occasionally arrive in southern Ontario will eat other plant species. The only records from Northumberland come from Presqu'ile, when 3 separate individuals were found in 1999, and likely represent examples of this latter group. Host Plant: Sweetfern two broods from April to September Status: rare vagrant. Eastern Tailed Blue (Everes comyntas): Generally widespread and common, though there are some years when it becomes quite scarce. Host Plant: Legumes, particularly Clovers and Vetches two or three broods between May and September Azures (Celastrina) The small blue butterflies that can be found flying between late April and September were once thought to be all the same species, but continued work has separated at least three species. The Spring Azure has one brood a year and flies in April and May and feeds on flower buds of Prunus spp. and early flowering Viburnum spp. The Summer Azure flies in successive broods from late-june into September and feeds on flower buds of Meadowsweet, Dogwoods and late flowering Viburnum spp. The latest species to be identified is the Cherry Gall Azure that flies between the two species in June. This species can only be reliably identified by observation of its larva that eats only the galls made by mites on the leaves of cherry (mostly Choke Cherry). Both Spring and Summer Azures are common in Northumberland and Cherry Gall is likely, though no records of actual observations of cherry gall feeding have been seen by the author. In Ottawa, for Azures flying in June, anything worn early in the month is likely Spring, fresh is Cherry. Late in the month anything fresh is Summer and worn is Cherry (R. Layberry pers. comm.). More observations are required to determine if this rule of thumb works well in Northumberland. Eastern Tailed Blue. Photo credit: David Bree Eastern Tailed Blue. Photo credit: David Bree 158

20 Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon): Reasonably common in more natural habitats. Host Plant: Prunus spp. and early flowering Viburnum spp. late April and May Status: uncommon to common. Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta): Widespread and Common. Host Plant: Meadowsweet, Dogwoods and late-flowering Viburnum spp. late-june to September in multiple broods Cherry-gall Azure (Celastrina serotina): Status unknown, though records exist for Northumberland Forest and near Baltimore. Host Plant: eats Mite Galls on Cherry leaves June Status: unknown. Spring Azure, lucia form (left) and underwing (r). Photo credit: David Bree Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus): Generally common, numbers can vary from year to year. Host Plant: Legumes, particularly White Sweet Clover May to July Melissa (Karner) Blue (Lycaeides melissa): Historically recorded as Lycaena scudderi. This species is extirpated in Ontario. While there are no specimens in collections to indicate this species occurred in Northumberland, Bethune lists it as present in the late 1800s. Its food plant may well have grown in the prairie regions in the north part of the County before extensive cultivation. Host Plant: Wild Lupines two to three broods from early June to October Status: extirpated. Summer Azure (l and r). Photo credit: David Bree Azure sp.(l) and Silvery Blue (r). Photo credit: David Bree 159

21 Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) This is large family of butterflies that includes most of the well-known species of field and garden. They are characterized by short forelegs that are hairy and look like a brush. These legs are useless as supports and are held up under the face. As such Brush-footed Butterflies look as though they only have four legs when walking and perching. They are further subdivided by Sub-Family in this checklist. Snouts (Libytheinae) American Snout (Libytheana carinenta): An occasional southern migrant to Ontario, it rarely reaches as far north as Northumberland, with only three records. Host Plant: Hackberry July Status: rare migrant. Fritillaries (Argynninae) All fritillaries are orange brown above with black patterning. They can be divided into Greater Fritillaries (four cm wingspan) and the Lesser Fritillaries (two cm wingspan). American Snout. Photo credit: David Bree Greater Fritillaries Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) A southern migrant that on occasion has turned up as far north in Ontario as the north shore of Lake Ontario. Only one has ever been seen in Northumberland, on July 15, 1955 in Fenella. Host Plant: Violets mostly July and August in Ontario Status: rare migrant. 160

22 Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele): The most common large fritillary in Northumberland. Widespread but more common in clearings near forested areas. Host Plant: Violets early June into September (mostly July) Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite): Reasonably common and widespread in Northumberland. Host Plant: Violets July and August Status: fairly common. Great Spangled Fritillary (l and r). Photo credit: Frank Landry Lesser Fritillaries Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene): Reasonably common and widespread in Northumberland. It prefers damp habitats: wet meadows and marsh edges. Host Plant: Violets in two broods from late May to September Status: reasonably common in habitat. Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona): Widespread in Northumberland in a number of open habitats. Host Plant: Violets Brood 1: May, Brood 2: July, Brood 3: late August to late September. Silver-bordered Fritillary, top (l) and on scat (r). Photo credit: David Bree 161

23 Checkerspots and Crescents (Melitaeinae) Much like the lesser fritillaries in appearance, these are all small to medium, orange-brown butterflies with black patterning above. Distinguishing marks are usually on the underside of the hindwings. Most are weak fliers and have localized distribution, staying close to their food plants. Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis): Only recorded from the Northumberland Forest near Centreton and around Hilton, this is a species that can appear and disappear from any one area from year to year. It prefers damp habitats. Host Plant: Asters, Sunflowers and Black-eyed Susans. mid-june to mid-july. Status: rare. Harris's Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii): Reasonably widespread, but somewhat uncommon and local in wet meadows where its food-plant grows. Host Plant: Flat-topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellatus) mostly June with some records from May and July. Status: uncommon. Crescents (Phyciodes spp.) The Northern and Pearl Crescents are species that have only been split relatively recently. Some authors do not believe they can be reliably separated in the field, though Layberry (1998) states that in Ontario the differences in antennae colour and upper hindwing markings are reliable. Both species are common in Northumberland. There is also a reported difference in flight times, though these overlap somewhat. Because of the similarities in appearance, many casual sight records may be suspect as to their accuracy to species. An analysis of collection dates of 38 Pearl, and 30 Northern Crescent specimens held at the ROM from Northumberland help to delineate the local flight times as follows: Pearl Crescents fly almost continuously through the summer with peaks in: late May to late June, late July to early August, and late August to mid- September. Only two specimens came from July. These dates correspond Silvery Checkerspot. Photo credit: David Bree 162

24 fairly well with the literature dates (Layberry, 1998) for the three broods. Layberry (op.cit.) does suggest that the second flight is the big one, though there are more specimens from the other two flights in the ROM. This may simply reflect a sampling bias toward early and late dates for a common species. The Northern Crescent has a much more defined flight period in late June and early July. In fact, 90% of the specimens were collected between June 15 and July 19. The Northern is reported to have a partial second brood in early September but the collections barely show that here, with only one September specimen from the 18th. While flight time is not wholly reliable in separating these species, it does appear that most crescents seen in the first three weeks of July are Northern and at most other times of the year they are Pearl. Late June seems to have the greatest overlap of the two species, but they may be roughly sorted because Pearls should look worn and Northerns should be fresh at this date. The time distribution of these species in any one year may be more defined. An interesting study would be to try to map the temporal appearance of these common butterflies more thoroughly in Northumberland. To further complicate matters there is also a Tawny Crescent, reported in Layberry (op.cit.) to be a butterfly of dry forest clearings. In nearby Peterborough County it is mostly associated with wet sedge meadows (J. Ball personal communication). It has not been recorded from Northumberland but may be overlooked here. The antennae colour is the same as the Pearl and it flies mostly in June. Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos): Widespread. Host Plant: Aster spp. Brood 1: late May to late June, Brood 2: late July to early August, Brood 3: late August to late September Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta): Widespread. Host Plant: Aster spp. Brood 1: mid-june to mid-july, Brood 2: partial in mid-september Status: abundant. Northern Crescent. Photo credit: David Bree 163

25 Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes batesii): Unrecorded in Northumberland but isolated colonies are possible. Host Plant: Aster spp. June Status: unrecorded in Northumberland. Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton): This is a strikingly beautiful insect, being the reverse image of the other checkerspots; black with an orange pattern. Reasonably widespread in the County, but local, rarely straying from its wet meadow and marsh habitat where its food plant grows. Host Plant: Turtlehead mid-june to early August Status: uncommon and local. Baltimore Checkerspot. Photo credit: David Bree 164

26 Anglewings, Tortoiseshells, Ladies, and Peacocks (Nymphalinae) A rather diverse sub-family, it can be further divided into three groups. Anglewings (Polygonia) & Tortoiseshells (Nymphalis) The Anglewings (Commas and the Question Mark) are all similar in colour (orange-brown above). The underside pattern is the most reliable for distinguishing the species. The Tortoiseshells are a bit more distinctive in pattern, and their larva feed communally until half-grown. All overwinter as adults, so the potential to see them on the wing very early and very late in the year always exists. Most adults feed on rotting fruit, sap and dung and rarely go to flowers. Most are woodland species, though the Eastern Comma, Question Mark and Compton Tortoiseshell can wander widely. Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis): A widespread butterfly found in many habitats. It is generally uncommon but conspicuous, so is regularly recorded. The short-lived summer brood is distinctly darker on the hindwings and can easily be separated from the lighter overwintering generation. Adults probably do not overwinter in Ontario but return each spring from the south. There appears to be some kind of fall migration south as concentrations of this species have been noted along the Lake Ontario shoreline in September and October. This transient lifestyle does lead to some variation in numbers seen from year to year. Host Plant: Stinging Nettle, also Elm Spring flight: late May to early July, Summer Brood: late July to August, Fall flight: late August to late September Status: uncommon but widespread. Question Mark (top and bottom). Photo credit: David Bree 165

27 Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma): The most common of the commas in Northumberland, widespread and fairly common. The short-lived summer brood is distinctly darker on the hind-wings and can easily be separated from the lighter overwintering generation. Host Plant: Stinging Nettle, Wood Nettle, also Elm Spring flight: late March to June, Summer brood: mostly July, Fall flight: August to November Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus): A species of the boreal forest. There is only one generation a year with the summer brood living through the year and overwintering to spring. There are only two records of this species in Northumberland. Specimens in the ROM come from Lakeport in August 28, 1973 and Harwood in October 2,1966. Layberry (1998) does not recognize this species as occurring south of Ottawa, so there is a chance these specimens may be misidentified. Host Plant: Stinging Nettle In its native habitat anytime between April and October. Late summer and fall here. Status: a possible rare vagrant from the north. Green Comma (Polygonia faunus): This is a northern butterfly of forested areas. It does occur further south than the Satyr, being regularly recorded in Peterborough County. Its presence in Northumberland as a resident is possible but only one record exists, a specimen from the ROM dated August 28, 1968 from Little Lake. Like the Satyr Comma this is a long-lived species with only one generation a year. Host Plant: Birch, Willow, Alders Spring Flight: April and May, Summer and Fall Flight: July to September+ Status: a rare vagrant from the north; could possible be resident in northern forest areas of the County. Eastern Comma. Photo credit: David Bree Eastern Comma, summer form. Photo credit: David Bree 166

28 Grey Comma (Polygonia progne): This species is much like the Eastern Comma in appearance, distribution and habit. It is a little more confined to woodlands. Its summer brood is not dark (like the Eastern Comma) so it cannot be as easily distinguished. The Grey Comma may be overlooked as the casual observer without a good look will probably assign commas seen to the Eastern. Host Plant: Currants and Gooseberries March to October in two broods Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum): This species lives for almost a full year and will often overwinter in outdoor human structures. It is widespread in the County but numbers can be quite variable from year to year. Host Plant: Willows, Birch and Poplars 1st flight: March to June, 2nd flight: July to October Status: uncommon. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa): A common, widespread butterfly that is nonetheless never numerous. It is often the first butterfly of the season people see. It is not uncommon for it to be seen sunning in sugar bushes on sunny days in March. Host Plant: Willows, Elms and Poplars At least two overlapping broods from March to October, the last brood of the season overwintering until spring. Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis milberti): An uncommon, widespread butterfly. This is the only one of this group that regularly visits flowers as an adult, in addition to its usual sap, rotting fruit, and dung diet. Host Plant: Stinging Nettle March to October in at least three overlapping broods Status: uncommon. Grey Comma. Photo credit: David Bree 167

29 Compton s Tortoiseshell (l), Milbert s Tortoiseshell (r). Photo credit: David Bree Mourning Cloak. Photo credit: David Bree (l) and Frank Landry (r) 168

30 Ladies (Vanessa) These three species are all southern migrants that are annual visitors to Northumberland, and are able to raise one or two broods here before winter sets in. There is no real evidence that there is any return south for later generations and all individuals probably perish in the winter. American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis): Numbers of this species fluctuate from year to year but it is recorded throughout the County in almost every year. Host Plant: Pearly Everlasting, Pussytoes and Cudweeds May to October in overlapping broods Status: uncommon. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui): The Vanessa species least likely to make it back north, though it has been almost annual in the last 20 years. Numbers can fluctuate greatly from year to year, but usually less numerous than the American Lady in any given year. Host Plant: Composites - Thistles, Knapweed, Burdock, etc. May to November in overlapping broods Status: uncommon. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta): The most common of the Vanessa species and present every year, though sometimes in very low numbers. Unlike its congeners, Red Admirals have overwintered successfully in mild winters. Host Plant: Stinging and Wood Nettle May to October in overlapping broods Status: generally common. American Lady. Photo credit: Frank Landry (l) and M. Wilkes (r) Painted Lady. Photo credit: David Bree (l) and Frank Landry, June flight (r) Red Admiral. Photo credit: David Bree (l) and Frank Landry (r) 169

31 Peacocks Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia): This is the only species of this mostly tropical group to make it into Canada. It is a southern migrant that occasionally reaches as far north as Northumberland. It has been recorded in seven of twenty-seven years at Presqu'ile. Most buckeyes arrive in late summer but if an early brood member arrives in June they can raise a generation here over the summer. They can be found in open areas throughout the County, but most records come from near Lake Ontario. The pannes at Presqu'ile, where the Agalinis food plant is common, is a favourite location for discovering Buckeyes. Host Plant: Plantago spp., Linaria, and Agalinis spp. May to September in overlapping broods Status: uncommon. Common Buckeye. Photo credit: David Bree Buckeye caterpillar on Agalinis sp. Photo credit: David Bree 170

32 Admirals (Limenitidinae) White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis): A widespread and common butterfly associated with woodlands. It favours rotting fruit or dung as an adult food source. There is a very distinctive southern form (The Red-spotted Purple) that is occasionally reported in Northumberland. There is a partial second brood flight in some years. Host Plant: Willow, Poplar and Birch Brood 1: late June to early August, Brood 2: late August to September Viceroy (Limenitis archippus): Famous for its mimicry of the Monarch, this species is common throughout the County, though somewhat local in nature, concentrating in wet areas with willows. It regularly visits flowers to nectar. Host Plant: Willow and Poplar Brood 1: mid-june to July, Brood 2: July to October White Admiral. Photo credit: David Bree Viceroy. Photo credit: J. Dewey 171

33 White Admiral (top), Red-spotted Purple (bottom). Photo credit: David Bree 172

34 Satyrs and Wood-Nymphs (Satyrinae) These species are mainly brown with eyespots on the wings. Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon): This is one of the truly shadeloving species in Ontario and it is rarely found outside the forest. As an adult it rarely visits flowers. It is active much later in the day than other butterflies and doesn't seem affected by cloudy days. It is widespread in forests throughout the County. Host Plant: Woodland grasses mid-june to early August Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice): This species is widespread and common in Northumberland, but is restricted to wet meadows and marsh edges. Host Plant: Sedges mid-june to early September Appalachian Brown (Satyrodes appalachia): This species is widespread and fairly common in Northumberland. Due to its similarity to the better known Eyed Brown it is probably underreported. It is more a woodland species than the Eyed Brown, usually found in wet areas close to forests. Host Plant: Sedges mid-june to early August Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela): This species is widespread and common in Northumberland, found along most forest and woodlot edges. Host Plant: Sedges June and July Northern Pearly-eye. Photo credit: Frank Landry Eyed Brown. Photo credit: Frank Landry Little Wood Satyr. Photo credit: David Bree 173

35 Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia): Before European settlement this was a northern butterfly, but with the clearing of the forests it has expanded its range southward and it is now an abundant species in field habitats throughout Northumberland. There is a less common second flight later in the summer. Host Plant: Grasses Brood 1: early June to mid-july, Brood 2: mid-august to mid-september Status: abundant. Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala): This species is widespread and common in Northumberland, but despite its name is more a butterfly of old fields and shrubby areas. It is more likely to nectar at flowers than others in this group. Host Plant: Grasses July and August Common Ringlet. Photo credit: David Bree Common Wood Nymph. Photo credit: David Bree (l) and Frank Landry (right) 174

36 Milkweed Butterflies (Danainae) Monarch (Danaus plexippus): The most famous of our butterflies, it overwinters on a few mountain tops in Mexico, and starts its journey north in March. It takes a few generations before the first Monarchs reach Northumberland in May. A few generations after that they start south again. There can be a noticeable buildup of Monarchs along the Lake Ontario shoreline in late August and early September. While most Monarchs are gone by Thanksgiving, late pupating individuals will emerge quite late if the fall is mild. Fresh Monarchs have been recorded in late November. Numbers do fluctuate from year to year, but Monarchs are usually commonly encountered here by late summer. Host Plant: Milkweeds May to November in several overlapping broods A History of the Monarch Butterfly Research in Northumberland County By Audrey E. Wilson Northumberland County has had a long history of participation with Monarch butterfly research. County locations such as Presqu'ile Park, Grafton, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Willow Beach all lie along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Thus Monarchs were easy to find in most falls, and often roosted in large numbers. From 1937 onwards, Dr. Fred Urquhart and his wife Norah tried to solve the mystery of where Monarchs disappeared to each fall. In 1952, they appealed through a popular nature magazine for volunteer taggers. Ted McDonald (Port Hope) and myself (the Grafton area) were two of the twelve persons responding to this call. These original twelve subsequently grew to thousands. Most were from the United States, while Canadian volunteers were mainly from Kingston to Hamilton, with a few in British Columbia. Many students were included. It took this team from 1952 to 1975 to solve Fred's mystery. Finally, in January 1975, on a forested slope of an inactive volcano some 240 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, Ken and Cathy Brugger found one of our tagged specimens. Northumberland County was instrumental in this initial research. We provided two key thrusts: Monarch caterpillars in September. Photo credit: David Bree Monarch, male. Photo credit: David Bree 175