On June 30 six intrepid observers (Chris Helzer, Noelle Schuman, Kojo Baidoo, Eric Strehlow, Jen Corman and Neil Dankert) set out on the 38th annual Niobrara Valley Preserve Butterfly Count. The weather started out a little on the cool side (temps in the low 70s) when the count began at 9:45 am but was ideal (mid 80s with a gentle breeze) when we wrapped up around 3:15 pm. The group counted 214 individual butterflies from 27 different species. Judging from the butterflies found (and not found) the season appeared to be a week or two behind a “normal” year, greatly affecting the species sighted. Wood Nymphs and Regal Fritillaries that we would normally expect to see were entirely absent (having not yet emerged?) while we found several Northern Cloudywings which have usually flown and disappeared by late June. Little Wood Satyrs, whose numbers are usually diminishing by late June/early July, were abundant. Every year is an adventure!!
This year we set out traps baited with rotting fruit the evening before the count to see what moths we could attract. These were left out for the duration of the count the next day and attracted several butterfly species not otherwise observed that day (Mourning Cloaks, Hackberry Emperors and Eastern Commas) as well as many additional Red Admirals and Wood Satyrs. These traps are especially effective in attracting “woodland” butterflies who are adept at finding and feeding on sap flows and rotting fruit. These traps were a great addition to our visual count we’ll likely continue to use in the future.
As mentioned earlier, many of the NENHP (Nebraska Natural Heritage Program) species of concern we normally encounter had not yet begun flying. But we did sight the following: Long Dash Skippers (5), Crossline Skipper (1), Northern Broken Dash Skippers (2), Two-spotted Skipper (1), Banded Hairstreaks (5), Coral Hairstreak (1), Eyed Browns (5) and Monarch (1).
Other species sighted were Silver-spotted Skippers (21), Northern Cloudywings (2), Checkered Skippers (2), Peck’s Skipper (1), Tawny-edged Skipper (3), Delaware Skipper (2), Orange Sulphur (10), Acadica Hairstreak (1), Gray Hairstreak (1), Eastern Tailed Blue (6), Great Spangled Fritillaries (15), Viceroy (1), Hackberry Emperor (1), Red Admirals (43), Mourning Cloaks (2), Eastern Comma (1), Gorgone Checkerspot (6), Pearl Crescents (5) and Little wood Satyrs (65).
Every count is a snapshot in time, influenced by numerous factors (weather and “seasonality” among them). This makes comparing counts difficult. But over time each count adds to our long-term database of knowledge. Thirty-eight consecutive count years is quite an achievement. Thanks to all who have participated over the years!!