Post by bluemoth on May 21, 2011 14:08:04 GMT -8
Went to a new spot in the Santa Cruz Mountains on 5/20/2011 in California. This is right at the edge of the sand hills area. Dozens of Variable Checkerspots, Euphydryas chalcedona, were there flying. They liked nectauring at a tall flowering plant with pale violet/pink flowers. There could be as many butterflies as 3 on one flower clump. There were plenty of nice near fresh condition butterflies to be found. Some were slightly warn , faded, or had nicked wings. The host plant of this butterfly was near by under an oak tree - Monkey Flower. To get there take rout 9 out of Felton going into the mountains. At the first signal take Glen Arbor road to the right. Then take Hihn road to the right. Then take Clement Road to the left Then take Larita Road to the right. Then take Morningside drive to the left (sign missing). Then at tee with Eleana Drive there is a small sandy field with a few bushes and trees. Park here then walk back to wire fence that was put up ten years ago. Flowering plants that attract butterflies are next to fence. Other side of fence if Fish and Game Preserve set aside to protect 6 endangered species. Used to be a Quarry but was sold to FW. Some residents do cross the fence and walk in the area. Cross fence at your own risk. Local land owner dos not mind if butterflies are caught on his property ( the small field ). In April many Checkerspot larva can be found wondering around the area.