Lepidoptera of North America 18. 2021 butterfly inventories within Boulder County open spaces, Boulder, Colorado
Date
2022-04-04
Authors
Chu, Janet, author
Hirschfeld, Sue, author
Kelly, Venice, author
C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The butterfly inventories continued for the 18th year in a few of the Boulder County Open Space properties. However, because of the Calwood Fire during October 17, 2020, two of the survey areas were inaccessible; Plumely Canyon and the work road through the streamlet near the Lichen Trail. Geer Watershed had been burned, but the meadows above the Resident Ranger's Cabin and associated streamlets were made accessible with our 2021 permit. Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae), Orange Sulphurs (Colias eurytheme) and Common Wood-nymphs (Cercyonis pegala) were more numerous when compared to 2015-2020 populations before the burn. In 2021 within other Open Spaces, Anne U. White and Caribou, the resident species produced noticeably large populations: Julia Orangetips (Anthocharis julia), Pine Whites (Neophasia menapia), Northern Checkerspots (Chlosyne palla), Common Wood-nymphs, Small Wood-nymphs (C. oetus), Common Checkered-skippers (Burnsius communis). On the other hand, the well adapted non- native Cabbage Whites were again the most common during the long season; Variegated Fritillaries (Euptoieta claudia) and Dainty Sulphurs (Nathalis iole) were numerous flying in from colonies in the eastern plains and low foothills where their host plants were plentiful. 95 species were seen in 2021: 129 species between 2004 and 2021 in the county Open Spaces. 203 species are on the record for Boulder County (Butterflies and Moths of America 2021) website. The average number of species per year observed within the Open Spaces by this team is 88.
Description
April 4, 2022.
Includes bibliographical references.
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
Lepidoptera -- Colorado -- Boulder County
Butterflies -- Colorado -- Boulder County