Wind and Rain Bring Record Butterflies
(Mission, TX) – This week, record U.S. sightings of butterflies have been reported at the National Butterfly Center, in Mission, Texas. Specifically, the 2nd sighting on record of a Red-sided Swallowtail (Mimoides phaon)came from Dan Jones, on May 19; and Mike Rickard recorded the 3rd sighting of a Dusted Spurwing (Antigonus erosus).These subtropical butterflies of Mexico are considered “strays” to the United States. The Red-sided Swallowtail, for example, belongs to the Sierra Madre Oriental and ranges up to the southern state of Nuevo Leon.
Although several species of large, mostly-black swallowtails may be found in the Rio Grande Valley, Dan Jones knew he’d spotted something special when this one flew past him in the gardens on Tuesday.
“At first I thought it might be a Moctezuma’s Cattleheart, but I wasn’t sure,” continues Jones, “So I called Mike Rickard and he came right over to the Butterfly Center. We couldn’t find the butterfly, again, but judging by my pictures, we finally agreed it was a Red-sided Swallowtail, due to the body spotting.”
“We’d seen Brown-banded Skippers and other ‘little brown bugs’ in that family throughout the day,” states Rickard, “Most people find them unremarkable; however, in the Rio Grande Valley, there is always the possibility of finding an uncommon species among this variety, so I look at them all. At first glance, the Spurwing appeared to be a Sickle-winged Skipper, but then I noticed the jutting tip on the hind wing.”
Both Jones and Rickard are field trip leaders for the annual Texas Butterfly Festival, which brings hundred of visitors to Mission, each fall, for the nation’s best butterflying. The possibility of finding a U.S. record butterfly or ultra-rare species from Mexico or Central America is one part of the draw; the other part is expert guides, with very good eyes, who spend much of the year scouting habitat for regional specialties that people are always seeking to add to their life lists.
“Coming out of the drought is causing amazing things to happen,” states Jones. “Northern Mexico is experiencing record rainfall, just like we are, and many insect species have the ability to respond very quickly to circumstances such as these. I think we’re seeing butterfly numbers increase as host plants rebound and habitat expands, as a result of the rain. I think the next couple of weeks are going to be great!”
“Butterflies like it green and weedy,” adds Rickard. “Wilderness areas of Tamaulipas and south Texas are overgrown and the butterflies are a prime beneficiary. As long as the rainfall and southerly winds continue, there is a good chance we will find more very special strays to the region.”
Registration for the 20th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival is open at www.TexasButterflyFestival.com. Please visit us online to learn more about excursions and educational sessions designed for beginning butterfliers to experienced naturalists.
The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’ between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.
To learn more about the National Butterfly Center, and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.
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