Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1185307

Bordered Patch
Chlosyne lacinia

Observation date: July 14, 2018
Submitted by: Janeal W. Thompson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Bordered patch seen in Lorie K.'s garden visiting a hybrid giant sunflower. The butterfly did not visit any of the many nectar plants in the garden and stayed on the leaves of the sunflower to bask in the sun. Sunny day, skies clear, no temperature information.
Status: Migrant
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: October 11, 2018
Coordinator notes: Correct identification. Not only was this female basking in the sun, but she was also laying eggs (as your second picture shows, though I'm sure you or Lorie found the caterpillars quite a while ago). They're quite fond of sunflowers and other related plants. Coordinators note 10/11/2018: Yes, as Austin noted above, this is a female and she certainly appears to be in the process of laying eggs on the sunflower (the proven host of this butterfly). I just finished writing a note to Lorie asking specifics on this since its first report in 2007 (you were sent one to your email Janeal). There would be time left in the summer for the caterpillars to hatch and complete their life cycle to butterflies but another would probably not survive our wintertime. I asked this question, maybe you know if some did show up in late August or September this year? I appreciate you observations greatly. Thanks much. Mike
Checklist region(s): Prowers County, United States, Colorado