Hello all,
Here are the results from yesterday's count in Decatur County. This count was
conducted about a week earlier than normal, but we were able to see most of the
usual suspects in terms of species. Total number of individuals was just
slightly below normal, but the 35 species tied for the lowest number ever on
this count. Seems we are still feeling the effects of the crazy spring. The
butterflyweed that is typically one of the best nectar draws was not yet in
full bloom, with many sites containing plants mostly still in bud. This had an
impact on numbers, especially for Coral Hairstreaks. One of our best sites had
been mowed before the count which also impacted the Coral Hairstreak total.
Best nectar sources were butterflyweed, beebalm and Indian Hemp. The
Appalachian Browns put on quite a show this year with 21 seen, maybe the
week-earlier date was good for them.
Region 13
Appalachians (KY, TN, WV)
William Haley, Regional Editor
1. Decatur Co., TN. Yr. 13, 35.6278°, -88.0338°, center at Alvin C. York bridge
on US Hwy. 412 over the Tennessee R. in Perryville. See 2006 report for
habitats. Habitat changes since last year: A field containing large numbers of
butterflyweed near the old Parsons airstrip was mowed prior to the count. This
is one of the most productive spots of the count circle. 02 June 2018;
0900-1800 hrs; sun AM 51-75%, PM 76-100%; 75-89°F; wind 0-5 mi/hr. 4 observers
in 1 party. Total party-hours 9; total party-miles on foot 4. Observers: Bart
Jones (2047 Higbee Ave., Memphis, TN, 38104; bjones7777@xxxxxxxxxxx), A.
Standley, J. Thompson, D. Ward.
Pipevine Swallowtail 4, Zebra Sw. 3, Black Sw. 2, E. Tiger Sw. 12,
Spicebush Sw. 9, Orange Sulphur 22, Cloudless Su. 6, Sleepy Orange 3, Coral
Hairstreak 4, Juniper Ha. 1, Gray Ha. 1, E. Tailed-Blue 48, 'Summer' Spring
Azure 1, Am. Snout 8, Variegated Fritillary 4, Gr. Spangled Fr. 66, Pearl
Crescent 17, Question Mark 1, E. Comma 2, Am. Lady 8, Red Admiral 4, Com.
Buckeye 8, Red-spotted Purple 2, Goatweed Leafwing 1, Hackberry Emperor 2,
1Appalachian Brown 21, Little Wood-Satyr 3, Monarch 1, Silver-spotted Skipper
78, Hoary Edge 2, N. Cloudywing 2, N. Broken-Dash 6, Little Glassywing 2,
Zabulon Sk. 1, Dun Sk. 5. Unidentified: White form female Sulphur 1, Hairstreak
sp. 1, Brushfoot sp. 5. Total 35 species, 367 individuals. Field Notes: 1High
number.
