2020 June 19 afternoon

 

Message from Gordon Hart:

 

Hello Butterfly Watchers,
The June count period starts Saturday June 20 until Sunday June 28. This is an informal census of butterfly numbers and species in Greater Victoria. The area is defined by the Christmas Bird Count circle, extending from Victoria to Brentwood Bay and Island View Road in Central Saanich, and west to Happy Valley and Triangle Mountain, and Langford Lake and Goldstream areas. 
You can submit a count any time over the count period, just use a separate form for each count and location. In the case of repeat or duplicate counts, I will use the higher numbers. To submit counts, please use the form from the VNHS website at: https://www.vicnhs.bc.ca/?p=33
If you have difficulty with the form, just send me an email with the information.
Thank-you for submitting your sightings and good luck with your count.
-Gordon 

 

 

 

 

   Jeremy Tatum found two Painted Lady caterpillars on thistle along Martindale Road.  Here’s one of them.   He also notes that there is a huge Teasel crop at McIntyre reservoir – not in flower yet, but getting there. That patch of Teasels often attracts a lot of nectaring  butterflies.  Last year the Teasels were cut down just at a critical date.

 

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui (Lep.: Nymphalidae)   Jeremy Tatum