Odd Sightings for 2007

This past week I've seen a few Variegated Fritillary, which I've never seen before. According to my big book o' butterflies, PA is in the scarce/regional range for these guys. In mid to late summer, during strong flight years, they can be seen as far north as the New England states. I'm guessing it's been a strong flight year, and that those out butterflying in the upper northeast might be catching sight of some butterflies they don't normally get to see.

Another one I don't see all that often is the Common Buckeye, although it's not supposed to be uncommon in this area and there is plenty of host plant material for the females to lay eggs. This is another one I've seen for the first time this year and I see them often.

Then there is the Red-Spotted Purple that are quite active right now. I've seen these before but I've never taken any photos. I tried yesterday and I thought they'd be easy. They love to hover around me and play when I'm mowing, and then they just sit, with wings wide open on the mulch right outside the back door. Yesterday when I wanted to capture one and post it here, all of a sudden, the butterfly decided he did not want to sit still any more... so, no photo yesterday. Today is overcast and misty, so I can't take the camera outside. I'll have to wait for another day to get him on film. They are SO very pretty.

Last week I found a Red-Spotted Purple in perfect condition, except for the fact that he was no longer alive, but when I dropped him without knowing it because I was trying to be gentle, I stepped on him and crushed a wing.