Author Archives: Herb Wilson

September Possibilities

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Herb Wilson

Butterfly abundance is declining as expected in September. Most of the butterflies still on the wing are common ones: Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur, Northern and Pearl Crescents, Great Spangled Fritillary and Common Ringlet.  However, a little field work can turn up valuable records. For instance, … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglewings, Elfins, Grass Skippers, Spread-winged Skippers | Comments Off on September Possibilities

Variegated Fritillary

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Herb Wilson

The Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) is a widespread butterfly whose normal range extends from Argentina into the southern United States.  The species is well known for northward movements each year well beyond its breeding range.  Sometimes those vagrants reach as … Continue reading →

Posted in Brush-foots | Comments Off on Variegated Fritillary

A Trio of Skippers

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Herb Wilson

July is a good time to look for three species of skippers that are poorly represented in the MBS records.  It takes a little effort to find these skippers. Marshy areas in the southern half of Maine are worth checking … Continue reading →

Posted in Grass Skippers, Spread-winged Skippers | Comments Off on A Trio of Skippers

A Quartet of Skippers

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Herb Wilson

The next two weeks offer a narrow window of opportunity to find four species of skippers.  These species are certainly underrepresented in the MBS database.  I hope you will make a special effort to collect or photograph these species in your … Continue reading →

Posted in Grass Skippers, Spread-winged Skippers | Comments Off on A Quartet of Skippers

Elfin Season is Here

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Herb Wilson

The time between May 15 and June 8 is prime time for elfins in Maine.  We know that our records of elfins in the state underestimate their abundance.  Because of the patchiness of their host plants, some effort is required to find … Continue reading →

Posted in Elfins | Comments Off on Elfin Season is Here

Hope Springs Eternal

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Herb Wilson

Although it seems like this snowy, cold winter will never end, the first butterflies will be on the wing soon.  On a warm, sunny day, keep an eye out for a Mourning Cloak (shown below), an Eastern Comma or a … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglewings, Brush-foots, Hibernation | Comments Off on Hope Springs Eternal