Unknown Butterfly Stuff

 I have now finally finished sorting through and trying to identify my butterfly images taken during the summer. Whew! There were a lot. I will take a break from sorting, although I still have many dragonflies and damselflies to identify. They are even more difficult than the butterflies.

 I still have the species contained in this port left to identify. I have no idea what the cocoon might be. The blue butterfly has really stumped me.

 I wanted it to be a Silvery Blue, but all indicators suggest it is not. From the blue butterflies listed on the MUN and NL Government site, I have been unable ot match it to any.

 Then, there is this little, nondescript butterfly. I have no idea what it might be.

I welcome any help you might be able to give me and invite you to visit the new Butterfly Checklist page linked at the top of this page.

Bog Copper Butterfly

 It took me five years of looking to find these Bog Copper Butterflies. About twelve were seen on the bog alongside Parker's Pond Road. Only two stayed still long enough for a "snap."

They were seen on one occasion only  in the middle of August.

Spring Azure Butterfly

 The Spring Azure is a very small blue butterfly. Most often seen with its wings folded up, it became a challenge for me to photograph it with its wings spread. It took a long time, but I eventually got it.

Note the difference in field marks on these under wings.  It is my understanding there are six variations of field marks on a group of butterflies all known as Spring Azure.

 These butterflies can be seen in a variety of locations throughout the Avalon.

Clouded Yellow

 Once again, I am dizzy with looking at sulfur-like butterflies. To the best of my knowledge, I have managed to pull out images of the Clouded Yellow among my many shots.

 The images show a pair of this species and clearly illustrate the difference between the male and female.

This was the first year, I saw this particular species.

Orange Sulfur Butterfly

 This is, I think, an  Orange Sulfur Butterfly. This is yet another challenging species to identify as it is very similar to the Pink-edged Sulfur and the Clouded Yellow Butterfly which are also seen in Newfoundland.

Green Comma Butterfly

 The Green Comma is best identified on the underside where there are  many green marks on the underwing.

In addition to the scalloped  edges typical anglewings, there is also a white mark on the underside of the hind wing.

 Sometimes, the white mark known as the comma has a soft, upward curve and on other times it actually looks angular and has clubs on the ends. I've been unable to find a satisfying explanation for this.

 This species is plentiful and is often seen in large numbers at the Blackhead bus shelter trail.

The last few images are of the female Green Comma.

Milbert's Tortioseshell

 It was the Milbert's Tortoiseshell that was my starter butterfly for my photo collection.

 While visiting a yard in the St. John's area to see a hummingbird, I came across a Milbert's feeding on the flowers. I hadn't seen one before and was taken by its beauty.

It is odd, because years ago we used to collect butterflies and mount them for the children, but my heart really wasn't into it.

 Now, my whole birding experience during the summer and early fall is enriched by stopping to enjoy the beautiful, fluttery creatures about.

 Some of the NL butterflies are so small, it is almost impossible to get a clear shot, but not this species. They tend to land and stay put for long periods of time.

On this particular day, I came upon about 30 Milbert's feeding in one area in Pouch Cove. There were other species among them. Quite a nice sight!