Observation date: October 09, 2022
Submitted by: DDethlef
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: We saw millions of these butterflies flying, resting and feeding (possibly migrating?) just north of Loma, Colorado, at the Highline Lake State Park and vicinity between October 8 and October 10, 2022. I spent about 40 minutes photographing them on the chamisa plants by the visitor center at the state park. The butterflies were thickest in the chamisa plants near the visitor center, but we saw them several miles north on Colorado State Highway 139 (even seeing several dozen caught in the grill of a semi we passed); all around the two lakes in the state park; in the campground; and south in the town of Loma.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: February 12, 2023
Coordinator notes: Looks like you have photographed both the Clouded Sulphur and Orange Sulphur (female in center photo with wings open). Often both are very common in early Fall. I don't think I have heard Rabbitbrush called "chamisa flower." (?) It is the best nectar source to attract many butterflies in late summer into the fall. Mike
