Here are the results from Saturday's Clifton Bend Spring count. We had great
diversity with 37 species observed and 470 individuals. Even though the 470
appears to be a fairly good number, we worked very hard in 3 parties to obtain
that number. The feeling in the groups was there were actually fewer
butterflies this spring flying, but we were catching a few holdovers from early
spring and beginning to see a few of the May butterflies show up. But all in
all, a very successful count.
Bart Jones
Memphis, Shelby Co.
Region 13
Appalachians (KY, TN, WV)
William Haley, Regional Editor
1. Clifton Bend, TN. Yr. 6, 35.3759°, -88.0379°, center at jct. of TN Hwys. 114
and 128 in Hardin Co. just W of Clifton. See 2011 report for habitats. Imminent
threats to habitat: A lot adjacent to the yucca stand at Prettyview Barrens is
being developed for a house. Many yuccas that were on the new house site had
been dozed. Although there are still several yuccas on the neighboring lot, it
may negatively impact the Yucca Giant-Skipper colony there. Habitat changes
since last year: Yuccas removed from a lot at Prettyview Barrens which is in
the early stages of building. This is the host plant for the Yucca
Giant-Skipper. 16 April 2016; 0900-1800 hrs; sun AM 76-100%, PM 51-75%;
63-78°F; wind 5-20 mi/hr. 11 observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 23.5;
total party-miles on foot 9. Observers: H. Alpaugh, B. Ault, M. Bierly, H.
Hetsel, Bart Jones (2047 Higbee Ave., Memphis, TN, 38104;
bjones7777@xxxxxxxxxxx), A. Knighton, R. Light, K. Malone, S. Stahl, A.
Trently, D. Ward.
Pipevine Swallowtail 29, Zebra Sw. 6, E. Tiger Sw. 39, Spicebush Sw. 17,
Cabbage White 1, Falcate Orangetip 2, Clouded Sulphur 3, Orange Su. 2,
Cloudless Su. 1, Harvester 1, Henry's Elfin 1, E. Pine El. 2, Juniper
Hairstreak 11, Gray Ha. 1, Red-banded Ha. 11, E. Tailed-Blue 42, Spring Azure
2, Variegated Fritillary 1, Pearl Crescent 59, E. Comma 15, Am. Lady 14, Red
Admiral 3, Goatweed Leafwing 19, S. Pearly-eye 1, Gemmed Satyr 10, Carolina Sa.
47, Silver-spotted Skipper 10, S. Cloudywing 4, N. Cl. 3, Sleepy Duskywing 2,
Juvenal's Du. 21, Horace's Du. 9, Com. Sootywing 3, Zabulon Sk. 5, Dusted Sk.
4, Pepper and Salt Sk. 5, 1Yucca Giant-Sk. 2. Unidentified: Swallowtail sp. 8,
Hairstreak sp. 6, Satyr sp. 10, Sulphur sp. 1, Duskywing sp. 37. Total 37
species, 470 individuals. Immatures: Com. So. 3 eggs on common vetch leaves;
Yucca Giant-Sk. 23 eggs on Yucca filamentosa leaves. Field Notes: Nectar plants
included false garlic, wood vetch, hoary puccoon, wild blue phlox, daisy
fleabane, blackberry, buttercup, and houstonia.1Uncommon and difficult to see
during short flight period. One was seen in a new location.
