Once three California Tortoiseshells were found in Sioux County on July 11 it seemed likely more sightings would follow. This has proved out as another has been sighted by Marie Smith at her residence in Gering (Scotts Bluff Co.). She reports that one has been in her yard for three days. What a treat! Colin Croft remarked that if he were a butterfly he wouldn’t leave their yard either. Sounds like their plantings are paying dividends.
This is the fifth record of this butterfly in the state and the third Nebraska county where this butterfly has been found. This brings Scotts Bluff county’s species total to 86, the eighth highest in the state. Observers should be alert for additional sighting, especially in western portions of the state.
