Lawn “weeds” that have been popular with butterflies so far this spring

The championship trophy goes to: Common Blue Violets. Nectaring visitors have included Henry’s Elfin, West Virginia Whites, Clouded Yellows, Falcate Orangetips, and Duskywings (Juvenal’s, Sleepy, Horace’s). Violets start to bloom early, are abundant, bloom long, and are short enough in stature that the flowers are not impacted by mowing. They also are natives and start to bloom earlier in the open lawn than they do in the adjacent woods, extending their season.

Second place goes to: Dandelions. Visitors have include Duskywings and American Ladies. American Ladies seem to have a strong preference for Dandelions.

Other “weeds” that have been visited by butterflies include Small-Flowered Buttercup (Falcate Orangetip), Roundleaf Ragwort (West Virginia White), Mouse-Eared Chickweed (Falcate Orangetip), and Bittercress (Eastern Pine Elfin).

Over the last few days, Ground Ivy and Carpet Bugle have started to bloom and become popular with some butterflies.

All of these same plants have also attracted a wide variety of bees.

Posted on April 18, 2024 12:48 PM by rossberryhill rossberryhill

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

March 29, 2024 12:35 PM EDT

Photos / Sounds

What

Clouded Yellows (Genus Colias)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 13, 2024 11:52 AM EDT

Description

Nectaring on Common Blue Violet

Photos / Sounds

What

Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 13, 2024 02:06 PM EDT

Description

The palps are barely palpable.

Nectaring on Common Blue Violet.

Photos / Sounds

What

Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 13, 2024 01:42 PM EDT

Description

Nectaring in the lawn on Mouse-Eared Chickweed

Photos / Sounds

What

Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 13, 2024 04:19 PM EDT

Description

Nectaring on Common Blue Violets

Photos / Sounds

What

Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 14, 2024 03:06 PM EDT

Description

A female nectaring on Small-Flower Buttercup and Common Blue Violet flowers

Photos / Sounds

What

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 15, 2024 10:00 AM EDT

Photos / Sounds

What

West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)

Observer

rossberryhill

Date

April 15, 2024 05:43 PM EDT

Description

Nectaring on Roundleaf Ragwort and Common Blue Violet flowers

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