Something you don’t see every year – a Zephyr Anglewing

Although virtually the entire state is in some form of drought warmer weather is finally here, albeit sporadically. There are multiple reports of Henry’s Elfins from eastern Nebraska but so far the find of this young season was the discovery of a Zephyr Anglewing by Colin Croft who got a photograph of one at the southern edge of Wildcat Hills State Recreation area on April 19. Colin recognized it as something unusual and sent me a pic which I forwarded to Steve Spomer who made the identification. The Zephyr Anglewing is a western species which is likely a resident in Nebraska’s far western counties but in such low numbers years often pass between sightings. So congratulations to Colin. Butterfly season has begun!