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 »
Steven Cary brings us the world of Spring butterfly activity. As citizen scientists are increasing their submissions to BAMONA, we enjoy a detailed glimpse into Jim Von Loh’s observations of mating Desert Orangetips.
Mariposa March Madness Read More »
Steven J. Cary takes us on a scientific journey of the analysis of the eye coloring and wing markings of two varieties of the metalmark butterfly; Apodemia mejicanus (Sonoran or Mexican Metalmark) and Apodemia duryi (Dury’s Metalmark).
Differentiating Two Metalmarks Read More »
In spring, Monarchs from Mexico are working their way north and east into their milkweed breadbasket.
Spring Butterflies: Last Rite Read More »
Brown Elfin is of a group of Hairstreaks (Callophrys spp.) that we see in spring; many are Elfins.
Butterfly Rites of Spring III: Flower Munchers Read More »
After overwintering as pupae, several species of whites and orangetips eclose in early spring and immediately set about searching for mates on desert hilltops.
Butterfly Rites of Spring II: Desert Hilltoppers Read More »
