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102 REMINGTON: 1952 Central Season Vol.7, nos .3·4
Papilio glaucus, P. marcellus, P. philenor, Pieris rapae, Colias philo dice, Anthocaris genutia, Anaea andria, Euptychia gemma. One exception to the general scarcity was the large number of Erynnis brizo and E. juvenalis which were seen clustered around damp spots in a dry branch on April 9. MERRITT counted 67 Erynnis and 2 Papilio glaucus around one such spOt and 45 Erynnis around another. Only one specimen of Incisalia henrici was seen this spring. MERRITT was pleased to find Incisalia niphon still present in a small tract of pine although the area was swept by a ground fire in 1951. Vanessa cardui appeared sparingly from June 12 on, the first since 1947.
In the late summer the season appeared normal. Eurema lisa, Nathalis iole, Lycaena thoe, and Hylephila phyleus were common. Junonia coenia was more abundant around Louisville than he has ever seen it. A rarity taken in Louisville this fall was Atlides halesus, the first seen since 1948. The latest seasonal record made by Merritt was a specimen of Colias eurytheme flying south very fast on December 7.
EDWARD WELLING sent a record of finding Lagoa crispata on June 27 at Covington.
Contributors: F. R. ARNHOLD; E. G. BAILEY; RALPH BEEBE; S. M. COX; H. V. DALY; 1. W . GRIEWISCH; J. B. HAYES; R. W. HODGES; VONTA P. HYNES; R. LEUSCHNER; J. R. MERRITT; J. H. NEWMAN; M. C. NIELSEN; 1. S. PHILLIPS; P. S. REMINGTON; WM. SIEKER; EDWARD VOSS; W. H . WAGNER, JR.; E. C. WELLING; H. E. WOODCOCK; G. R. WREN; F. N. YOUNG; S. E. ZIEMER.
5570 Etzel Avenue, St. Louis 12, Mo., U.S.A.
6. SOUTHEAST - FLORIDA TO LOUISIANA, NORTH TO ARKANSAS AND MARYLAND
by RALPH 1. CHERMOCK
In the southeastern region, the winter of 1951 to 1952 was comparatively mild, followed by a warm, somewhat early spring. As a result, the spring flights of butterflies were above normal. However, the summer was characterized by a prolonged drought, coupled with above-normal temperatures. In many areas, this weather persisted into the autumn months. As a result, butterflies were comparatively rare during this period. In some areas, the autumn flights were nearly normal.
VIRGINIA S. S. NICOLAY collected in the vicinity of Washington, D. c., on April
14, and found the following species on wing: Incisalia henrici; I. niphon; Strymon melinus,' Lyccenopsis pJeudargiolus; Anthocaris genutia; Papilio glaucus; Erynnis juvenalis and E. bl'izo. This was followed by a period of drought and unusual heat for this time of year, which depleted their numbers. However, Mitoura gryneus, Papilio polyxenes, and P. glaucus apparently were unaffected by the unusual climate. A long rainy period closed the spring flights. During the first week of June, Poanes zabulon, Polites peck ius, P. verna, and P. manataaqua were the only abundant species; Speyeria cybele
1953 The Lepidopterists' News 101
at Byesville, RICHARD KLEIN at Chagron Falls, Solon & Streetsboro, JOSEPH LINDIC in Cleveland, JOSEPH PRESKAR at Euclid. 59 species of butterflies "-nd 244 species of moths were observed and reported on fully. Space is not available for more than a summary of his report. He found the season rather dry, July especially excessively hot and humid. August was rainy and cool, but September and October were dry again. N ovem ber was cool and warm intermittently. WELLING captured for the first time Euptoieta claudia, F eniseca tarqttiniuJ, Libytheana bachmanii, ErynniJ icelus, Hesperia leonardus. Scarcer than usual were Polygonia comma, Papilio glaucus, ThorybeJ bathylltts, T. pylades, Erynnis horatius, Polites themistocles, Poanes hobomok. Commoner than usual were Speyeria cybele, S. aphrodite, S. aphrodite alcestis, Precis lavinia coenia, VaneSJa cardui, Strymon melinus, S. titus, Eurema lisa, Papilio troilus, Pholisora catullus, Hylephila phyleus, Polites manataaquel, A try tone dion. Entirely absent were Euphydryas phaeton, Melitaea nycteis, Melitaea harrisii, Lethe eurydice, Euptychia mitchellii, Strymon liparops, Papilio marcellus, Achalarus lyciades, Atalopedes campestris, Atrytone bimacula, A. COnJpiClJ,a, Erynnis juvenalis.
In his 1951 report WELLING noted the discovery of two uncommon Hesperiids, Atrytone dion and A. cOnJPicua in a small patch of grass, 75 feet by 15 feet in Euclid. This year A. c01lSpicua was missing, but A. dion was found elsewhere in Ellclid, mainly on Asclepias. WELLING finds, as most of us do, that the trend to suburban building development is annihilating many of his favorite collecting spots.
WELLING collects moths much more diligently than most of those reporting. This year he caught for the first time Celerio lineata, Sanninoidea exitiosa, Arctonotus arcuata, Schizura unicornis, Apantesis anna form "persephone", Eubaphe aurantiaca (previously form "rubicund aria" only), Haploa confusa, Tortricidia testae ea. Moths commoner than usual in the Lake Erie region were Antheraea poLyphemuJ, Leuconycta leucostigma, Anaphora popoanella, Anisota rubicunda, Nerice bidentata, Hyphantria cunea, Eubaphe aurantiaca form "rubicundaria," Euchaetias oregonensis, Phragmatobia fuliginosa (usually non-existent), Cochlidion biguttata, Y ponomeuta multipuncteUa (perhaps thousands to the acre in the forests) . Scarcer than usual were Ampelophaga pholus, Amphion neHUJ, Paonias myops, Hemaris thysbe, Phlegethontius sextus, P. quinquemaculatus, T olype velleda, [sia isabella, Pyrausta pertexlalis, Pyralis farinalis.
WELLING had extremely good success in sugaring for Nocruidae. The list of Catocala he took includes C. ilia f. "osculata" and "uxor", C. parta, C. relicta, C. ultronia, C. unijuga, C. grynea, C. vidua, C. cara, C. concumbens, C. innubens, C. cerogama, C. nebulosct, C. amatrix, C. obscura, C. neogama, C. piatrix, C. Jubnata.
KENTUCKY
JAMES R. MERRITT sends the only complete report of collecting in this state. After a mild winter the spring butterflies appeared on schedule, but in fewer numbers than he has found previously. By March 12 Nymphali.r antiopa and Polygonia comma appeared out of hibernation. By March 29 emerging butterflies appeared: Erynnis brizo, E. juvenalis, Lycaenopsis argiolus,
1953 The Lepidopterists' News 97
and other Noctuidae. At Isle Royale in [ate July species observed included Speyeria cyhele and form "krautwurmi", S. atlantis, Limenitis arthemis, Colias interior, Vanessa cardui, Precis lavinia coenia, Nymphalis antiopa, and H esperia laurentina. Near Nawbinway in early August he took a fine series of Lycaena dorcas in a bog and also Nymphalis j-album, Pieris napi, and one Polygonia satyrus.
At Luzerne on June 22 NIELSEN and JOHN NEWMAN found good collecting which included Boloria selene, Phyciodes tharos, P. batesi, Papilio glaucus, MeZitaea harrisii, C o lias interior, Pleheius saepiolus, lncisalia polios, Lycaenopsis argiolus, Erynnis martialis, E. icelus, Hesperia sassacus, H. metea, Polites peckius, P. mystic, Poanes hohomok and form "pocahontas", A try tonopsis hianna, AmblyscirteJ vialis. In the evening a lighted sheet overlooking the creek attracted Odontosia elegans, Datana sp., Habrosyne .fcripta, Halisidota caryae, Smerinthus cerisyi, Paonias excaecata. Darapsa pholus came to bait.
On May 18 near Baldwin NIELSEN found Hesperia metea, Incisalia polios, 1. augustinus, l. niphon, Oeneis chryxttS, Erynnis brizo, E. juvenalis, all taken in open pine plains. In Montcalm County on May 7 five Glaucopsyche lygdamus were taken at the edge of a swamp. On May 22 here he observed a female Erynnis lucilius ovipositing on wild Columbine, tagged the plant containing one egg and returned later to take the larva, which produced a perfect imago. Also in this area he saw Erynnis juvenalis and E. icelus; Lycaena hypophlaeas was abundant. Additional species included Polygonia comma, Melitaea nycteis, Lethe portlandia, L. eurydice, Speyeria aphrodite, Strymon titus, S. acadica, Atrytone logan, Wallengrenia otho, and T horyhes pylades. A week later he took a fine series of Strymon edwardsii, S. acadica, and S. titus. On one large clump of Ceanothus americanus he counted over 30 Strymon edwardsii, S. titus, and one Lycaena helloides. In the same area were Atrytone conspicua, Polites verna, P. themistocles, P. manataaqua, Pholisora catullus, Nymphalis milherti. Unusual captures on Sept. 4 were Strymon melinus and A try tone logan, very late for both. Collecting here in June at night with lights, NIELSEN took single gravid females of Prionoxystus robiniae and Cossus centerensis, as well as Actias luna, Anisota rubicunda, Ceratomia amyntor, and the nuisance MaLacosoma americana.
In Ingham County on July 5 NIELSEN rook a fine series of Poanes viator in a swamp, as well as Atry/one logan, A. dion, Euphydryas phaeton, Speyeria cybele, S. aphrodite, Strymon titus, S. acadica, S. liparops, Atrytone ruricola.
In Washtenaw County on July 6 NIELSEN and NEWMAN collected the rare Ettptychia mitchellii. All were taken in shade and only 7 were collected, in order not to exterminate this small colony, which is very local. Poanes massasoit was also taken in this swamp.
In Lenawee County, near the Ohio line, NIELSEN collected one Papilio marcellus, also Asterocampa clyton, Strymon liparops, Limenitis arc hippus, Lihytheana bachmanii. In August Euptoieta claudia was common, with two Papilio marcellus, Precis lavinia coenia, and Papilio polyxenes. He saw one Speyeria idalia female. Sugaring on August 30 produced Catocala cara, C. amatrix, C. hinda and many other Noctuids.
98 REMINGTON: 1952 Central Season Vol.7, n05.3-4
R. W. HODGES also sent a fine report of his collecting in central Michigan and two days in the Upper Peninsula. He collected a total of 64 species of butterflies. Unusual captures were: Speyeria aphrodite alcestis (one female on July 12, the first in 4 years); Melitaea nycteis,- Limenitis astyanax-two broods in Clinton County, June 5-22 and July 19-28; Lephelisea mutieum (more numerous than in '51); Erynnis brizo (first seen in many years); Erynnis martialis; Poanes massasoit (one fresh male, July 19-first seen in 4 years); Asteroeampa ely ton and A. celtis near Lansing in July. He reports that the European Skipper, Adopaea lineola, introduced into this country many years ago, seems to be spreading westward, for he took it this year in Barry County on July 6. At the same time he took one female Hesperia pawnee, a new state record. Collecting at West Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula on July 26-27 he took, among other things, Polygonia satyrus, P. !azmus, P. progne, P. gracilis, Boloria toddi. He noticed that Vanessa cardui was more abundant than ever before. Also seen were Colias interior, Pieris napi, Hesperia laurent ina. As a whole, Hodges found the season above average. Spring started two weeks early. The rainfall was light from May to July, but did not seem to affect the butterflies. Species formerly caught but missing this year were Speyeria idalia, Feniseca tarquinius, Libytheana bachmanii, Papilio cresphontes, P. marceUztJ, Eurema lisa, Erynnis lucilius.
IOWA
The only collector reporting on this state was LEONARD S. PHILLIPS of Chicago. On July 26, at Leclaire in Scott County he took: Libytheana bachmanii, Vanessa virginiensis, V. eardui, V. atalanta, Limenitis astyanax, Polygonia interrogationis, Speyeria cybele, Arterocampa ely ton, Melitaea nycteis. P. tharos, Junonia coenia, Lycaena thoe, Lycaenopsis pseudargiolus, Everes comyntas, Pieris protodice, P. rapae, C olias eurytheme, C. philodice, Pappilio glaucus, P. polyxenes, Thorybes bathyllus. August 20 at Cedar Falls, besides most of the above, Limenitis archippus, Nathalis iole, Eurema lisa, Pyrgus communis, Phoebis sennae, Speyeria cybele, Ancyloxypha numitor,August 31, at the same spot he added Nymphalis j·album, Phyciodes batesii, Boloria selene, Strymon melinus.
MISSOURI
The zone coordinator reports that the year was quite good in this area, more like the "old-fashioned years" we had ten years ago. This may have been due in some measure to the heavy snowfall in late 1951 and early 1952.
We had 11 inches of snow on November 6th, an all-time record for St. Louis, and many other heavy snows later. Spring was somewhat late, the first butterfly seen being a hibernated specimen of Nymphalis antiopa. He appeared the same day as our first robin, March 17. No more collecting until March 29 when the sunny weather returned. Hibernated specimens of Polygonia progne, Anaea andria appeared and several fresh Pieris rapae and Erynnis brizo. On April 8 the temperature went to 81 0 in St. Louis, and Pieris rapae appeared in the city parks. The next day the temperature dropped 43 degrees, the greatest 24 hour fall in the history of the weather bureau.
1953 The Lepidopterists' News 99
There was cold and rainy weather then until April 18, when Vanessa atalanta and Papilio glaucus were seen in the city. In the next two weeks all the spring species, some of which have been missed for several years, appeared in St. Louis County. At Kirkwood lncisalia henrici was taken, also Erynnis brizo, E. juvenalis, Everes comyntas, Lycaenopsis pseudargiolus, and a worn female Danaus plexippus, indicating a migrating individual coming north. At Ranken on the same day and also a week later Euchloe olympia reappeared after a scarcity of several years, also Anthocaris genutia, Erynnis persius, E. martialis, four female Danaus plexippus, Vanessa cardui, Papilio polyxenes, P. philenor (small' spring form), P. glaucus, P. marcellus (small spring form), all Papilio fresh. We saw many Mitoura gryneus flying around the tops of Red Cedar trees. One spring species which has not yet been recovered this area, although search was made for it, is Strymon ontario. I was away from the area in late June and July, so cannot say what the terribly hot spell did to the Lepidoptera. The late summer and fall species seemed abundant and flew until very late. There was a semi-migration in October of Phoebis sennae (all observed were fresh males) flying through St. Louis in a southwesterly direction, never stopping. Density perhaps 12-20 per hour on bright days. After a cold snap or two in early November, warm weather returned and C olias eurytheme and Vane.rsa virginien.ris were seen on November ] 6, temperature 76°F. Soon after this, killing frosts stopped observation. It will be interesting to see whether the prolonged hot, dry summer affects the procession and quantity of species next summer.
ILLINOIS
WOODCOCK, HAYES, and PHILLIPS were the only ones reporting this year, all from the Chicago area. WOODCOCK'S observations concern moths entirely. The extremely erratic temperatures affected some species, causing Pyrausta to be scarce, even the common species. The smaller micros were noticeably scarce in number. In the larger moths, Crymodes devastator was less common than usual, but P seudaletia unipuncta was more plentiful than usual. CatocaZc. grynea taken at light. The season was definitely not so rich in species of moths coming to lights as any of the past three. However, some species appeared for the first time: Agriopodes teratophora, Hormisa litaphora, Apamea americana. One possibly storm-blown capture was Dioryctria auranticella. WOODCOCK records the late fall as cool and dry with lowest temperature average since 1925, killing frost October 6, record breaking snow on October 20. Yet he observed Pseudaletia unipuncta November 1, Plathypena scabra all October and early November (this species hibernates and may be seen flying in January), AgrotiJ ypsiZon November 6. This indicates that many moths can withstand extremes of temperature.
JOSEPH B. HAYES reports the best collecting he has ever had and sent a 9-page diary of species observed and weather conditions. The first butterfly seen was Nymphalis antiopa (April 8), followed in 10 days by Papilio glauCtts, Pieris rapae, and May 1 a SmerinthuJ jamaicensis. May was cool and rainy, with little activity seen. By June 5, the weather turned hot and humid, and the summer species came out in numbers. Apantesis vittata was plentiful at light all month, Di(Jcrisia virginica on June 15, Speyeria cybele in early July was very numerous. Pieris rapae was common from April 20
100 REMINGTON: 1952 Central Season Vol.7, n05.3-4
through season to November 13. In July Haematopsis grataria, Adelocephala bieolor, Autographa brassieae, Diaerisia virginiea were taken at light. In late July at Evergreen Park he took, among other species; Speyeria idalia, Junonia (oenia, Lycaena thoe, Zerene cesonia, H emaris diffinis. On willow, he found larvae of Nymphalis antiopa, Datana ministra, Antheraea polyphemus, Hyalopbora cecropia, Automeris io, Smerinthus jamaicensis, and on grape vine numerous larvae of Alypia actomaculata. Commonest Hesperiids were Pholisora catullus, Ancyloxypha numitor, Epargyreus clarus,' Polites peckittS. Celerio lineata was common feeding on flowers at dusk in August. Haematopsis grataria continued to be very numerous at light all through August. In late October although temperatures went down to 38°, on sunny days Colias philodice, Pieris rapae, Junonia coenia were seen up to November 16.
LEONARD S. PHILLIPS also sent a very full report. From May 30 to June 1, he collected at Ramsey, Fayette County. Skippers were very numerous, at least nine species being observed. One of these seems doubtful as to identification, Thorybes confusus. It would be well to check this carefully, as it is usually reported much further south. June 8, in the Chicago area, among other species, ftmonia coenia. On June 15, Euptoieta claudia, Lycaena thoe, Eurema lisa, Pholisora catullus, and others. June 22, Lycaena xanthoides was collected, and Zerene cesonia made its appearance_ July 20, Ottawa Forest Preserve, he took Limenitis astyanax, Speyeria aphrodite, Boloria selene, Polites verna. August 3, an added species, Hylephila phylaeus, was taken and continued to appear until October. August 20 he captured at fluorescent light in the laboratory, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, a specimen of Nymphalis j-album. Continued collecting into late September and early October added Polygonia progne and another brood of Lycaena thoe.
INDIANA
GEORGE WREN, collecting in the vicinity of Gary, reports a mild and early spring in which the first butterflies seen were Euchloe olympia in the sand dunes on April 17, and flying commonly until May 4. The summer was extremely dry-the worst drought in years. Along dry sandy roads Jttnonia coenia were very common_ This appears to be a species that thrives in dry weather. Limenitis archippus was also extremely common. No spectacular Monarch migration was observed, but a few stragglers were seen flying due west in Gary on September 20 and 21. C olias eurytheme seen up to November 16. Wren reports a total of 38 species of butterflies seen near Gary during the season.
JOSEPH HAYES collected at Schererville on July 13 and found three Speyeria very numerous, S. cybele, S. aphrodite, S. idalia.
OHIO
Only one member reported from Ohio this year, but his report was almost a monograph. Seldom have we seen such complete & extensive field notes. They should serve as a reservoir of information for future students of distribution records. EDWARD WELLING of Euclid reported on each species for every day in every locality observed, mostly northeastern Ohio, Lake and Geauga Counties. He also included observations by FRANK LUCAS
96 REMINGTON: 1952 Central Season Vol.7, nos.3-4
S. E. ZIEMER of Kewaunee collected only locally, but extensively. His observations mention enormous numbers of Vanessa cardtti, with large areas of thistle and burdock fairly crawling with caterpillars. Other butterflies which were very common were: Pieris rapae, Colias philodice, Danatts plexipptts, Polygonia comma, Nymphalis milberti, N. antiopa, Phyciodes tharos, Everes comyntas, Vanessa atalanta. Butterflies which appeared in normal numbers were: Limenitis arthemis, L. archipptts, Lycaena thoe, Cercyonis alope nephele, Lethe ettrydice, Euptychia cymela, Polygonia progne, Eurema lisa, Colias ettrytheme, Strymon acadica, Papilio polyxenes. Scarce this year were: Boloria selene, Speyeria cybele, S. aphrodite, and most Hesperiidae. For the fifth year no Ettphydryas phaeton were seen.
In moths, Saturniids and Arctiids were abundant, Sphingids normal, also Geometrids and Noctuids, with the exception of Catocala, which appeared sparingly at bait.
MICHIGAN
Ten collectors reported from this state, the best response of the Zone. RALPH BEEBE from Ecorse recorded a dry season with Lepidoptera scarce, perhaps partly due to extensive building and to indiscriminate spraying with DDT. As usual, Nymphalis antiopa was the first species to appear-April 26. Danatts plexippus seen on June 5, but was not common this year and no noticeable fall migration. One Eurema lisa seen on August 17, a rarity here. Pieris rapae and Colias eurytheme flew until November 5. Moth collecting was very poor. A new state record was Pterophorus balanotes on June 12.
Mrs. VONTA HYNES writing from Battle Creek was not able to be as acti ve in collecting as in the past.
EDWARD Voss, collecting in three widely separated counties, one on the Upper Peninsula, reports two unusual catches, Ettrema lisa and Precis lavinia coenia. Strymon falacer and S. liparops were common in July in Cheboygan County. Coenonympha tttllia was a new record for that county. Colias interior continued common. Vanessa cardtti was extremely abundant, and Limenitis arthemis, approaching astyanax, more numerous than usual. HOWELL V. DALY of Dallas, Texas, and WI. H. WAGNER, JR., of Ann Arbor, collaborated with VOSS in this report. GEORGE WREN also collected in Eaton County in May. Species observed or taken include Pieris rapae, Colias philodice, Polygonia interrogationis, Papilio polyxenes, P. glattctts, Limeniti.f archippu.f, Danatts plexipptt.f, Phyciodes tharos, Pholisora catttUtts.
FRANK N. YOUNG collecting in Livingston County found Ettphydryas phaeton and Boloria selene along the edges of swamps at Pinckney in late June, also Speyeria atlantis, S. cybele, S. idalia, Vanessa cardtti. The late summer was very dry, and few insects were fIying.
M. C. NIELSEN again reported very fully on collecting from the northern tip .of the Upper Peninsula to the Ohio line in Lenawee County. At Copper Harbor in August he collected, by using a flashlight around Joe-Pye weed at dusk, Atttographa rectangula, A. brassicae, A. bimacttlata and other Noctuidae, including one fine Catocala ~mijuga. Sugaring yielded Catocala bri.reis
1953 The Lepidopterists' News 95
absence. Hesperiidae were common in July and Papilio more common than in recent years. The fall was extremely dry and cool and little of interest was out.
SlEKER reports this to be the best year for Catocala in many years. Other collectors found this to be true also. The scarcity of Saturniids continues. In the Madison area he took one rarity, Erebus odora, in July. Species of Catocala include: ilia, parta, cerogama, coccinata, unijuga, ultronia, abbreviatella, micro1lympha, piatrix, neogama, grynea, retecta, amatrix, cara (rare now where it used to be common), obscura (a new record for Wisconsin), paleogama, concumbenJ, subnata (new to Sauk County), nuptialis, habilis, semirelicta.
GRIEWISCH reporting on the Green Bay area writes that weather conditions were very wet and cool in June, July, and August, while September and October were very dry. Many species ordinarily seen were not seen this year because of the rainy weather. The only common Hesperiid was A try tone ruric0 la,' rarities taken were Amblyscirtes vialis and A. hegon. Scarce were A try tone logan, Epargyreus clarus, Thorybes pylades, Carterocephalus palaemon, Poanes hobomok, Polites peckius, P. mystic, Hesperia metea, H. leonardus, H. manitoboides, Erynnis brizo, E. juve1laliJ. Fairly common were Pieris napi, Lethe portlandia. All Speyeria were very scarce this year, also Limenitis arthemis and Papilio glaucus. Colias interior was missing, although abundant last year. Plebeius saepiolus was scarce, but P. scudderii more numerous than he has ever seen them. Notable catch was one pair of Oeneis chryxus strigulosa. Good series of Euchloe olympia were taken in Marinette County. Lethe eurydice and Cercyonis pegala nephele were common, but Boloria toddi and B. selene scarce. Summing up, GRIEWISCH found the season to be rather topsy-turvy: species usually scarce were common this year; those usually common were scarce.
F. R. ARNHOLD, writing from Chippewa Falls in the northwestern part of the state, reported a severe winter going down to 34° below zero and snowfall abollt double normal. There was a great blizzard on April 13 followed by a record breaking heat-wave the last two weeks of April, with temperatures as high as 90°. Lycae1lopsis pseudargiolus was on the wing on April 20, although some snow drifts still present. Pieris napi was taken in late April, Colias philodice in early May, C. eurytheme in late May. No Euchloe olympia or Pieris protodice were seen this spring. On May 31 a southwest to northeast migration of Vanessa cardui was seen by Arnhold. It continued for several days. "Observed aboLlt 100 per hour passing through a 200 foot wide path flying at high speed, approximately 25 miles per hour. Almost impossible to catch, they seemed to be fairly fresh and rarely stopped to feed. One female was caught."
In late June a second brood of Pieris napi appeared, also a second brood of Colias philodice was common in the middle of July. On August 18 about 40 Colias philodice were seen around a mud puddle with Pieris napi-all males. In September a number of Nymphalis milberti were observed. "Caught on bait from night before were Nymphalis antiopa, Polygonia interrogationis, P. comma, and P. gracilis."
1953 The Lepidopterists' Neu 's 103
was just appearing, and Atrytonopsis hianna was nearing the end of its flight period. In the second week of July, AI. gryneus and Cercyonis alope were fairly plentiful in typical scrub-pine and cedar-brush areas at Quantico, Virginia. Collecting in the area around Norfolk, Virginia, from June 14 to July 2, was characterized by a progressively poorer flight of butterflies because of increased heat and drought. Papilio glaucus and P. marcellus were common, while Poanes viator was rare. Other species collected were: Lethe portlandia; Euptychia hermes; Danaus plexippus; PhyciodeJ tharos; Strymon melinus; S. cecrops; Bveres comyntas; Lyccenopsis pseudargiolus; Papilio palamedes; P. philenor; Pholisora catullus; P. hayhurstii; Erynnis horatius; Ancyloxypha numitor; Hylephila phyleus; Atalopedes campestris; A try tone logan; A. dion; A. dukesi; A. ruricola; Lerema acciuJ; Amblyscirtes textor; A. carolina,' and Lerodea l' herminieri.
CHARLES V. COVELL, collecting around Alexandria, Virginia, made the following observations. During March the following species were seen in order of their appearance: Polygonia comma; Vanessa atalanta; V. virginiensis; Polygonia interrogationis; EvereJ comyntas; Nymphalis antiopa; Lycaena phltEas; Anthocaris genutia; Libytheana bachmmzii; Eurema nicippe; Incisalia henrici; Strymon melinus; Colias philodice; C. eurytheme; Erynnis lucilius; Junonia cwnia; Atlides halesus; Strymon m-album; and Papilio marcellus. By the end of March these were all in good flight. Normal flights apparently continued through April and May. June and July were characterized by a decreased flight, beginning to return to normal at the end of August.
P. S. REMINGTON collected the following species of moths at night on June 26 in Galax, Virginia: Ecpantheria deflorata; Anisota rubicunda; Darapsa myron; AnthertEa polyphemus; Euparthenos nubilis; Haploa colona; and Automeris io, the latter being very common.
WEST VIRGINIA
S. S. NICOLAY collected in Pendleton Co., West Virginia, on May 5 and found the following species: Eoloria toddi; Polygonia comma; Incisalia niphon; Lycaena phltEas; Glaucopsyche ly gdarmts; Lyccenopsis pseudargiolus; Feniseca tarquinius; Erynnis icelus; E. brizo; E. lucilius; E. juvenalis; and Amhlyscirtes vialis. He also collected the first specimen he has ever seen of Erora ltEta on a small mountain road, a freshly emerged female. On July 5, he again collected in this area and found the following species: A try tone bimacula; Cercyonis alope; Lethe portlandia; Euptoieta claudia; Speyeria atlantis; S. idalia; S. cybele; S. aphrodite; Eoloria toddi; Poly gonia comma; Strymon falacer; S. titus; FeniJeca tarquinius; LyctEna phltEas; LyctEnopsis pseudargiolus; Epargyreus clarus (extremely common); Polites verna; Wallengrenia otho; and A try tone logan.
NORTH CAROLINA
J. PRESKAR collected at Brevard, North Carolina, on July 6 and recorded the following species: Everes comyntas; H alisidota tessellaris; P settdaletia unipuncta; Prodenia commelina; Prochwrodes transversata; Antepione thisoaria; and Scopula limboundata.
104 CHERMOCK: 1952 Southeast Season Vol.7, nos.3-4
P. S. REMINGTON collected at the same locality from June 30 to July 8. The weather was extremely hot, and it appeared that the season was a week or two advanced over previous years. Epargyretts clarus was extremely common. The following species were also in flight: Speyeria diana; S. aphrodite; S. cybeie; }ttnonia ccenia; Limenitis astyanax; Papilto troilus; P. glaucus; Pieris rapce; Poly gonia /aunus,' Colias eurytheme; Lethe eurydice; Erynnis juvenalis; Polites themistocles; and Amblyscirtes vialis.
JAMES R. MERRITT collected in Fontana Village, Graham County, North Carolina, on April 12 and 13. He noted that Pieris virginiensis was freshly emerged, and the commonest butterfly on wing. It was found fluttering everywhere through the leafless forest at altitudes of 1500 to 2000 feet. In addition, the following species were also collected: Euptychia gemma; Danalls plexippus; Phyciodes tharos,' Nymphalis antiopa; Polygonia comma; Strymon m-album; S. cecrops; Incisalia attgztstimtJ; Hveres comyntas; Glaztcopsyche lygdamus; Lyccenopsis psettdargioltt.r; Papilio glaztulJ; P. troilus; P. marcellzts; P. philenor; Colias philodice; Ettrema nicippe; Epargyretts clarus; Erynnis iceltts; E. brizo; Ii. jtwenalis; and Amblyscirtes hegon.
ROBERT BUTLER made the following notes on collecting at Southern Pines, Moore Co., North Carolina. He noted that the spring was normal for the region, but May and June were hot and fairly dry. In March, the following species occurred in larger numbers than in previous years: Papilio marcellus; Tncisalia niphon; 1. henrici; Strymon m-albztm; Atlides haleStts; and Lyccena phlceas. All of the common species had normal flights. In April, the flights began to diminish and the following species were rarer than normal: Papilio palamedes; P. polyxenes,' Libytheana bachmanii; and Mitoura gryneus. Papilio glaucus, P. troilus, P. philenor, the Pieridx, Hemaris thysbe, and H. di/finis exhibited normal flights. In May Limenitis astyanax appeared, and Euptychia cyme/a, E. hermes, Lethe creola, and L. portlandia exhibited good flights. In J LIne, the flights were fairly normal. However, Ettptychia gemma, Strymon edwardsii, S. titus, various species of Catocala, Anthercea polyphemus, Actias luna, and Automeris io were more abundant. Colias eztrytheme and Speyeria cybele were comparatively rare. The July flights were relatively normal. At Banner's Elk in Avery County, Speyeria cybele, S. aphrodite, Boloria toddi, Colias eurytheme, and C. philodice were common. Cercyonis alope was less abundant. Polygonia progne was collected at Banner's Elk, and another on Roan Mt., Tennessee.
CHARLES COVELL collected at Wilmington, North Carolina, on March 31 and found the following species on wing : Papilio marcellttJ,' Anthocaris genutia; Papilio troilus; Polygonia interrogationis,' Ettremct nicippe; and Amblyscirtes carolina.
SOUTH CAROLINA
JOSEPH PRESKAR recorded the following species from Spartanburg, South Carolina, on July 9 and lO: Azttomeris io,' Catocala grynea,. Urbanus proteus.
FLORIDA
W. M. DAVIDSON, collecting around Orlando, Florida, noted that the year did not show any abnormal occurrences in Lepidoptera. However, flights of Atrytone arogos and Atrytonopsis loamrni were smaller than those of the
1953 Tbe Lepidopterists' News 105
previous year. Atlides halesus and Strymon m-album were also comparatively rare. Strymon favonius, Phoebis philea, and Danaus gilippus' berenice had increased flights.
R. L. and O. D. CHERMOCK, collecting in the Ocala Island region of Central Florida in the end of August, found practically no butterflies on wing because of the long extended dry period in that region. A few specimens of Lethe portlandia were found in the more humid palmetto hammocks, and an occasional Eurema nicippe and Hylephila phyleus were the most abundant butterflies in the myrtle-scrub oak associations. In the vicinity of Ormund Beach, butterflies were scarce, although Lephelisca virginiensis and Brephidium pseudofea were relatively abundant.
S. S. NICOLAY collected at Pensacola, Florida, on April 3 and obtained a fair series of Thorybes confusis and Hesperia attalus. However, his favorite collecting spot for A try tone berryi and A. dion alabamce has been destroyed.
ALABAMA
In central Alabama, the winter of 1951 to 1952 was mild and comparatively warm with no snow. The early part of 1952 was characterized by normal rainfall and a relatively early spring. Apparently, these factors encouraged an excellent spring flight of butterflies. During April, all of the commoner species had exceedingly good flights. At wet patches along the dirt roads, Papilio philenor, P. marcellus, P. troilus, P. glaucus, Eurema nicippe, Phyciodes tharos, Everes comyntas, Erynnis juvenalis, E. brizo, and E. martialis would rise in clouds when disturbed. Many of these same species were common in the woods along with Antbocaris genutia, Acbalarus lyciades, Euptychia gemma, and E. hermes. During the end of April and early May, many of the rarer or more local species for this region Hew in increased numbers, some of them being relatively abundant. Among these were Megathymus yuccce, Polites manataaqua, Hesperia metea, Amblyscirtes vialis, Melitcea gorgone, Euphydryas phaeton, Incisalia niphon, I. henrici, Strymon titus, S. falacer and S. liparops. From the middle of May through most of September, this region experienced the worst drought in almost 50 years. The farmers' crops withered to the ground, and most of the herbaceous plants barely struggled to survive. The summer flights of butterflies were seriously depleted, and even the commonest species were relatively rare, with the rarer species beir,g practically non-existenr. A few small rains occurred in the fall, but this was again followed by a more or less continuous drought, with many of the forested areas being damaged by extensive forest fires. As a result, the fall flight was relatively poor in comparison to previous years. There was almost no evidence of any butterfly migration during this period.
ARKANSAS
H. A. FREEMAN collected in Faulkner Co., Arkansas, from June 17 to July 8. Many of the flowers, such as Asclepias tuberosa and Cephalanthus occidentalis, which normally attract numerous butterflies, were in poor bloom because of "one of the worst dry spells in history". The butterflies were also affected by the extremely dry summer. Strymon liparops, S. ontario, Amblyscirtes belli, A. linda, Thorybes confusis, Polites verna, Eliptychia gemma
106 CHERMOCK: 1952 Southeast Season Vol.7 , nos.3-4
and Lethe portlandia did not make their appearance. Speyeria diana and S. cybele were very rare. The following species appeared in fair numbers: Epargyreus elarus, Achalarus lyciades, T horybes bathyllus, 1'. pylades, Polites themistoeles, Polites manataaqua, Atalopedes eampestris, Lerodea l'herminieri, Amblyseirtes vialis, Pholisora eatullus, P. hayhufJtii, Papilio polyxenes, P. eresphontes, P. troilus, P. philenor, P. glaucus, Phyciodes tharos, Junonia camia, Vanessa antiopa, V. atalanta, Nathalis iole, Colias eurytheme, Eurema nicippe and E. lisa. Among the moths, Xylophanes fersa and Herse cingulata were below average as to normal occurrence, while Phlegethontius sextus and P. quinquernaculatus exhibited normal flights.
EDWARD C. WELLING and J. PRESKAR collected in Texarkana and Forest City, Arkansas, from June 27 to July 4, and recorded the following species: Euptychia cymela; Adelocephala bicolor; Celerio lineata; Actias luna; Catocala dejecta; C. subviridis; and Smerinthus jarnaicensis.
No observations on migrations were made for the year 1952 in this area, and the observations on moths were too sparse to allow any significant conclusions.
Contributors: ROBERT BUTLER; R. L. CHERMOCK; C. v. COVELL, JR.; W. M. DAVIDSON; H. A. FREEMAN; J. R. MERRITT; S. S. NICOLAY; JOSEPH PRESKAR; P. S. REMINGTON; E. C. WELLING.
Dept. of Biology, University of Alab:1ma, University, Ala., U. S. A.
7. NORTHEAST-DELAWARE AND PENNSYLVANIA NORTH TO SOUTHERN QUEBEC
by SIDNEY A. HESSEL
The following brief summary was compiled, as in the previous report, from official United States and Canadian weather bureau sources. It treats in generalities over extensive areas. Local experience, at times, would seem to depart somewhat as reported by contributors.
Spring temperatures (March - May 1952) were well above normal, averaging plus 2 0 for the entire area. Rainfall was about normal in Northern Maine, Southern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, increasing southward to about double normal in central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).
Summer temperatures (June - August) continued above normal generally, ranging from plus 2 ° through Pennsylvania and Delaware to plus 3 ° or more over New York, New England, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, with greatest depzrrure towards Quebec City where the average was nearly 4° higher. July in New York City was the warmest calendar month in the history of the weather bureau. Similar records were made or neared at most northeast United States points. Rainfall was above normal along the coast from Delaware to
