Unusual Azure

 We know how organisms can display individual variation, usually a slight, but interesting, difference from the "normal" versions. But...oh my goodness...this butterfly is truly remarkable! Thanks to Sue and Tom Crockett for sharing this observation with the Observatory. Their find was made on June 24, 2021 while conducting the George Washington's Birthplace annual butterfly count in Essex County, on the Northern Neck. They showed the photo to butterfly expert Harry Pavulaan, who identified it as a Summer Azure, which is the only azure species flying here during this time period. I searched for similar photos and didn't find any, so if anyone has some, please share to taberzz@aol.com. The large dark markings are truly bizarre and make a beautiful, striking image. I've included a photo of a lightly-spotted "normal" Summer Azure I took last month, here in James City County, as a comparison. Brian Taber

Discover the CVWO Butterfly Garden

Last Fall when I moved to Williamsburg I was thrilled to discover Monarchs, swallowtails, sulphurs and a variety of other butterflies in just my own yard and garden. I spent the winter in anticipation of more to come in the Spring. My garden, as it turns out, is a slow bloomer. My fingers are crossed for a strong showing.

(All photos by Deborah Humphries, unless otherwise marked.)

But the CVWO Butterfly Garden at Jamestown Marina, which is a short jaunt from my house, is exploding with all the right stuff, right now. I have gone there nearly every day, twice most days, for the past month — cataloging and experiencing a crash course in Lepidopterology of butterflies. Particularly when Brian Taber is there to guide and expand on the nuances of each species. 

At last count, there were 31 species in the month of June. It is a rare treat to learn the butterflies, anticipate the nectar source blooms and check the host plants for eggs and larvae in one place. With resident experts at the ready it’s an all-in-one experience. 

A selection of species appearing in the garden on any given day (in June) were:

 

 Spicebush Swallowtail 

 

Summer Azure 

 

Question Mark 

 

Wild Indigo Duskywing (typically not seen 'till July) 

 

Sachem Skipper

 

Delaware Skipper (photo by Brian Taber)

Least Skipper

 

Fiery Skipper

There are Monarch and Sleepy Orange larvae on their respective host plants as I write.

There are a myriad of dragonflies (I will spare you the list for now) as well as every imaginable pollinating bee and flying insect (they will ignore you!) The area surrounding the garden is filled with exceptional birds including Osprey, Great Blue Heron, nesting Mockingbirds (they are the true owners of the garden in case you think otherwise), Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager, Pileated Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, Orchard Orioles and American Goldfinches to name a few. Eagles, hawks and vultures are overhead often. 

We can expect sulphurs, fritillaries and more swallowtails as July progresses. It truly is hard to leave as you simply do not know what might fly in next. 

 — I am Guest blogger, CVWO volunteer and butterfly newbie Deborah Humphries