Ever since finding the first and only specimen of the Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea) in Nebraska at this site on May 2 1989 I’ve frequently revisited this location trying to recapture lightning in a bottle (or a skipper in a net) but to no avail. But over the years I’ve found quite an interesting mixContinue reading “Harlan County Spring Trip”
Author Archives: hpahaska
Return to Box Elder WMA
On May 3 I met Jon Nikkila at Box Elder SWMA in Lincoln county for a second look at this WMA. Our first visit was very early (April 11) and we looked almost exclusively for Giant Yucca Skipper tents (of which we found two) along with one Olympia Marblewing. This trip the main target speciesContinue reading “Return to Box Elder WMA”
Another little known NE butterfly Chlosyne fulvia – Fulvia Checkerspot
This is another “recent” discovery in the state, having first been discovered in the mid 1980s. Once again, after being found and investigating promising habitats, it has been found at numerous locations. This butterfly is closely associated with it’s larval hostplant Castilleja sessiliflora or Downy Paintbrush. This plant is most often found on hilltops, mainly in theContinue reading “Another little known NE butterfly Chlosyne fulvia – Fulvia Checkerspot”
Road trip to Indian Cave State Park
Welcome back!! Since our initial April 11 foray to Box Elder SWMA (where we found two species) winter has been back to central Nebraska several times and spring seems to be on hold. But my wife Jen and I did find two new species (for 2020) at Sandy Channel SRA where we walk – a checkered skipper andContinue reading “Road trip to Indian Cave State Park”
First trip of 2020 season
April 11, 2020 Jon Nikkila, his sons and I went on a trip to Box Elder SWMA in Lincoln County (in two cars practicing social distancing) Saturday April 11 for our initial foray for Lepidoptera. The weather was nice, with temps in the 70s, but of course windy. It was early for most flying Lepidoptera,Continue reading “First trip of 2020 season”