Author: Sylvia
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Western White Pontia occidentalis occidentalis
It can be very difficult to tell Western Whites from Checkered Whites. But I’m reasonably confident this is a male occidentalis. Mostly judging by the charcoal Vs on the forewings and from distribution maps. Sparks Lake, Deschutes County, Oregon 44.02529, -121.72862 We found a nice meadow area between Soda Creek and Soda Creek Campground at…
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Anise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaon
Anise Swallowtails are abundant, common and found pretty much throughout all of Washington and Oregon. They can be found in almost any type of habitat, nectar on a wide range of blooms, have numerous host plants. If only they would land more often to be photographed, they might be a photographer’s dream butterfly. They certainly…
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Lilac-bordered Copper Tharsalea nivalis
The Lilac-bordered Copper is a common Mountain butterfly, often found in flowery meadows or above tree line. None the less, I saw my first ones this year, in both Washington and Oregon. It’s quickly becoming a favorite. Lost Prairie, Linn County, Oregon 44.40371, -122.07576 The prairie is located along Highway 20 in a mountainous section…
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Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon
Pale Swallowtails are easy to identify, even during flight in the Pacific Northwest. They are noticeably lighter than other brighter yellow swallowtais, and have distinctive tiger stripes. Papilio eurymedon nectar on many different blooms, and can often even be found in the garden. W Boundary Road, Klamath County, Oregon 42.87049, -121.84772 At large puddle between…
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Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta rubria
Red Admiral, aka Red Admirable, butterflies, are found throughout North America, and in every county in Oregon and Washington. They migrate north in the spring, abundant some years and not so abundant others. They are also found in Europe, Africa, New Zealand, and Asia. W Boundary Road, Klamath County, Oregon 42.87051, -121.84766 This large puddle…
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Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady butterflies are found in every continent except Antarctica. They can also found in every county of Washington and Oregon. W Boundary Road, Klamath County, Oregon 42.8705, -121.84775 At Boundary Road where Sand Creek crosses there is a large puddle, with many species of butterflies. July 9, 2023 Sparks Lake, Deschutes County, Oregon 44.02537,…
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Northern Checkerspot Chlosyne palla
W Boundary Road, Klamath County, Oregon The Northern Checkerspot is a common species, but they seem to have quite a bit of variation, so I’m not always sure without careful examination of my photos on the computer screen and checking distribution maps. 42.87047, -121.84784 At mud puddle between Boundary Road and Sand Creek, where Sand…
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Mexican Cloudywing Thorybes mexicana aemilea
Aka Nevada Cloudywing. Sparks Lake, Deschutes County, Oregon 44.02534, -121.72835 In the grass near Soda Creek, at the North end of Sparks Lake. Very dry and hot, but numerous penstemon. July 8, 2023 I believe this is a female, it appears to me to have a costal fold on the along the leading edge of…
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Hoary Comma Polygonia gracilis zephyrus
The Hoary Comma can be found in most Oregon Counties, unlike Washington , were it is much less limited in its range. Also known as the Hoary Anglewing or Zephyr Anglewing. W Boundary Road, Klamath County, Oregon 42.8705, -121.8477 Mud puddle next to Sandy Creek. Numerous species found here on this hot dry day. July…