2015 May 31

   Aziza Cooper writes:  Note yesterday from Mike Yip told me that fire closures were already in effect, and, thinking that sooner was better for a trip to Mt Cokely, I asked him if he could go today, Saturday. He was available, and we and his wife, Cathy, had a very productive trip there.  We saw a total of 18 species, with all but one seen by all of us. In rough order of sighting, from lower elevations to higher. Numbers are approximate.

Western Meadow Fritillary – 2

Pale Swallowtail – wide range of elevation. 10+

Anise Swallowtail – 3

Mylitta Crescent – 8

Silvery Blue  – 20 + [Many flyby blues could have been Silvery or Boisduval’s or Tailed.]

Spring Azure – 1

Clodius Parnassian – 2

Western Tailed Blue  – see above

Mourning Cloak – 2

Hydaspe Fritillary – 1

Persius Duskywing – very common. 30+

Arctic Skipper – 3

Boisduval’s Blue – see above

Satyr Comma – Mike says it’s unlikely. Photo to be uploaded for i.d.

Two-banded Checkered (Grizzled) Skipper – 1

Hoary (Zephyr) Comma – 10

Painted Lady – 2 (only Mike saw these)

Sara Orangetip – 1

Milestones:Lifers for me: W. Meadow Frit, Persius Duskywing, Arctic Skipper and Zephyr Comma. First time photographed by me: Clodius Apollo. First time seen by me on Vancouver Island: W. Tailed Blue.

Photos were taken of almost everything we saw, and will be posted. My day finished with 20 species: Spring Azure and W. Tiger Swallowtail at Cowichan Station, and a Painted Lady at Mt Tolmie.

The fire closures could result in the planned trip to Mount Cokely on June 13 to be cancelled. Further info will be posted.

I had a fabulous time today in butterfly heaven, and I hope the road stays open for others to enjoy this banquet of butterflies.

Aziza Cooper

   Julie Michaux  sends a photograph of a Large Yellow Underwing from her garden in Old West Saanich Road.

Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba (Lep.: Noctuidae)  Julie Michaud

   Gordon Hart sends a photograph of a Four-spotted Skimmer and a ground beetle Carabus granulatus.  Thanks to Scott Gilmore for identifying the beetle for us.  Note the ectoparasitic mite on the beetle’s head. 

Carabus granulatus (Col.: Carabidae) Gordon Hart