2016 April 25

   Mike Yip writes from Nanoose Bay:  I was rewarded this morning (April 25) with several first-of-year Western Tailed Blues on a quick trip to the Cross Road clearcut. I also saw 6 Western Elfins, 2 Western Pine Elfins, 1 Grey Hairstreak, and several Western Spring Azures. 

   [Jeremy Tatum notes:  Like many lycaenids (and indeed other organisms), the taxonomy of the Western Tailed Blue changes frequently.  For consistency with other entries on this site I am continuing, for the time being, to label it as Everes amyntula, although viewers will often see it under the alternative name Cupido amyntula.]

  Jeremy also remarks:  Mike’s photographs show us how very small the tails of the Western Tailed Blue can be – something to be aware of when we are looking for this butterfly. The tails may be quite difficult to see.  Also of interest in Mike’s photographs – the butterfly is nectaring on Lathyrus – which is also the larval foodplant.

Western Tailed Blue Everes amyntula (Lep.: Lycaenidae)  Mike Yip

Western Tailed Blue Everes amyntula (Lep.: Lycaenidae)  Mike Yip

Western Tailed Blue Everes amyntula (Lep.: Lycaenidae)  Mike Yip

   Jeremy Tatum writes:  I didn’t see any hill-topping nymphalids on Mount Tolmie this evening (April 25), but there was one Propertius Duskywing flying around an oak near the top of the steps near the reservoir.   That was only the second one I have seen this year.  Strangely, I have yet to see a Satyr Comma this year.  Am I alone in this?