This "El Nino" spring has started off rather interesting. While most butterfly species have been reported to emerge considerably early, I observed one notable exception: On May 25, a fairly recently-emerged Eastern Pine Elfin (Incisalia niphon) was observed nectaring extensively on my Amur Privet hedge here in Herndon, VA. This species normally emerges in mid-April and flies throughout May. While late-May and early-June records do exist, such late individuals are usually quite worn with age. Yet, on May 26, a rather flight-worn Northern Hairstreak (Fixsenia favonius ontario) was observed nectaring on my Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum). This, in itself, is already a rather early date for that species, no doubt having emerged days earlier. Note: the Northern Hairstreak is considered rare by lepidopterists. In northern Virginia, it was previously known from only two locations in Fairfax County, and area lepidopterists often travel to Maryland's Green Ridge State Forest to search for it. Yet here it was, in my suburban garden, the second year in a row! Both butterflies were videotaped for the record. On May 29, I sighted a Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae), heading north over my house at breakneck speed, though an unconfirmed report from a local friend indicates that these butterflies have been in the area since the end of April!
In my opinion, the best location in the region for butterflies remains Skyline Drive. A drive on May 30 from Front Royal to Big Meadow proved that, despite the ravages of the Gypsy Moth and devastating ice storms of recent years, butterflies are as abundant as ever! Tiger Swallowtails (Papilio glaucus) were exceptionally common, appearing by the thousands all along the way. Interestingly, the only other Swallowtail to be seen that day was a single Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus). Of course, the ever-present Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) and Orange Sulphurs (Colias eurytheme) were similarly abundant along the Drive. Interestingly, a lone, late (and quite aged) West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis) was observed in the woods near Big Meadow visitor center, and a lone Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe) was seen flying along the trail to Hawksbill summit. The Cloudless Sulphur migration was in full-swing, with several individuals seen rushing northward at several spots along the Drive.
Skyline Drive remains the best location to observe the Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor). It can be found in abundance everywhere, especially wherever the host plant, Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), grows. Females were observed busily laying eggs on the green corn-cob shaped flower buds. The summit of Hawksbill Mountain presented a full complement of Brush-footed butterflies: Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos), Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), several Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa), and Red-spotted Purples (Basilarchia arthemis astyanax). A Comma butterfly was seen imbibing moisture on gravel, and was coaxed onto my finger (baited with sweat). It allowed close-up, detailed examination, confirming identification as a Gray Comma (Polygonia progne).
Though the Skippers were not generally in abundance, thousands of Hobomok Skippers were observed swarming in a woodland clearing near the Big Meadow visitor center.