1998 was a marvelous butterfly year in the greater Washtenaw county area. The total of 86 species sighted during the year was the highest since survey coverage began in 1994. This impressive result may have been due to an El Nino induced warm winter and early spring. Consistent with an El Nino effect, flight periods for a number of species were shifted earlier in the year than during past seasons. Also the area experienced a heavier influx of southern migrants than was noted in any previous survey.

Highlights of the season included the first known Gulf Fritillary in Washtenaw county, Brown and Pine Elfins, Persius Duskywing, Dukes Skipper, American Snout, and a remarkable flight of Southern immigrants. The first Little Yellow appeared at Crosswinds Marsh May 31. In July Buckeyes and Fiery Skippers made their first appearance. Each of these species continued in our area until mid-October. For the season there were a total of 64 Buckeyes at 12 sites, 51 Little Yellows at 5 sites, 49 Fiery Skippers at 9 sites, 5 Variegated Fritillaries at 5 sites, and 4 Painted Ladies at 3 sites.

The last butterflies of the year were a Orange Sulfur (Alfalfa Butterfly) in SW Washtenaw county December 2 and a Mourning Cloak in Ann Arbor December 12.

The area covered by the Greater Washtenaw County (GWC) Survey includes all of Washtenaw county proper and adjacent parts of Wayne, Livingston, Jackson, and Monroe counties. Special inclusions of Petersburg State Game area and Point Mouillee (Monroe county) and Ives road fens (Lenawee county) have been made.

Major butterflying sites in the area include Crosswinds Marsh (southwestern Wayne county), Matthei Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbor Washtenaw county), Park Lyndon North-Embury road (Waterloo recreation area Washtenaw county), Sharon Hollow Nature Conservancy (western Washtenaw county), and Petersburg State Game area (Monroe county).

As in previous years, the following two "summative" abbreviations have been used: N = the total number of date/location species sightings during the season; T = the total number of species' individuals recognized during the season
 

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) Very common and widely distributed in a variety of habitats. Seen from May 5 to September 19, with a maximum of 37 twice on June 28 and August 2 in Petersburg State Game area. Totals: N = 99; T = 378.

Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades) Very rare and local. Two sighting dates for this butterfly of special concern. At its traditional location on Hankerd Rd, two butterflies were seen (May 27). A single individual was at Petersburg State Game area (May 30). Totals: N =2; T = 3.

Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus) Uncommon. This butterfly likes dry meadows near forest edges. Found from May 23 to August 2 with a maximum of 2 on several occasions. The August 2 sighting at Petersburg State Game area appears to be unusually late date. Totals: N = 10; T = 15.

Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades) Fairly rare. Found from June 6 to June 28 with maximum of 3 at Petersburg State Game Area June 28. Totals: N = 3: T = 6.

Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis) For the third consecutive year there were no reports; a single individual was seen in 1994, two in 1995.

Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) Relatively uncommon. Compared to previous years, this butterfly was more abundant and widespread in 1998. Found from May 15 to August 29 , with a maximum of two on three different dates. Totals: N = 13; T = 16.

Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus) An early duskywing that likes open woods or forest edges. Found in low numbers, quite widely distributed, from May 9 to 29. Maximum of 6 at Island State Park on May 23. N = 12; T = 31.

Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo) Another early duskywing that often favors sandy soils with oaks. More abundant than previously thought. Found from April 25 to May 31, with a maximum of twelve at Stinchfield Woods May 9. Strongholds in Waterloo Recreation areas. Totals: N = 23; T = 53.

Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) Relatively uncommon. Found from June 28 to September 11, with a maximum of 11 at Petersburg State Game Area. First brood overlaps with Juvenal's Duskywing and is very difficult to separate from this species. Totals: N = 7; T = 20.

Juvenal's Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis) A widespread, relatively common duskywing in our area. Single brooded. Found from May 5 to June 7, with a maximum of 6 at Marshall Park on May 23. Totals: N = 25; T = 44.

Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) 1998 was a breakthrough year for this butterfly as it expanded vigorously into the county where patches of crown-vetch could be found. Many locations discovered were in the city of Ann Arbor. Found July 5 to September 21, with a maximum of 10 at Northeast park (Ann Arbor) September 4. An earlier brood before July was also suspected but could not be proved due to identification problems. Totals: N = 22; T = 68.

Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius) A distinctly rare butterfly in our area limited to sites with extensive amounts of Wild Lupine. Discovered again this year in Petersburg State Game Area (NW Monroe county). Last reported from same site in 1996. Totals: N = 2; T = 3.

Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) Fairly common. Found from May 31 to September 27, with a maximum of 16 at Crosswind Marsh August 16. Totals: N = 34; T = 138.

European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) Abundant to super-abundant in late Spring early Summer. Found from May 19 to July 27. A maximum of 336 on Glenbrook road June 8. Totals: N = 51; T = 785.

Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) In contrast to previous years this Southern immigrant was found in good numbers and in several locations. Sighting dates ranged from July 11 to October 24. Maximum of 6 at Crosswinds Marsh October 17. Totals: N = 21; T = 49.

Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus) Uncommon. Another good showing for this-last-to-emerge showy skipper species. Found August 15 to September 19. Maximum of 7 at Petersburg SGA August 23. Totals: N = 11; T = 33.

Peck's Skipper (Polites coras) Common and widespread throughout much of the butterflying year. Found from May 19 to October 19, with a maximum of 8 on 3 occasions July 26 Crosswinds Marsh, July 30 Botanical Gardens, August 20 Furstenberg park. Totals: N = 50; T = 128.

Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles) A fairly common summer skipper, but rarely as numerous as the previous species. Found from May 21 to August 23, with a maximum of 3 Petersburg SGA August 2. Totals: N = 22; T = 28.

Crossline Skipper (Polites origenes) Unlike last year, this skipper was found in several locations. Because of identification problems, may be a more common butterfly than suspected in the past. Often difficult to separate from the more common Tawny-edged skipper. Restricted flight period from June 20 to July 5. Totals: N = 8; T = 11.

Long Dash (Polites mystic) Uncommon late Spring to early Summer grass skipper. Numbers down from 1997. Found from May 21 to June 20, with a maximum of 3 in a bog off Hankerd road May 27. Totals: N = 9; T = 13.

Northern Broken Dash (Wallengrenia egeremet) Fairly common. Found from 7 July to 23 August, High totals of 11 and 10 at Petersburg SGA June 28 and Noggles road June 27. Totals: N = 21; T = 50.

Little Glassywing (Pompeius verna) Rarest of the three 'Black Witches', Little Glassywing can easily be confused with either the Northern Broken Dash or Dun Skipper. Found June 27 to July 19, with a maximum of 4 on June 28 at Petersburg SGA. Totals: N = 11; T = 17.

Delaware Skipper (Atrytone logan) Fairly common in marshy habitat. Usually only one brood found in our area ( two broods in southern states ) but a second brood discovered in three separate locations in September. Flight period from June 20 to September 19, with a maximum of 12 on a NABA count at Noggles road June 27. Totals: N = 23; T = 52.

Mulberry Wing (Poanes massasoit) Uncommon species found in bogs and other marshy habitats. The flight period is generally restricted but two late butterflies found this year separate from rest of distribution ( June 27 to July 12; July 30). Maximums of 11 and 10 butterflies on NABA counts July 4 and June 27. Totals: N = 10; T = 43.

Hobomok Skipper (Poanes hobomok) Common large, flashy skipper of June. Found from May 12 to June 18, with a maximum of 15 on May 19 in the Arb in Ann Arbor. Totals: N = 41; T = 154.

Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator) Scarce and local. Found only from July 5 to 12. One individual again seen in traditional location along Fleming Creek at the Botanical Gardens. A maximum of four on Embury Road on July 12. One from a new location at the Roe road marsh. Totals: N = 4; T = 8.

Dion Skipper (Euphyes dion) Uncommon but found in several locations. Flight period June 28 to August 1. A maximum of three on NABA count at Park Lyndon North July 4. on the NRA count. The August 1 sighting at Point Mouillee was probably an outlier. Totals: N = 9; T = 13.

Duke's Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) A threatened species in our area which is very local with particular habitat requirements. Discovered again this year at its traditional site on Zieman Rd in NW Monroe July 19. A second location was found July 26 on Hoffman road also in NW Monroe county. Totals: N = 2; T = 4.

Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua) Uncommon. Restricted to wet marshes and fens. As compared to previous years, many Black Dashes were seen in 1998. Found from June 20 to July 25, with maximum of 6 at Park Lyndon North July 12 . Totals: N = 8; T = 27.

Eastern Dun Skipper (Euphyes ruricola metacomet) Fairly common. Found from June 20 to August 13, with a maximum of 11 on July 17 at Petersburg SGA. Totals: N = 32; T = 66.

Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna) No reports again this year. Apparently very rare. Not sighted since 1996 when four butterflies were seen at a traditional site near Petersberg in NW Monroe.

Roadside Skipper (Amblyscirtes vialis) A rare skipper seen in a few widely scattered locations. Most common in Petersberg SGA. Totals: N = 6; T = 9.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) Fairly common. Found from May 12 to October 6, with a maximum of 7 at Plymouth road on July 24. Totals: N = 45; T = 84.

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) Not common most years. Probably two maybe three broods. Found from May 15 to August 16. Maximum of three on both May 15 and July 19 at Day road in NW Monroe county. Totals: N = 27; T = 34.

Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) The most common Swallowtail in the area. Found from May 15 to August 15, with a maximum of six at the Arb in Ann Arbor on May 21. Male and most female 'Tigers' are yellow but there is black female form that is rare in the North. Three black 'Tigers' were seen this year. Totals: N = 78; T = 131.

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Fairly common. Found from May 6 to September 20, with a maximum of ten on August 9 at Stinchfield Woods. Totals: N = 30; T = 67.

Mustard White (Pieris napi) Rare and local mostly in Waterloo Recreation area. Early Spring sighting from Sharon Hollow NC. Found from April 11 to September 5. Totals: N = 8; T = 11.

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) Very Common, widespread and sometimes abundant. Found from March 30 to October 26, with a maximum of 108 on September 20 at Crosswinds Marsh. Totals: N = 272; T = 1771.

Common/Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodoce) The most abundant species this year. Found from May 4 to October 28, with a maximum of 257 at Rank road marsh on August 29. White form females occur and are common but can not usually be identified conclusively to species. The Alfalfa butterfly also produces a white form female which is nearly indistinguishable. Totals: N = 139; T = 2367.

Alfalfa Butterfly/Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) Common. Hybridizes with the Clouded Sulphur and many butterflies are arbitrarily identified as Orange Sulphur if visible orange seen in wings. Found from June 28 to October 25, with a maximum of 57 on October 6 at Crosswinds Marsh. Totals: N = 59; T = 582.

Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) Not surprisingly, there was again no recurrence in 1998 of this exceptionally rare immigrant from the deep south.

Little Yellow/Little Sulphur (Eurema lisa) 1998 was a banner year for this uncommon Southern immigrant. In contrast to 1997 when there were no reports, this species was seen numerous times. Breeding at Crosswinds Marsh suspected due to the length and regularity of sightings from this location. Found May 31 to October 24, with maximum of 11 on October 6 at Crosswinds Marsh. Totals: N = 16; T = 51.

American Copper (Lycaena phlaes americana) Can be common on sites with abundant amounts of its primary larval host plant Sheep Sorrel. Found from May 10 to October 17. Maximum of 41 on Petersburg SGA May 15. Totals: N = 43; T = 162.

Bronze Copper (Hyllolycaena hyllus) Scarce away from Lake Erie marshes. Principal inland site was Crosswinds Marsh which had a maximum of 5 September 27. Only four butterflies were reported from Washtenaw county proper. Found July 26 to October 24. Totals: N = 15; T = 40.

Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas) Local and usually scarce. However this year breeding was spectacular at the traditional fen in Park Lyndon North and 78 were seen July 4 and 76 July 12. Totals: N = 2; T = 154.

Purplish Copper (Epidemia helloides) Rare. No reports this year. This butterfly is difficult to separate and identify from the Dorcas Copper. Previously sighted in both 1997 and 1994.

Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadium) Fairly rare. Found from June 20 to July 11, with maximum of three at the Dhu Varren Woods on July 8. Totals: N = 7; T = 11.

Edward's Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii) Rare. Often associates with strands of Black Oak. Found June 21 to July 4, with maximum of 10 at Sharon Hollow NC June 27 on a NABA count. Totals: N = 3; T = 12.

Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium falacer) The most common Hairsteak of the area. Found from June 18 to July 25. Maxima of seven on two NABA counts June 27 Noggles road and Marshall Park July 5. Totals: N = 15; T = 35.

Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus) Puzzlingly a very rare butterfly. Only three sightings of single individuals in 1998. Its principal larval host plants hickories are fairly widespread in the area but the butterfly is apparently not. This species may be easily confused with the very similar Banded Hairstreak. A major targeted species to find in 1999.

Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops) Fairly uncommon. Found June 28 to July 25, with maximum of three on two occasion Warner road July 11 and Botanical Gardens July 17. Totals: N = 8; T = 14.

Brown Elfin (Incisilia augustinus) Very local and rare. A new location was found for this butterfly at a bog on Cedar Lake when four were seen April 25. One individual was seen at the same site May 6. Last reported near Cavanaugh Lake in May 1996. Totals: N = 2; T = 5.

Pine Elfin (Incisilia niphon) Very local and rare. Not officially recorded on the Greater Washtenaw county survey from 1994-1997 Only one location known from the whole Greater Washtenaw county area. Totals: N = 3; T = 14.

Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) No reports again this year.

Gray Hairstreak (Styrmon melinus) Strangely again no reports. Last reported in 1994.

Eastern Tailed Blue (Everes comyntas) Common to abundant especially in suitable habitat. Found from May 14 to October 24, with a maximum of 41 on September 6 at Petersburg SGA. Totals: N = 79; T = 440.

Spring Azure (Celestrina ladon) Common early Spring Blue. Found from April 11 to May 19, with a maximum of 51 on April 25 at the Waterloo Geology Center. Totals: N = 20; T = 154.

Summer Azure (Celestrina neglecta) Common species recently recognized as a separate species from the Spring Azure. Found from June 16 to September 6, with a maximum of 14 on July 19 at Petersburg SGA. Totals: N = 45; T = 98.

Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) Local and scarce. Most sightings were close to alder-lined river banks. Found from May 7 to September 16, with a maximum of three at Barton Nature area on August 19. The May 7 spring sighting was remarkably early. Totals: N = 6; T = 9.

American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Rare and localized. One confirmed sighting at Petersburg road July 17 and a second possible sighting at the same site September 1.

Buckeye (Junonia coenia) In past years of the survey this butterfly has only been reported rarely. This year there was an explosion of sightings and the butterfly seemed to be everywhere. Consultation with two eminent Michigan butterfly authorities suggest that the Buckeye is a permanent breeder in the area whose numbers can vary widely. It will be interesting to see if Buckeyes continue to be found and in what numbers in future surveys. Found July 6 to October 24, with a maximum of nine on September 6 at Arkona road. Totals: N = 29; T = 64.

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) Another southern immigrant not always reported. Five single butterflies were seen this year.

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) Common Found from May 20 to September 19, with a maximum of 35 on July 11 at Warner road. Totals: N = 90; T = 457.

Aphrodite (Speyeria aphrodite) Uncommon. Outside of its stronghold at Petersburg State Game Area, only singles seen. Found May 28 to September 19, with maximum of six August 23 at Petersburg. Totals: N = 9; T=21.

Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) Uncommon and local lesser fritillary restricted to fens and bogs. Found from May 16 to July 26, with a maximum of four on July 26 at Noggles road. Totals: N = 10; T = 19.

Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona) Uncommon. Found from May 14 to September 26, with maximum of 3 on May 14 at Petersburg SGA. Totals: N = 9; T = 12.

Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton) Fairly widespread and sometimes locally common. Found from June 16 to July 5 with a maximum of 23 in the Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor on June 20. Totals: N = 17; T = 104.

Harris' Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii) A threatened species in our area localized to fens. Only one report of two butterflies June 7 in Park Lyndon North.

Silvery Checkerspot (Charidryas nycteis) Except for one locality fairly scarce. At Marshall Park the butterfly can be abundant at times. Found from June 18 to August 14 with a maximum of 46 at Marshall Park June 18. Totals: N = 9; T = 92.

Pearl Crescent( Phycoides tharos) Found in a variety locations and habitats and can be super-abundant. Found from May 10 to October 17, with a maximum of 145 at Crosswind Marsh on August 30. Totals: N = 162; T = 1391.

Northern Crescent (Phycoides selenis) Questionable status in our area. This butterfly is very difficult to distinguish from the Pearl Crescent. No reports this year. All possible Northern Crescents must be adequately documented.

Question Mark( Polygonia interrogationis) Continues to be uncommon. Found from May 16 to September 13. Totals: N = 15; T = 18.

Eastern Comma/Hop Merchant (Polygonia comma) An over-wintering butterfly much more common than the previous species. Found from March 26 to October 12, with a maximum of 17 on Embury Rd on June 21. Totals: N = 32; T = 70.

Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis j-album) A more Northernly species uncommon in our area. This year only sighted in April with a maximum of three at Waterloo Geology Center April 25. Totals: N = 3; T = 5.

Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) A fairly common species throughout the season that overwinters. Found from March 30 to December 10, with a maximum of eight on April 25 at Waterloo Geology Center. Totals: N = 36; T = 74.

Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti) A butterfly whose abundance often varies dramatically from year to year. 1998 was a up year. Found from April 11 to September 26, with a maximum of 20 in Meadowview Lane in Chelsea July 12. Unfortunately this site is being developed with housing and in the future will probably not be good for butterflies. Totals: N = 28; T = 86.

American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Normally fairly common. Found from May 3 to October 17, with a maximum of 11 on Petersburg SGA on May 15. Totals; N = 51; T = 85.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Rare southern immigrant not present every year. Three sightings of a total of four butterflies.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Fairly common. Found from April 5 to October 10, with a maximum of 20 on Saline River road Monroe county on May 14. Totals: N = 51; T = 104.

Red-spotted Purple (Basilarchia arthemis astyanax) A widespread species found generally in low numbers. Found May 19 to September 13 with maximum of five on May 27 at Silver Lake and also Glenbrook road. Totals: N = 44; T = 79.

Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus) A common species near wetlands and rivers with willows. Recorded from May 21 to October 17, with a maximum of 35 at Crosswind Marsh on September 13. Totals: N = 125; T = 431.

Hackberry Butterfly (Asterocampa celtis) Decidedly uncommon again this year. Five butterflies found on three occasions from June 21 to July 12. Totals: N = 3; T = 5.

Tawny Emperor( Asterocampa clyton) An uncommon butterfly found mainly in the western townships of Washtenaw county. Reported from June 21 to July 15, with a maximum of 18 on Embury Rd on the first date. Totals: N = 12; T = 43.

Northern Pearly Eye (Enodia anthedon) Fairly common this year. Found from June 18 to July 25, with a maximum of eight on June 27 at Noggles road. Totals: N = 20; T = 50.

Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice) Fairly common butterfly of open, sunny wetlands. Found from June 1 to 6 August, with a maximum of six at the wet prairie area of the Arb on June 20. Identification problems with next species. Totals: N = 13; T = 30.

Appalachian Eyed Brown (Satyrodes appalachia) Fairly common in 1998. Found from June 20 to August 1, with a maximum of 10 on July 4 at Embury road. Identification problems with preceding species. Totals: N = 17; T = 50.

Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela) Common and widespread, particularly in late Spring and early Summer. Found from May 16 to July 18, with a maximum of 56 at Dhu Varren Woods on May 21. Totals: N = 67; T = 437.

Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) Widespread and especially common in July. Found from June 18 to September 19, with a maximum of 48 at Botanical Gardens on July 5. Totals: N = 77; T = 375.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Common, but numbers down from preceding year. Found from June 8 to October 28, with a maximum of 29 on Petersburg SGA on September 6. Totals: N = 84; T = 255.

Observers:    Martin Bialecki, John Farmer, Mike Kielb, Roger Kuhlman, Chris Rickards, John Swales, Herb Wagner, Roger Wykes

Greater Washtenaw county covers all of Washtenaw county and parts of Western Wayne county, NW and SW Monroe county.
Prominent areas of coverage include the city of Ann Arbor, Waterloo recreation area, Sharon Hollow Nature Conservancy, Crosswinds Marsh (Western Wayne county), and Petersburg State Game Area (Monroe county)

Links to Past Greater Washtenaw county Surveys