Observation date: July 07, 2019
Date notes: This time line is from 7/7/19-7/18/19. From 1st sighting of caterpillar, collection of 3, and emerging/release of all 3 butterflies on July 18,2019 @ approximately 8am for last and 3rd.
Submitted by: James Lofton
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Temperatures ranged from low of 65F@night to average of 95F, with several days over 100F. 10-65%. No rain. Large brood found on lone and small Sunflower on morning of July 7. I moved most to a patch of larger sunflowers (mainly to protect them from heavy ant activity where they were) On July 10 I placed to “red” caterpillars with food in an in closure and 1 “black “ in another one. On July 12@11am all 3 had pupae. (I noted they were NOT Borderpatch!!) On July 17@4:30pm one of the “reds” emerged. On July 18@6am one of the “blacks” emerged, followed @8am by the 2nd “red”.
All 3 had photos taken and released.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: August 01, 2019
Coordinator notes: James, you are 'the Bomb!' thanks for your thorough and complete recording of the life cycle of this butterfly in Roosevelt County. I was unaware there were two color morphs for larvae. One day at Oasis State Park I noticed adults, chrysalis and larvae on sunflowers all present and happy. You took it a big step farther. Thanks!
