rWp NEWSLETTER

of the WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Volume 21, Number 1 Les Ferge, Editor

March 1994

NEXT MEETING IN MADISON ON APRIL 17

An open house will be held in Madison on Sunday, April 17 beginning at 1:30 PM at the
home of Tom and Nina Rocheleau, 3100 Buena Vista. The Rocheleau's home is
located on the east side of Madison just off S. Fair Oaks Avenue one block north of the
intersection of S. Fair Oaks and Atwood Avenues, indicated on the map appearing on
the last page. This will be an informal get-together, with plenty of time for visiting and an
opportunity to view Tom's collection, which consists largely of Wisconsin Lepidoptera.

1994 W. E. S. OFFICERS

The results of the election of officers at the annual meeting in December are as follows:
President, Gene Drecktrah; Vice-President, Phil Pellitteri; Secretary, Carol Ferge; and
Treasurer, Bob Borth. Our thanks to past president Su Borkin for her leadership these
last two years. Gene is with the Biology Department at UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wl
54901.

DUES REMINDER

A number of members have not yet paid their 1994 dues. Members paid through 1993
are receiving another dues envelope with this Newsletter. Your prompt attention will be
most appreciated. Please note that dues are to be sent directly to the Treasurer, Bob
Borth, 6926 N. Belmont Lane, Fox Point, Wl 53217. To determine your status, please
check the address label on this Newsletter. Appearing after your name will be the year
dues are paid for and your membership category (Individual, Family, Sustaining or
Patron). Also be sure to notify us of any address changes or corrections when you send
in your dues, or notify us at the address below.

1993 W. E. S. PHOTO SALON

Appearing on pages two and three are the winning entries in the Annual Photo Salon
held at last December's meeting. First place went to the Blinded Sphinx, photographed
by Les Ferge. The runners-up included the Swamp Metalmark by Su Borkin, Karner
Blue by Bob Borth, Northern Blue by Hugo Kons Jr, and Hickory Horned Devil by Curt
Matzke. This salon was the best yet , with many striking and colorful entries.

The Newsletter of the Wisconsin Entomological Society is published three times a year, at irregular
intervals. It is provided to encourage and facilitate the exchange of information by the membership, and
to keep the members informed of the activities of the organization. Members are strongly encouraged to
contribute items for inclusion in the Newsletter. Please send all news items, notes, new or interesting
insect records, season summaries, research requests, and report any address changes to the editor:
Les Ferge, 7119 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, Wl 53562.

NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

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NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

Swamp Metalmark - Su Borkin

Northern Blue - Hugo Kons Jr.

1993 WISCONSIN LEPIDOPTERA SEASON SUMMARY

Coordinator: Les Ferge (LF). Contributors: George Balogh (GB), Tom Barina (TB),
Bob Borth (BB), Jim Ebner (JE), Hugo Kons Jr. (HK), Karl and Dorothy Legler (KL), Judi
Maxwell (JM), Jim Parkinson (JP), Tom Rocheleau (TR), Clark Schultz (CS), Ann
Swengel (AS), Scott Swengel (SS), John Wilterding (JW), Andrew Williams (AW).

Cool and very rainy conditions characterized the season, with butterfly numbers found to
be generally below average (CS), to very poor (JE), with butterfly counts indicating
numbers 50% of last year (KL). Seasonal phenology was similar to 1992, with butterflies
generally appearing later than usual (JE, CS). Only a few migratory butterfly species
were recorded, with Eurema lisa and Junonia coenia the only ones seen in any numbers
(KL, HK). In contrast, moth numbers seemed about normal when weather conditions
were reasonable for collecting (LF, HK). Despite the prevalent unfavorable weather
conditions, 1994 was an extraordinary year for new state record moths. Sixteen macro
species were added to the state list, bringing the total to 1143 species. Several migrant
moth species were found, with Magusa orbifera the most widespread, first appearing in
late June, with numerous fresh individuals seen late in the season in many counties (LF,
HK, TR, BB, TB).

New county records are indicated by county names in CAPITAL letters, new state
records by the STATE notation.

BUTTERFLIES : Carterocephalus palaemon, 22-27 Jun, LATE, Winnebago Co (CS). Hesperia comma
laurentina , 10 Aug, Forest Co (TR); 14-15 Aug, Florence Co (HK). H. metea , 22 May, Jackson Co (LF);
1 Jun, Burnett Co (TR); 3 & 10 June, LATE, Marinette Co (HK). Pompeius verna, 1 Aug, Fond du Lac
Co; 4 Aug, Outagamie Co (HK). Zerene cesonia , 1 Jun, Waukesha Co, 1 male (JE). Eurema lisa , 23
Jun & 7 Jul, Waukesha Co (JE); 4 Jul, Jackson Co; 18 Jul, Kenosha Co (HK); 19 Jul, Dane Co, 20

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NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

Jul, Trempealeau Co, 13 Aug, Grant Co (KL). Incisalia irus, 11 May-1 Jun, Jackson Co (AS, TR); 11
May-5 Jun, Wood Co (AS). I. henrici, 22 May, Marinette Co (HK); 1 Jun, Burnett Co (TR). Everes
amyntula, 28 May-1 Jun, Burnett Co, abundant (TR). Hemiargus isofa , 21 Jul, Kenosha Co (HK).
Lycaeides idas nabokovi , Plebejus saepiolus, 28 Jun, Marinette Co (HK). Calephelis mutica, 1 Aug, Fond
du Lac Co (HK). Speyeria aphrodite, 20 Jul, Grant Co, nectaring on Asdepias incarnata (AW). S. idalia,
11 Jul-25 Aug, Green, Iowa Cos (AS). Clossiana eunomia dawsoni, 21 Jun, Bayfield Co, ovipositing on
cranberry (LF); 22 Jun DOUGLAS Co, photo (KL). C. titania grandis, 1 Aug, Douglas Co (TR). Junonia
coenia, 14 Jul-28 Aug, Jackson, Kenosha, Marinette, Outagamie & Walworth Cos (HK). Coenonympha
tullia inornata, 21 Jun, ST CROIX Co, abundant (KL); 10 Jul, FOREST Co (TR).

MOTHS : THYATIRIDAE - Habrosyne gloriosa , 22 Jun, Dane Co (TR). GEOMETRIDAE - Palaecrita
merriccata , 23 Apr, PORTAGE Co, STATE, det GB (HK). Metarranthus angularia, 27 May, Outagamie
Co, det GB (HK). Cydophora nanaria, 17 Aug, WAUKESHA Co, STATE, det GB, (HK). Orthanama
evansi , 11 Aug, WALWORTH Co, STATE, det GB (HK). Acasis vihdata, 28 Jul, Walworth Co, det GB
(HK). EPIPLEMIDAE - Calledapteryx dryopterata , 16 Jun, OUTAGAMIE Co, STATE, det GB (HK).
SPHINGIDAE - Manduca quinquemaculata, 22 Aug, ADAMS Co (JP); 17 Sep, Waukesha Co (BB, TB).
Ceratomia catalpae, 24 Aug, Dane Co (TR); 4 Sep, IOWA Co (JP). Sphinx eremitus, 3 Jul, BURNETT
Co (TR). S. lusdtiosa , 21 Jun, BAYFIELD Co (LF). S. drupiferarum, 21 Jun, BAYFIELD Co, barrens
(LF); 27 Jun, Marinette Co, barrens (BB, HK). Eumorpha achemon, 28 Jun, Dane Co (TR). Deidamia
inscripta, 21 May, PORTAGE Co (HK). Hyles lineata , 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). ARCTIIDAE -
Crambidia casta, 28 Aug, Sauk Co, sand prairie; 11-12 Sep, Manitowoc Co, dunes (LF). Spilosoma
dubia, 27 Jun, Marinette Co (BB). Phragmatobia assimilans, 21 May, OCONTO Co (BB); 21 Jun, LATE,
Bayfield Co (LF). Apantesis nais, 21 Jun, BAYFIELD Co, barrens (LF). A. carfotta, 7 Aug, Sauk Co,
sand prairie (LF). Grammia celia, 29 May, PORTAGE Co (HK). G. phytiira, 25 Jun & 24 Aug, Dane Co
(TR); 28 Jun & 28 Aug, Sauk Co; 13 Aug, Manitowoc Co (LF). G. oithona, 25 Jun & 24 Aug, Dane Co
(TR); 28 Aug, Sauk Co (LF). Pygarctia spraguei, 22 Jun, PORTAGE Co (HK); 26 Jun, Jackson Co (LF).
NOCTUIDAE - Idia scobialis, 7 Aug, SAUK Co, STATE (LF). Macrochilo litophora, 12 Jul, WAUKESHA
Co, in fen, det GB (HK). Ophiuche minualis, 17 Sep, WAUKESHA Co, STATE, det GB (HK).
Tathorhynchus exsiccatus, 19 Jul, WAUKESHA Co, STATE, det GB (HK). Phytometra ernestinana, 13 &
18 Jul, WAUKESHA Co (HK); 28 Aug, Sauk Co (LF). Eudocima materna , 12 Sep, ASHLAND Co,
STATE, one stray or accidental specimen of this tropical species on Outer Is in Lk Superior (M. & J. Van
Stappen via LF). Mods latipes, 12 Sep, MANITOWOC Co (LF); 22 Sep, PORTAGE Co (HK). M. texana,
16 Jul, MANITOWOC Co (LF); 27 Jul, WAUKESHA Co (HK). Catocala subnata , 21 Aug, Trempealeau
Co (JP). C. ludana, 16, 23 & 29 Aug, Outagamie Co (HK). C. abbreviatella, C. whitneyi, 31 Jul, Green
Co (BB, TB); 7 Aug, LATE, Sauk Co (LF). C. amestris, 13 Jul & 10 Aug, Waukesha Co (HK); 15 Jul,
Dane Co (TR); 7 Aug, Sauk Co (LF). Ctenoplusia oxygramma, 12 Sep, MANITOWOC Co (LF); 16 Sep,
PORTAGE Co (HK). Rachiplusia ou, 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). Autographa mappa, 8 & 10 Jul,
FOREST Co (TR). Syngrapha epigaea, 16 Jul, MANITOWOC Co (LF). S. viridisigma, 16 Jul,
MANITOWOC Co (LF); 10 Aug, Forest Co (TR). S. rectangula, 13 Aug, MANITOWOC Co (LF). Oruza
albocostaliata , 4 Jul, JACKSON Co, 2nd state record (HK). Amyna odo, 15 Jul, DANE Co (TR).
Acronicta tritona , 21 Jun, BAYFIELD Co (LF); 27 Jun & 13 Aug, MARINETTE Co (BB, HK). A. quadrata ,
27 Jun, Marinette Co, (BB, HK). A. superans , 18 Jul, WAUKESHA Co. (HK). A. longa, 22 May,
JACKSON Co, STATE (LF). Apamea chstata, 8 Jul, FOREST Co, STATE (TR). A. inordinata, 12 Jun &
15 Jul, MANITOWOC Co, dunes (LF). A. impulsa, 8 & 10 Jul, FOREST Co (TR). A. fateritia , 8 Jul,
FOREST Co (TR). Seficanis cinereola, 20 Sep 1992 . MONROE Co, STATE, det R. W. Poole & E.
Quinter (J. Maxwell via LF); 17 Sep, JACKSON Co (LF). Parastichtis suspecta, 16 Jul, MANITOWOC Co
(LF). Chortodes defecta , 23 Aug, KEWAUNEE Co, STATE (JW). Archanara laeta, 11 Aug,
WALWORTH Co (HK). Macronoctua onusta , 15 Sep, Marathon Co (JP). Papaipema lysimachiae, 12
Sep, MANITOWOC Co (LF). P. speciosissima, 17 Sep, JACKSON Co, 2nd state locality (LF). P.
nepheleptena, 17 Sep, WAUKESHA Co (HK); 25 Sep, 6 Oct, PORTAGE Co (HK). P. appassionata, 21
Sep, Bayfield Co (LF). P. beeriana, 17 Sep, Waukesha Co, 4th state locality (HK). P. unimoda, 19 Sep,
BAYFIELD Co (LF). Hydraecia micacea, 11 Jul, FOREST Co (TR). Fagitana littera, 9 Jul, WAUKESHA
Co (HK). Magusa orbifera, 25 Jun & 24 Aug, Dane Co (TR); 31 Juf, GREEN Co (BB, TB); 7 Aug, SAUK
Co; 11-12 Sep, MANITOWOC Co (LF); 18 Jul-20 Oct, FOREST, KENOSHA, MARINETTE, PORTAGE,
Waukesha, WALWORTH Cos, common at many sites (BB, TB, HK). Chytonix sensilis, 22 Jul, JACKSON
Co (LF); 26 Jul, JEFFERSON Co (HK). Plagiomimicus pityochromus, 10 Aug, WAUKESHA Co (HK).

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NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

Xylena thoracica, 19 & 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). Lithophane amanda, 21-22 May, OCONTO Co (BB,
HK). L. petutca , 19 Sep, L disposita, 18 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). L. oriunda , 24 Oct, PORTAGE Co,
2nd state record (HK). L baileyi, 4 Sep, FOREST Co (TR); 19 & 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). L tepida,
21 Sep, L fagina , 18 & 21 'Sep, L. pexata, 19 Sep, BAYFIELD Co (LF). L thaxteri , 19 Sep, BAYFIELD
Co (LF); 5 & 20 Oct, PORTAGE Co (HK). Xystopeplus rufago, 10 Apr, SAUK Co, oak barrens (LF); 23
Apr & 1 May, PORTAGE Co (HK). Epiglaea apiata, Psectraglaea camosa, 19 & 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co,
barrens (LF). Chaetaglaea sericea, 9 Sep & 20 Oct, PORTAGE Co (HK); 19 & 21 Sep, BAYFIELD Co,
barrens (LF). Hillia iris, 13 Aug, MARINETTE Co (BB); 17 Sep, Waukesha Co (HK); 19 Sep, BAYFIELD
Co (LF). Homohadena badistriga, 13-14 Jul, Waukesha Co (HK); 13 Aug, MANITOWOC Co (LF).
Oncocnemis piffardi , 13 Aug, DOUGLAS Co, STATE (JP). 0. riparia , 15 Jul, MANITOWOC Co, dunes
(LF). Trichodea artesta, 12 Jun & 15 Jul, Manitowoc Co, dunes (LF). Sideridis congermana, 22 May,
JACKSON Co (LF). Melanchra pulverulenta, 21 & 24 Jun, BAYFIELD Co (LF). Lacanobia nevadae, 24
Jun, Bayfield Co (LF). L radix, 23 & 25 Jun, BAYFIELD Co, STATE, (LF); 27 Jun, MARINETTE Co (HK).
Trichordestra rugosa, 21 & 24 Jun, BAYFIELD Co (LF). Anhimella contrahens, 16 Jul, MANITOWOC Co
(LF); 8 & 30 Jul, Outagamie Co (HK). Copabiepharon longipenne, 13 Aug, Manitowoc Co, abundant on
dunes (LF). Euxoa divergens, 27 Jun, Marinette Co (BB). E. quebecensis , 24 June, Bayfield Co, sand
beach (LF). E. aurulenta, 11-12 Jun & 15 Jul, MANITOWOC Co, STATE, common on dunes (LF).
Xestia oblata, 8-9 Jul, FOREST Co (TR); 22 Jul, VILAS Co (JP). Paradiarsia littoralis, 27 Jun, Marinette
Co (HK); 8 Jul, FOREST Co (TR). Protoiampra rufipectus, 13-14 Aug, MARINETTE, FOREST Cos (BB,
HK). Heliothis sp. nr. phfoxiphagus, 7 Aug, Sauk Co (LF). Schinia indiana, 4 & 6 Jun, MONROE Co (J.
Maxwell, LF). S. bina, 23 Jun, Portage Co, on orange and yellow hawkweed flowers (HK). S. fucens, 13
& 26 Jul, WAUKESHA Co; 19-21 Jul KENOSHA Co (HK). S. nundina, 7 Aug, SAUK Co (LF). S.
chrysellus, 13 Sep, PORTAGE Co, STATE, verified by GB (HK).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Would you like to know more about the endangered Karner Blue butterfly while visiting
the beautiful oak savanna at Fort McCoy? I need volunteers to help search for the
larvae of the Karner Blue at 20 small areas where prescribed burns were done last fall
or are planned this spring. Search parties are needed for May 21 and 28 (Saturdays), or
the following Sundays if rained out. Also, if you would like to help during the week
starting May 16, let me know. Please call Judi Maxwell at (608) 255-1789 (Home) or
(608) 262-2593. All calls will be returned.

nm NABA-XERCES FOURTH OF JULY BUTTERFLY COUNT Ann Swemgell

The 20th annual NABA-Xerces Fourth of July Butterfly Count will be held this summer.
These counts provide a fun-filled way for participants to help track the butterfly
populations of North America. Volunteers select a count area with a 15-mile diameter
and conduct a one-day census of all butterflies sighted within that circle. The counts are
usually held in the few weeks before or after the Fourth of July.

The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) organizes the counts and published
the count reports. These reports provide important information about the geographical
distributions and population sizes of the species counted. Comparisons of the results
over the years enable monitoring of changes in butterfly populations and study of the
effects of weather and habitat changes on the different species throughout the continent.
In some years, the butterfly count shows dramatic changes in populations, while other
years indicate little fluctuation in numbers. Either way, butterfly counters are always
curious about what next year’s results will be.

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NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

No matter how much or how little butterfly watching you've done, the results of butterfly
counting can be surprising and interesting. If a count already exists in your area, please
join them for a fascinating day of butterfly counting. One category of participant, garden
watcher, allows you to contribute to the count from the comfort of your own home, if
there is no count in your area, you may start your own if you know how to identify
butterflies. Otherwise, inspire a nature center or butterfly club to start one for you!

The 19th annual NABA-Xerces Fourth of July Butterfly Count was held in the summer of
1993. The 211 counts represent a 12% increase from the 189 counts in 1992. Since
1990 the program has grown 70%. The 1993 counts occurred in 40 states and four
Canadian provinces, as well as one state in Mexico and, for the first time, one European
country, Bavaria, Germany. Wisconsin was the state with the most counts (15, same as
1992), followed by New York (14 counts, 10 in 1992). Four counts (Berkeley, California,
Gilpin County and Highline Canal, Colorado and Lower Pearl River,
Louisiana/Mississippi) have been held for all 19 years of the count program. The sum of
people participating in each count was 1,653, although some individuals are tallied more
than once since they participated in two or more counts. This is a 27% increase from
the number of 1992 participants. Two counts tied for the highest species diversity, with
98 species found in 1993 on both the Patagonia and Ramsey Canyon, Arizona counts.
The highest diversity ever recorded on the counts north of Mexico occurred in 1992:
102 species on the Patagonia, Arizona count followed by 101 on the Gilpin County,
Colorado count. By counting 7,023 individuals, the Cumberland, New Jersey count
tallied the most adult butterflies on a single count in 1993.

For more information on the count program, counts in your area, how to conduct a
count, or about NABA, please write to the address below (a self-addressed stamped
business envelope expidites response). Also, the 1993 count report is available, the
price is $4.00 for NABA members and $6.00 for non-members. Please mail your order
(specify year of report) with check or money order in U. S. dollars payable to NABA to:

NABA International Count Co-editor

909 Birch Street

Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

BUTTERFLY SURVEY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Butterfly monitoring is crucial to the conservation of rare species and their habitats. For
the second year. Ann Swengel is leading classroom and field sessions to train
volunteers to survey rare butterflies at Nature Conservancy preserves and state natural
areas. The species to be surveyed this year inhabit prairie and barrens, and include the
Cobweb, Dusted, Ottoe and Leonard's Skippers, Frosted Elfin, Kamer Blue and Regal
Fritillary. Anyone is welcome to come to the free training sessions, which must be
completed to become an official survey participant (exceptions are made for those with
prior butterfly experience). For more information, contact : The Nature Conservancy,
Wisconsin Chapter, 333 W. Mifflin Street, Suite 107, Madison, Wl 53703, or phone
(608) 251-8140.

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NEWSLETTER OF THE WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 21(1): 1994

APOSTLE ISLAND MYSTERY MOTH Les Feirge

An extraordinary moth record was brought to my attention in late September 1993 by
Mike and Julie Van Stappen, of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. In the early
morning hours of September 12 while preparing to do a migratory bird count on Outer
Island, the northeasternmost of Lake Superior's Apostle Islands, they caught the
specimen of Eudocima materna (L.) illustrated in the accompanying photo as it fluttered
around the Coleman lantern in their tent. With a 98 millimeter wingspread (almost 4
inches), this moth is significantly larger than any of the local Catocala species. Its shiny
gray-brown forewings and striking orange and black hindwings signaled its alien origin,
even to observers not well acquainted with moths.

Little information on U. S.
occurrences of this moth
has been published. Brief
mention of the species (as
Ophideres materna) is
made by Holland (1903)
and Kimball (1965). Both
authors state that materna
is a stray from the tropics,
occasionally turning up in
Florida. Given only that
information, its presence
on an island in Lake
Superior is most baffling.
It seems most plausible
that the moth or pupa was a stowaway on a ship that had passed through the tropics,
destined for Duluth-Superior via the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. It likely
escaped from the ship only to become marooned on the nearest island, where cold
temperatures undoubtedly inhibited its activity. Its remarkably good condition would
support the contention that it had not flown far.

It also seems remotely possible that the moth could have flown north, possibly aided by
strong winds or storm systems. Some of its close Catocaline relatives are known to
stray far north of their breeding range. For example, Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch),
Thysania zenobia (Owl Moth) and Alabama argillacea (Cotton Leafworm) have been
recorded a number of times in Wisconsin, and some of these specimens are in
surprisingly good shape for the distance they must have travelled.

LITERATURE CITED

Holland, W. J. (1903). The Moth Book . Doubleday, Page and Company, New York.

Kimball, Charles P. (1965). The Lepidoptera of Florida. Division of Plant Industry,
Florida Dept, of Agriculture.

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WISCONSIN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Les Ferge, Editor
7119 Hubbard Avenue
Middleton, W1 53562

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED