Lep Activity Here Today ....

[Donald ADAMS]

...at 'Adams Farm', West Bridgewater

 

Got a late start Lepping today, but did get to see ...

 

Cabbage White                         1

Spicebush Swallowtail cats       2( One last instar cat transformation to pre-chrysalis, and one                                                           last instar cat still feeding sleeved on Sasafrass)

 

I have raised this butterfly since the third grade in school, but none ever carrying into October!!

Butterfliies 'pushing the envelope here with a late brood due to our very extended season. Useable Sasafrass still remains here since I created wood-sucker stump shoots earlier in the year by cutting down some advanced trees. These little trees are much more vigorous in our now colder days/nights.

 

In August, small cats suddenly became easier to find, and I came up with 13. I am attributing the 'easier' part here due to what I beleive are NO PARASITES now way out-of-sync with 'normal' butterflies in such a late brood. Also predatory birds now are either gone or paying more attention to easier seeds, fruits and nuts!!??

 

Don Adams

Wish me luck with my last caterpillar 😊