Steve Cary’s blog about butterflies of New Mexico.
With winter receding in our rearview mirrors, it is past time to lay out some fun projects and goals for the 2024 season. If you’re scratching your head about what to do this year, consider Northern Azure and Julia Orangetip.
New Mexico, Meet the Northern Azure Read More »
A lot of good butterfly stuff happened in 2023, thanks in large part to your efforts. Last month we celebrated Jeff Glassberg’s discovery of White-tufted Sootywing (Pholisora albicirrus), which is a new member of New Mexico’s butterfly fauna. Other naturalists generated two additional New Mexico state record butterflies in 2023. Observations for each were made public via iNaturalist and each provoked a substantial online conversation about the correct identity and the significance of the observation. Read on for details.
New Mexico Butterfly Highlights for 2023 Read More »
© Steven J. Cary, April 2023 Happy April all you New Mexico butterflyers. I hope it has been worth the
Springing Gleefully Forward Read More »
Read about Steve’s latest adventures viewing Monarchs in California.
Chasing New Mexico Monarchs in California Read More »
Do you agree that being a lepidopterist is often about surprising yourself, or, rather letting nature surprise you? This could probably be said for any observer of nature. This month, we join our local lepidopterists in some unexpected moments from their autumn adventures.
Peak Swallowtail Flood Ark Read More »
Where do you find some of the elusive butterflies? Is it luck or savvy? Maybe a mixture of both. Join Steve Cary and other lepidopterists as they cleverly search out our winged friends.
Checking in on Checkerspots Read More »
The Sierra Grande of New Mexico beckons and proves to be a challenging, but fruitful, journey for local lepidopterist Steve Cary. Sugarite Canyon brings together butterfly enthusiasts from across the southwest and beyond. Will they find what they are looking for?
June Rains Bring July Butterflies? Read More »
Good field notes were key to observations of Marine Blues in New Mexico! In addition to this reminder from the past, this month’s post contains several incredible stories, from the early life of Mourning Cloak larvae to the incredible rearing and hatching of Viola’s Oak Hairstreak.
The Marine Blues Have Landed Read More »
Despite the heavy drought and wildfires that have plagued our region and changed the butterfly populations in certain areas, butterfly watchers and lepidopterists have recorded some rare butterflies and interesting butterfly activity in New Mexico, including mating Desert Viceroys, Mourning Cloak larvae groups, a Nevada Cloudywing, and a Poling’s Hairstreak.
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Read More »
