With marginal temperatures I took a hike through the Shannondale Springs WMA. It was nice to find some new “First of Years” (FOYs) species. The first lep encountered was a tattered Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa). Also seen were a number of angle-winged Eastern Comma/Question Marks zooming by at a high rate of speed. I was only able to get on two of six and those were both Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma). The first azures of the spring (Local reports by those much more knowledgable than I are saying that the “Spring form” of Summer Azure is the one in flight now… (Celastrina neglecta)) were out in good numbers (9). Hopefully by the end of this coming week others will have emerged. For more information on the local Azure complex check out this link: More on Azure ID
Can’t wait(:>
So far this month, I have released 4 Eastern tiger swallowtails and 4 Black swallowtails that wintered over in my rearing tents. They seem to be taking advantage of the warm days to emerge.