"W* QP Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter UPDATE ON THE REGAL FRITILLARY IN WISCONSIN by Ann Swengel he spectacular Regal Fritillary (Speyeria Idalia) was listed in Wisconsin as threatened in 1989 and endangered in 1997. My husband, Scott Swengel, and I have surveyed Regal populations here each year since 1990. We also conducted a com- panion study in five other states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and North Dakota) from 1990 through 1999. In the latter three states, many large Regal populations occurred, allowing us to learn more quickly (or at all) many interesting relationships to habitat character- i s t i c s and that very t o only few in management would be difficult demonstrate with the populations Wisconsin. From our surveys, others' re- ports (published in this newsletter), Informal tips, and the DNR's statewide status survey in 1993 and 1994, the Regal Fritillary was known to exist during the 1990s as a population (multiple individuals seen in the site on multiple dates) at only six sites or clusters of sites: Buena Vista (Portage County), Hogback (Crawford), Mur alt/Oliver* Regal Fritillary (closed position) Photo : Ann Swengel, 6118/92 (Green), Pine Island* (Columbia), Thomson/Bar neveld (Iowa), and Waterfowl Production Area(s)* (St. Croix). Only the three starred areas have records known from before the 1990s, and the three largest known populations today do not have records from before the 1990s. It's all but impossible to piece together the very long-term picture of the Regal's distribution and trend in Wisconsin. If even half the effort in the 1990s to find and publish Regal records had occurred in earlier decades, how many more populations would have been found then? We'll never know. But we can use what we know now to help improve the future outlook for this species in our state. We started surveys at Muralt and Oliver in 1990, as well as at the first tract acquired at the Thomson preserve ("site 1"), where we discovered the first Regal for this area. Unfortunately, another initial research finding was the disappearance of the population at Spring Green. In 1992, we started surveys at Hogback and the later land acquisition at Thomson ("site 2"), after others discovered Regal Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia) Photo: Ann Swengel, 6/J 7(97 populations in these places. We started surveys at Pine Island in 1993 but found no Regals until 1995, when we recorded populations at two sites. In 1997, Scott was determined to search for Regals at Buena Vista. It has the factors most strongly associ- ated with higher Regal numbers in our multi-state study (very large grassland size, presence of wetter and drier grassland types, and unintensive management by light grazing and/or haying, with any burning in small, scattered, and infrequent fires). My ornithologist husband also noticed that sites with larger Regal populations also had better bird-watching, and Buena Vista has an outstanding avian community. Still, I thought he was crazy to expect Regals there, because Regals are prairie butterflies. I should have trusted my own analyses! Poetically, I found the first Regal — a feeling I will treasure for the rest of my life. Apparently, Regals Please see, Regals, Page 2 The Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter 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, and research requests to the editor: Janice Stiefel, 2125 Grove Road, Bailey's Harbor, WI 54202, e-mail: Jstiefel@itol.com NOTE: Please report any address changes to Les Ferge, 7119 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI 53562. e-mail: ferge@chorus.net Wisconsin Entomological Societu Newsletter — March 2001 2001 Dues Notice! collection envelope is x\enclosed with this news- letter, for the convenience of members who haven’t paid their dues for 2001, No envelope is pro- vided if you are paid up for 2001 or beyond. Please check the address label on this newsletter for your current dues status. Send check to our treasurer, Tom Rocheleau, 3100 Buena Vista St., Madison, WI 53704. Also appearing after your name will be your membership category (Individual, Family, Sustaining, or Patron). Be sure to notify us of any address changes when you send in your check or you may notify Les Ferge (address given at the bottom of page 1 ). Regals, from Page 1 define prairie somewhat differently than humans do. Meanwhile, Jim Margenau and his students re-dis- covered Regals in St. Croix County at large but certainly not pristine grasslands. The figure shows the highest survey counts of Regals at each site still supporting a Regal population that we’ve monitored for at least four years. We used the same survey route each year (except we expanded the route at Pine Island when we found Regals there). All surveys occurred with no rain, and either a minimum temperature of 68 °F or a minimum of 20% sun- shine with a minimum temperature of 60 °F. We surveyed sites several times each flight period, but couldn't do weekly surveys at each site (which would ensure hitting near peak numbers) because we had other things to do (like work) and too many sites to check, at least in minimally acceptable weather. So we aimed to survey each site in the main flight period, not specifically peak, since it's hard to know exactly when peak is until after it's passed. But we've mostly come fairly close to peak anyway. For 90% of the populations in the figure (i.e., each site in each year), a survey occurred within seven days before or after the date on which we observed the most Regals anywhere in the state (i.e., our observed peak date). In the other 10%, surveys occurred within 1 1 days before to 15 days after the peak date. Since about 3 weeks (or more) typically pass between first Regal adult and peak week, and then usually about 4-5 (or more) weeks after that to last adult. Numbers are high for a fairly broad period of 1-2 weeks before and after peak week. The most obvious thing about the graph is how tangled and erratic the lines are. Some of this is due to the vagaries of when we got our highest count relative to weather and flight period timing at a given site. But a lot of this looks like the abundance fluctuations discussed so much by the British, from their wide- spread long-term butterfly surveying. The bar graph imbedded amongst the lines for individual sites shows the average number of Regals re- corded at the four sites surveyed each year from 1992 to 2000. Unfortunately, considerable population decline occurred at Muralt, where the entire habitat has been rotationally burned since the 1970s, with about 10-40% burned j : Mean of four sites ( 1992 - 2000 ) : - Hogback Buena 1 Thomsons ■ Muralt - Thomson 1 •Pinel ; ; Page 2 — WES Spring Meeting Milwaukee Public Museum Education Classroom, Ground Floor Sat April 21, 2001 , 1:00 p.u . Please check In at the information desk on the main concourse. Anyone who wishes to visit the collections or borrow material should contact the appropriate curator in advance: Lepldoptera-Carla Penz: email flea@mpm.edu, 414-278-6936; Other Insects-Gary Noonan: email carabid@mpm. edu, 414- 278-2758; Non-insect Inverte- brates-Joan Jass; email jass@mpm.edu, 414-278-2761. The meeting will include an over- view and tour of the Puelicher Butterfly Garden, as well as election of officers. Please forward nominations to Phil Pellitteri: email pellitte® entomology.wisc.edu, 608-262- 6510. * per year during our study period, except for no fires in 1990, 1993, 1998, and 2000. Our highest survey totals occurred in 1990 and 1993, with very low numbers from 1997 to 1999, but an encouraging (If small) increase in 2000. I didn't graph Oliver, where Bob Borth reported a consistent population in this news- letter in 1992, because we found 1-4 individuals on five dates In 1991, 1993, and 1994, and none since ( 1995-2000). This tiny prairie near Muralt was entirely burned in 1989, 1992, 1997, and 2000. I also left out Pine Island (site 2), where we recorded a population in 1995 and 1996 but no Regals in summer 1997-2000, following fires that burned this entire habitat in spring 1997 and again in 1998. A popu- lation still occurs, but is small and precarious, at Pine Island (site 1), which has recently been entirely burned over with partial fires in 1995, 1997, and 1999. Over the years, we have communicated with the owning agencies and managers of these sites, and remain hopeful for wider implementation of the excel- lent Regal management information Please see. Regals, Page 5 Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 2000 PHOTO SALON WINNERS Page 3 Pandoras Sphinx Moth Larva ( Eumorpha pandorus) FIRST PLACE Janice Stiefel, Bailey’s Harbor, WI — Photographed 8/31/00 Found on Wild Grape by Scott Randall in Glenbeulah, WI White-Marked Tussock Larvae (Orgyia leucostigma ) THIRD PLACE Janice Stiefel, Bailey’s Harbor, WI Photographed: 8/9/00; 36 days old Unidentified Cupmoth Larva SECOND PLACE Gene Drecktrah, Oshkosh, WI Photographed: 1980 Montrose, Australia *■ 'C * . I A / , /s' /-• / J Pygmy Snaketail [Ophlogomphus howel ) HONORABLE MENTION Karl Legler, Sauk Ciiy, WI Photographed: 6/00 Burnett Co. Threatened Species In Wisconsin The Herald Moth {Scoliopteryx llbatrix ) HONORABLE MENTION Janice Stiefel, Bailey’s Harbor, WI Photographed: 7/31/00 Door Co. Columbia Silkmoth (Hyalophora Columbia) FOURTH PLACE Janice Stiefel, Photographed: 6/6/00 Door Co. (First time recorded from Door County) Photo Notes: The White-Marked Tussock Moth Larvae were raised from an egg mass that was found In Elkhart Lake, WI 10/20/99. The eggs were thought to be those of the Gypsy Moth. Eggs were over-wintered in a refrigerator, brought out In early June 2000 and hatched on 7/4/00. The four tufts on the left larva are bright yellow, whereas the tufts on the right are bright white. Obviously their coloration is variable, even If they are siblings. The Pandorus Sphinx larva was transported from Glenbeulah (Sheboygan Co.) to Bailey’s Harbor (Door Co.) by WES members, Therese & Scott Randall. They felt It was worth a 3 hr. trip, just to be photographed. The color is a brilliant rust-orange. Note how the small black spiracles (breathing holes) are ringed by cream-colored circles; except for the one at the rear. H Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 Page 4 One Day in May by Anita Carpenter Finally, a sunny day in May coincided with a day off work so I coaxed my husband, Jerry, into making our annual pilgrimage to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Central Wisconsin. I wanted to renew my acquaintance with spring in the central sands region and to see what butterflies were flying. We arrived about 10:30 a.m. While Jerry stayed near the car, I walked along the road. Blue spikes of Wild Lupine were in full bloom, as were the lavender blossoms of the earth-hugging Bird’s-Foot Violet. The easily-overlooked Rock Cress, with its diminutive, four-petaled white flowers, were everywhere. Scattered clumps of Yellow Puccoons punctuated the greening landscape. A little flock of Black-Capped Chickadees flitted and chitted about the oaks. But where were the butterflies? I strolled for half a mile. Not a butterfly, not an insect, was to be found. I thought: “ This is really strange. I've aliuays observed butterflies here. Perhaps we should travel to some other place to try to find some." Then the atmosphere began to take on a weird feeling. The light began to fade. A solar eclipse was underway! I had forgotten all about it. I grabbed two pieces of paper and poked a pinhole in one to let the fading sunlight shine through onto the second sheet so that the image of the moon crossing the sun was visible. I looked around and realized that I didn’t need paper. Thousands upon thousands of identical Images were projected through minute holes In tree leaves onto the road, tree trunks, other leaves, and the car. As the moon cast its darkening shadow upon the earth, the remaining daylight became more eerie and surreal. It was now twilight at noon. One could understand how ancient peoples might think the world was coming to an end. Nothing stirred — not a bird, not a tree leaf, not a whisper of wind. We ate lunch In a strange half-light. After about 1 hours, the moon reached its maximum coverage of the sun and moved off to the right. The Photos ; Anita Carpenter, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, 5/10/94 Persian Duskywing (Erynnts perslus) 90% total solar eclipse was receding and ever so slowly, daylight grew brighter. By now, we de- cided that it was too late to go some- where else. If Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys nlphon) nothing else happened, we had enjoyed the eclipse, scenery and solitude. I walked along the road again. Although daylight seemed back to normal, still nothing moved. Then, as if on cue, nature’s music makers broke the silence. Northern Leopard Frogs croaked, trying to out-duel trilling American Toads. Rose- Breasted Grosbeaks broke into song as did the Robins. Bluebirds bubbled, Yellow Warblers lilted, Baltimore Orioles chortled. Least Flycatchers “che-becked," Downy Wood- peckers chipped. Song Sparrows warbled, and Chickadees “chick-a-dee-dee-deed . ” Song surrounded me. I was listening to dawn’s avian chorus at 1:30 p.m.! I had never heard so much joyous bird sound in the early afternoon before. It lasted about fifteen minutes, then tapered off. A slithering Eastern Garter Snake stirred the dry oak leaves. Instantly, as if the theory of Henry's Elfin ( Callophrys henrlcl) Brown Elfin (Callophrys auyushnus) spontaneous generation was for real, butterflies were everywhere basking on the sandy, dirt road. They were so abundant I didn’t know which one to look at or photograph first. Identifying the tattered American Ladies was easy but, oh, those Duskywings. Several male and female Juvenal Duskywings basked, as did a smaller male Persius Duskywing. A few Spring Azures laterally basked, soaking up the warmth as did three Elfin species. I had seen Eastern Pine Elfins here before, so they weren’t unexpected but today the Brown Elfin was a surprise. And to top that, a short time later, I saw my first and, to date, my only Henry’s Elfin. It was so cooperative it even perched on my index finger and posed for a picture. Several white with green-veined Olympia Marbles nectared on Rock Cress as did one Mustard White. Butterfly activity was intense for about an hour. I was running back and forth on this fifty meter stretch of road, chasing butterflies. I was in heaven. This was glorious. Dragonflies darted about. One landed nearby. I took its picture. Time flew. I did not want to leave the refuge that day. I felt that I had experienced something special. If I hadn’t witnessed it for myself, I Please see, One Day in May. Page 5 Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 Page 5 Coordinator: Leslie A. Ferge ( ComtnibutosTS Cited: RJB Robert J. Borth JAE James A. Ebner CBF Carol B. Ferge LAF Leslie A. Ferge JCP James C. Parkinson TR Tom Rocheleau MS Michael Sabourin JJS Janice J. Stiefel l^SAS Ann & Scott Swengel n sin the previous two years, A\ the 2000 season began early A~ ^following a mild winter, phenologically not as early as 1 998 but earlier than 1999. Ferge documented early records of several species of hibernating Noctuidae ( Eupsilia and Lithophane species) on 25 February in Rock County, found spring emerging Noctuidae and Geometridae in early March in Jackson County, but experienced a slowdown due to cold conditions in May. Summer temperatures were unremarkable, but rainy conditions were prevalent in some areas. The season lasted well into fall, with mild periods allowing moth activity to persist into early November. Sabourin noted a generally mild season in northwestern Wisconsin, but not as humid as the past three years. The Swengels reported a good season for migrants, but not as good as 1999. They reported Junonia coenia In many sites, with the first sighting in Sauk County on 7 May. Euptoieta claudia was seen in Burnett, Crawford, Jackson, Portage and Sauk Counties, from early June through August. Strymon meltnus and Eurema lisa were also reported from several localities, extending into central Wisconsin. Monarchs were seen from 15 May through 1 November, arriving as early as last year but persisting a bit later. A significant number of stray or migrant moth species were collected, including Tetanolita mynesalis, Antlcarsta gemmatalls, Ctenoplusla oxygramma, Magusa orbtfera, Euxoa auxiliaris, Condica sutor and Agrotis subterranea, the latter two being new taken at bait in early November. The arranged systematically by checklist state records records are number, following the Checklist of the Lepidoptera oj America North of Mexico (Hodges et al., 1983). New county records are indicated by county names appearing in CAPITAL letters. Abbreviations used in the data include: CF= County Forest NWR= National Wildlife Refuge SF=State Forest SFA=State Fishery Area SNA = State Natural Area SUMMARY begins on Page 6 One Pay in May, from Page 4 never would have imagined the profound effect a solar eclipse has on nature. The “false night" with its eerie stillness had triggered the “false dawn” with its incredible burst of song and activity. From its quiet, inauspicious beginning to its un- believable conclusion, this one day in May was extraordinary. It has been the most memorable day I’ve spent in the field. But the excitement of “the day of the solar eclipse” was to resurface four years later. Remember the picture of that dragonfly? I was Just beginning to study and Identify dragonflies, so Just by pure seren- dipity, I had taken this one’s picture. I couldn’t identify the Individual and cataloged the slide as “unidentified.” I had no idea that that photograph would eventually become the first recorded documentation for a newly discovered, early-flying dragonfly species in Wisconsin. The species, which was subsequently discovered and identified by Karl Legler, was the Ringed Bog Haunter ( Willtamsonta lintneri). I couldn’t believe my luck. I had been in the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions. What a day! Anita, a WES member, is a pharmacist in Oshkosh, WI. But her real passion is nature. She explores, photographs, writes, and speaks on the subject. For 20 years she has written her “ Badger Tracks ” nature column in the local Audubon chapter newsletter is a regular contributor to Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine — writing on everything from atmospheric optical phenomena to insects. Re gala, from Paae 2 described in the Bureau of Endan- gered Resources’ June 1999 report (PUB-ER-085-99), "The Endangered and Threatened Invertebrates of Wisconsin." The DNR has shown in- creased Interest in developing management protocols appropriate for rare butterflies, which will be good news for butterflies where implemented. Results are hopeful at the larger populations. At Thomson 2, half the site was burned in spring 1992, with steadily decreasing areas burned In 1995 and 1997, and the smallest fire in 1996. While the 1995 fire reduced the never-burned area to about 30% of the habitat, this area (where we record most of the Regals) has not decreased further since. Increased Regal numbers at this site also appear associated with areas of brush clearance, done by dedicated volunteers. Hogback has had a rela- tively large population both when it was private farmland with light cattle grazing and after grazing removal upon becoming a Nature Conser- vancy preserve. Brush cutting but no burning has since occurred (through summer 2000). In recent years, the Nature Conservancy has invested considerable resources in Regal surveys and an evolving approach to habitat management. Most heartening is the widespread distribution and areas of localized abundance of Regals at Buena Vista. Since 1992, only about 5% of this site was burned per year In scattered patches, while about 7% per year was cattle grazed, and lesser amounts subject to haying and brush control. The patterns of Regal numbers relative to site management In our Wisconsin surveys are con- sistent with our studies elsewhere and with the BER report. Ann is vice-president of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) and a member of WES. She and her husband. Scott, enthusiastically survey butterflies and have published a number of scientific papers on their observations. Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 Page 6 2000 SUMMARY MONA No. Species Name BUTTERFLIES County Locality Datel Date 2 Contr. 3954 Erynnis martialis (Scudder, 1869) Burnett Burnett CF & Crex Meadows 25 May 2000 27 Jul 2000 SAS 3954 Erynnis martialis (Scudder, 1869) Burnett Namekagon Barrens 11 Aug 2000 JCP 3958 Erynnis lucilius (Scudder & Burgess, 1870) Grant Cassville 23 Jul 2000 JCP 4006 Oarisma pcwesheik (Parker, 1870) Waukesha Kettle Moraine SF 5 Jul 2000 JAE 4013 Hylephila phyleus (Drury, [1773]) Grant Jamestown Twp. 3 Sep 2000 LAF 4013 Hylephila phyleus (Drury, [1773]) JACKSON Black River SF/Jackson CF 20 Jul 2000 SAS 4013 Hylephila phyleus (Drury, [1773]) Waukesha 5 Sep 2000 19 Oct 2000 JAE 4022 Hesperia ottoe W. H. Edwards, 1866 Crawford Hogback Prairie 4 Jul 2000 SAS 4023 Hesperia leonardus leonardus Harris, 1862 Burnett Namekagon Barrens 11 Aug 2000 JCP 4023 Hesperia leonardus leonardus Harris, 1862 Douglas Solon Springs Barrens SNA 11 Aug 2000 JCP 4023 Hesperia leonardus leonardus Harris, 1862 Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 8 Aug 2000 SAS 4023 Hesperia leonardus leonardus Harris, 1862 Portage Buena Vista Marsh 22 Aug 2000 SAS 4023 Hesperia leonardus leonardus Harris, 1862 Wood Highway X 23 Aug 2000 SAS 4027 Hesperia metea Scudder, 1864 Jackson Bauer Brockway Barrens 2 May 2000 SAS 4042 Polites origenes (Fabricius, 1793) Waukesha Kettle Moraine SF 15 Jul 2000 JAE 4058 Poanes massasoit (Scudder, 1864) COLUMBIA French Creek Wildlife Area 15 Jul 2000 LAF 4064 Poanes viator (W. H. Edwards, 1865) COLUMBIA French Creek Wildlife Area 15 Jul 2000 LAF 4072 Euphyes dion (W. H. Edwards, 1879) Douglas Summit Twp. 2 Aug 2000 LAF 4075 Euphyes conspicua (W. H. Edwards, 1863) COLUMBIA French Creek Wildlife Area 15 Jul 2000 LAF 4075 Euphyes conspicua (W. H. Edwards, 1863) Waukesha Kettle Moraine SF 9 Jul 2000 JAE 4080 Atrytonopsis hianna (Scudder, 1868) Burnett Burnett CF, Crex, Danbury 25 May 2000 SAS 4080 Atrytonopsis hianna (Scudder, 1868) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 15 May 2000 6 Jun 2000 SAS, JCP 4096 Amblyscirtes hegon (Scudder, 1864) Douglas Oakland Twp. 8 Jun 2000 JCP 4184 Eurytkles marceitus (Cramer, 1777) WAUKESHA Okauchee 9 Jun 2000 JAE 4195 Pieris oleracea Harris, 1929 Douglas Summit Twp. 2 Aug 2000 LAF 4195 Pieris oleracea Harris, 1929 Marathon Nome 20 May 2000 LAF 4195 Pieris oleracea Harris, 1929 Waukesha S of Eagle 27 Apr 2000 JAE 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1829) Crawford Prairie du Chien 24 Jul 2000 JCP 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1829) Grant Jamestown Twp. 3 Sep 2000 LAF 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1829) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 18 Jul 2000 SAS 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1829) Portage Buena Vista Marsh 7 Jun 2000 22 Aug 2000 SAS 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1829) Sauk International Crane Foundation 26 Aug 2000 SAS 4237 Eurema lisa (Boisduval & LeConte, 1629) Waukesha Okauchee 11 Jul 2000 JAE 4248 Nathalis iote Boisduval, 1836 Crawford Prairie du Chien 23 Jun 2000 24 Jul 2000 JCP, LAF 4249 Fenisecatarquinius (Fabricius, 1793) CLARK Foster Twp. 7 Aug 2000 LAF 4249 Feniseca tarquinius (Fabricius, 1793) Douglas Summit Twp. 2 Aug 2000 LAF 4249 Feniseca tarquinius (Fabricius, 1793) Jackson Jackson County Forest 7 Aug 2000 LAF 4261 Lycaenadorcas (W. Kirby, 1837) Iron Oma Twp. 3 Jul 2000 LAF 4261 Lycaena dorcas (W. Kirby, 1837) Lincoln Harrison Twp. 1 Jul 2000 LAF 4318 Mitoura grynea (Hubner, [1819]) Grant Cassville 23 Jul 2000 JCP 4318 Mitoura grynea (Hubner, [1819]) WAUKESHA Kettle Moraine SF 3 Jun 2000 JAE 4325 Incisafia irus (Godart, 1824) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 2 May 2000 SAS 4325 Incisalia irus (Godart, 1824) Wood Highway X 26 Apr 2000 23 May 2000 SAS 4326 Incisalia henrici (Grote & Robinson, 1867) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 2 May 2000 SAS 4326 Incisalia henrici (Grote & Robinson, 1867) Wood Highway X 3 May 2000 SAS 4336 Strymon melinus Hubner, [1818] Dane UW-Madison Campus 2 Nov 2000 LAF 4336 Strymon melinus Hubner, [1818] Grant Jamestown Twp. 3 Sep 2000 LAF 4336 Strymon melinus Hubner, [1818] one individual on each date Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 23 May 2000 8 Aug 2000 SAS 4336 Strymon melinus Hubner, [1818] Sauk International Crane Foundation 6 Jul 2000 SAS 4336 Strymon melinus Hubner, [1818] Waukesha Oconomowoc 12 Oct 2000 18 Oct 2000 JAE 4360 Hemiargus isola (Reakirt, 1866) Burnett Burnett County Forest 27 Jul 2000 SAS 4372 Glaucopsyche lygdamus couperi Grt., 1873 Bayfield Moquah Barrens 8 Jun 2000 JCP 4372 Glaucopsyche lygdamus couperi Grt., 1873 Waukesha Kettle Moraine SF 27 Apr 2000 6 May 2000 JAE 4375 Lycaeides melissa samuel is Nabokov, 1944 Adams Lake Arrowhead 22 Jul 2000 JCP 4375 Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov, 1944 earliest date recorded for summer brood in Wl Juneau Necedah NWR 9 Jul 2000 SAS 4375 Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov, 1944 Marquette Observatory Hill SNA 2 Aug 2000 JAE 4375 Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov, 1944 Wood Highway X 16 May 2000 23 Aug 2000 SAS 4376 Plebqus saepiotus (Boisduval, 1852) Bayfield Cornucopia 30 Jun 2000 JCP 4391 Calephelis muticum McAlpine, 1 937 Marquette one individual photographed, not found on 1 7 July Chaffee Creek 2 Aug 2000 SAS 4422 Potygonia satyrus (W. H. Edwards, 1869) Oneida Minocqua Twp. 10 Aug 2000 LAF 4423 Polygonia faunus (W. H. Edwards, 1862) Douglas Oakland Twp. 8 Jun 2000 JCP 4435 Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) Portage Buena Vista Marsh 5 Jul 2000 SAS 4435 Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) Waukesha 24 Aug 2000 30 Sep 2000 JAE 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Adams Big Flats 18 Jun 2000 LAF Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 Page 7 MONA No. Species Name County Locality Datel Date 2 Contr. 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Columbia Pine Island Wildlife Area 23 Jul 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner. [1822] Crawford Prairie du Chien 23 Jun 2000 JCP, LAF 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Grant Jamestown Twp. 3 Sep 2000 LAF 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1 822] Iowa Thomson Prairie 18 Jul 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 13 Jul 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Marathon Wausau 18 Sep 2000 JCP 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Portage Buena Vista Marsh 22 Jun 2000 22 Aug 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Sauk International Crane Foundation 7 May 2000 6 Aug 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] St. Croix W of Roberts 13 Jul 2000 SAS 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] Waukesha 7 Jun 2000 24 Oct 2000 JAE 4440 Junonia coenia Hubner, [1822] WOOD Highway X 19 Jul 2000 SAS 4447 Euptoieta Claudia (Cramer, [1 775]) Burnett Crex Meadows 27 Jul 2000 SAS 4447 Eupto&a claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Crawford Hogback Prairie 4 Jul 2000 SAS 4447 Euptoieta claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Grant Jamestown Twp. 3 Sep 2000 LAF 4447 Euptoieta claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 8 Aug 2000 22 Aug 2000 SAS 4447 Euptoieta claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Portage Buena Vista Marsh 5 Jul 2000 SAS 4447 Euptoieta claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Sauk International Crane Foundation 3 Jun 2000 SAS 4447 Euptoieta claudia (Cramer, [1775]) Waukesha Vernon Marsh 31 Aug 2000 JAE 4452 Speyeria idalia (Drury, [1773]) Columbia Pine Island Wildlife Area 8 Jul 2000 SAS 4452 Speyeria idalia (Drury, [1773]) Crawford Hogback Prairie 27 Jun 2000 18 Jul 2000 SAS 4452 Speyeria idalia (Drury, [1773]) Green Muralt Bluff Prairie 4 Jul 2000 SAS 4452 Speyeria idalia (Drury, [1773]) Iowa Thomson Prairie 4 Jul 2000 SAS 4452 Speyeria idalia (Drury, [1773]) Portage Buena Vista Marsh 28 Jun 2000 SAS 4463 Boloria euncmia dawsoni (B. & McD., 1916) Douglas Oakland Twp. 8 Jun 2000 JCP 4464.1 Boloria seiene atrocostalis (Huard, 1927) Douglas Pioneer Trail Wetland 2 Aug 2000 LAF 4474 Bdoria titania grandis (B. & McD., 1916) Douglas Summit Twp. 2 Aug 2000 LAF on golden rod, yarrow, Joe Pye Weed, fireweed, Spiraea, common milkweed and thistle flowers along edge of bog JCP 4474 Boloria titania grandis (B. & McD., 1916) Douglas Oakland Twp. 10 Aug 2000 4489 Chlosyne gorgone carlota (Reakirt, 1866) Burnett Crex Meadows 27 Jul 2000 SAS 4489 Chios yne gorgone carlota (Reakirt, 1866) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 15 May 2000 SAS 4489 Chlosyne gorgone carlota (Reakirt, 1 866) Jackson Bauer-Brockway Barrens 3 Jun 2000 JCP 4489 Chlosyne gorgone carlota (Reakirt, 1866) Jackson Black River SF/Jackson CF 8 Aug 2000 SAS 4583 Coenonympha tullia inomataW. H. Edw., 1861 Bayfield Cornucopia 30 Jun 2000 JCP 4583 Coenonympha tullia inomata W. H. Edw., 1861 Price Fifield Twp. 3 Jul 2000 LAF 4611 Oeneis jutta ascerta Masters & Sorenson, 1988 Douglas Oakland Twp. 8 Jun 2000 JCP 4611 Oeneis jutta ascerta Masters & Sorenson, 1968 Iron Manitowish 29 May 2000 LAF 4611 Oeneis jutta ascerta Masters & Sorenson, 1988 Lincoln Tomahawk 26 May 2000 LAF 4611 Oeneis jutta ascerta Masters & Sorenson, 1988 Marathon Nome 20 May 2000 LAF MOTHS (Tortricidae) MS 2950 Phaneta kokana (Kearfott, 1907) BURNETT Grantsburg 1 Oct 2000 STATE RECORD (?) 2985 Phaneta in fimbriana carrdidula (Heinrich, 1924) BURNETT T39N, R19W, Sec 23 11 Aug 2000 MS STATE RECORD, eastern range extension 3114 Eucosma landana Kearfott, 1907 BURNETT Crex Meadows 29 Apr 1999 MS misidentified as E. simplex in the 1999 Season Summary 3445 Acleris minuta (Robinson, 1869) Douglas 23 Sep 2000 MS reared from late instar larvae collected 4 Sept, on bog rosemary (Pyralidae) 6041 Coencchroa bipunctella (B. & McD., 1913) BURNETT Grantsburg 25 Jun 2000 MS STATE RECORD, possibly first interior US record of this Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain species (Geometridae) 6256 Archiearis infans (Moschler, 1862) DOOR Bailey's Harbor 2 Apr 2000 LAF 6256 Archiearis infans (Moschler, 1862) Oneida Minocqua Twp. 25 Mar 2000 LAF 6321 Macaria truncataria (Walker, 1862) Marathon Nome 20 May 2000 CBF 6449 Gtena cribrataria (Guenee, 1858) JACKSON Jackson County Forest 3 Jun 2000 LAF 6639 Eufidonia discospilata (Walker, 1862) Marathon Nome 20 May 2000 CBF 6663 Paleacrita merricata Dyar, 1903 Jackson Jackson County Forest 6 Mar 2000 LAF 6663 Paleacrita merricata Dyar, 1903 Trempealeau Perrot State Park 5 Mar 2000 JCP 6704 Erastria coloraria (Fabricius, 1798) Burnett Kohler-Peet, Namekagon Barrens 6 Jul 2000 29 Jul 2000 LAF.RJB 6898 Cingilia catenaria (Drury, 1773) Marathon Norrie 18 Sep 2000 LAF 7136 Cyclophora packardi (Prout, 1936) Jackson Jackson County Forest 3 Jun 2000 LAF 7218 Thera contractata (Packard, 1873) ASHLAND Outer Island 31 Jul 2000 LAF 7329 Anticlea vasiliata Guenee, 1858 DOOR Bailey's Harbor 6 May 2000 JJS 7433 Epirrita autumnata henshawi (Swett, 1917) Marinette Dunbar Barrens 30 Sep 2000 RJB 7560.1 Eupithecia frederickii Knudson, 1985 GRANT Cassville 19 May 1999 TR STATE RECORD, det. G. J. Balogh Wisconsin Entomological Societu Newsletter — March 2001 Page 8 MONA No. Species Name County Locality Datel Date 2 Contr. (Mimallonidae) JCP 7662 Cicinnus melsheimeri (Hams, 1841) Douglas Wascott 7 Jun 2000 (Lasiocampidae) JCP 7685 Heteropacha rileyana Harvey, 1874 Grant Cassville 23 Jul 2000 (Satumiidae) JCP 7709 Sphingicampa bicolor (Harris, 1841) Grant Cassviile 23 Jul 2000 7716 Anisota stigma (Fabricius, 1775) JACKSON Jackson County Forest 9 Jul 1900 LAF 7723 Anisota virginiensis (Drury, 1773) BAYFIELD Moquah Barrens 8 Jun 2000 JCP 7723 Anisota virginiensis (Drury, 1773) Douglas Wascott 7 Jun 2000 JCP 7730 Hemileuca maia (Drury, 1773) complex Jackson Bear Bluff Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 7730 Hemileuca maia (Drury, 1773) complex Monroe Meadow Valley 29 Sep 2000 JCP 7768 Hyalophora Columbia Columbia (S. 1. Smith, 1865) DOOR Bailey's Harbor 8 Jun 2000 JJS (Sphingidae) JCP 7810 Sphinx gordius Cramer, 1780 Jackson Black River Falls 3 Jun 2000 7859 Eumorpha pandorus (Hubner, 1821) RICHLAND Lone Rock 3 Jul 2000 JCP (Notodontidae) JCP 7900 Clostera brucei (Hy. Edwards, 1885) BAYFIELD Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 7926 Notodonta scitipennis Walker, 1862 DOOR Bailey’s Harbor 31 Jul 2000 JJS 7957 Dasylophia anguina (J. E. Smith, 1797) Burnett Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 2 Aug 2000 LAF 8022 Hyparpax aurora (J. E. Smith, 1797) Burnett Namekagon Barens 7 Jun 2000 JCP 8022 Hyparpax aurora (J. E. Smith, 1797) Douglas Dairyland Twp. 7 Jun 2000 JCP (Arctiidae) LAF 8120 Holomelina lamae (Freeman, 1941) IRON Manitowish 3 Jul 2000 8120 Holomelina lamae (Freeman, 1941) LINCOLN Harrison Twp. 1 Jul 2000 LAF 8120 Hoiomelina lamae (Freeman, 1941) Marathon Nome 30 Jun 2000 LAF 8120 Holomelina lamae (Freeman, 1941) PRICE Fifield Twp. 3 Jul 2000 LAF 8146 Ecpantheria scribonia (Stoll, 1790) JACKSON Black River Falls 3 Jun 2000 JCP 8162 Platarctia parthenos (Harris, 1850) Marathon Mud Lake 17 Jun 2000 JCP 8166 Arctia caja americana Harris, 1841 Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 8175.1 Grammia speciosa (Moschler, 1864)- Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 8199 Grammia arge (Drury, 1773) DOOR Bailey's Harbor 5 Aug 2000 JJS 8254 Pygarctia spraguei (Grate, 1875) Jackson Black River Falls 28 Jul 2000 JCP (Noctuidae) LAF 8366 Tetanolita mynesalis (Walker, 1859) Dane Middleton 20 Oct 2000 8366 Tetandita mynesalis (Walker, 1859) ONEIDA Minocqua Twp. 30 Sep 2000 LAF 8413 Mycterophora inexplicata (Walker, 1862) DOUGLAS Oakland Twp. 30 Jul 2000 RJB 8491 Ledaea perditalis (Walker, 1859) Grant Woodman 23 Jun 2000 LAF 8574 Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, 1818 MANITOWOC Two Rivers 1 Nov 2000 LAF two fresh specimens at sugar bait JJS 8587 Panopoda rufimargo (Hubner, 1818) DOOR Bailey's Harbor 27 Jul 2000 8588 Panopoda cameicosta Guenee, 1852 RICHLAND Gotham 3 Jul 2000 JCP 8618 Drasteria graphica atlantica B. & McD , 1918 Ashland Stockton Island 8 Jun 2000 5 Jul 2000 LAF 8776 Catocala coelebs Grate, 1874 ASHLAND Stockton Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 8776 Catocala coelebs Grate, 1874 Door Bailey's Harbor 18 Aug 2000 JJS 8797 Catocala subnata Grote, 1864 Grant Cassville 23 Jul 2000 JCP 8834 Catocala amatrix (Hubner, 1809-13) Door Bailey’s Harbor 7 Sep 2000 JJS 8840 Catocala illecta Walker, 1858 Richland Gotham 3 Jul 2000 JCP 8843 Catocala whitneyi Dodge, 1 874 Burnett Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 11 Aug 2000 JCP 8844 Catocala amestris Strecker, 1874 Grant Cassville 23 Jul 2000 JCP 8865 Catocala praeclara Grate & Robinson, 1866 JACKSON Spaulding Lake 28 Jul 2000 JCP 8872 Catocala clintoni Grate, 1864 BURNETT Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 6 Jul 2000 LAF 8877 Catocala connubialis Guenee, 1852 Waushara Cedar Creek SFA 24 Jul 2000 LAF 8889 Ctenoplusia oxygramma (Geyer, 1832) MARATHON Nome 31 Aug 2000 LAF 8911 Autographa bimaculata (Stephens, 1830) IRON Oma Twp. 10 Aug 2000 LAF 8916 Autographa flagellum (Walker, 1858) IRON Manitowish 3 Jul 2000 LAF 8929 Syngrapha viridisigma (Grote, 1874) ASHLAND Stockton Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 8929 Syngrapha viridisigma (Grote, 1874) Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 9061 Cerma cora Hubner, 1818 BAYFIELD Moquah Barrens 8 Jun 2000 JCP 9169 Bagisara rectifascia (Grote, 1874) Burnett Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 6 Jul 2000 LAF 9214 Acronicta falcula (Grote, 1877) BURNETT Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 2 Aug 2000 LAF 9224 Acronicta quadrata Grote, 1874 Douglas Solon Springs Barrens SNA 7 Jun 2000 JCP 9254 Acronicta afflicta Grote, 1864 Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 9264 Acronicta longa Guenee, 1852 Jackson Black River Falls 3 Jun 2000 JCP 9344 Apamea ptutonia (Grote, 1883) BURNETT Namekagon Barrens 28 Jul 2000 RJB 9369 Apamea inficrta (Walker) ASHLAND Outer Island & Rocky Island 31 Jul 2000 24 Aug 2000 LAF STATE RECORD, verified by M. C. Nielsen LAF 9380 Apamea relicina (Morrison, 1875) ADAMS Big Flats 26 Aug 2000 9380 Apamea relicina (Morrison, 1875) WOOD Saratoga Twp. 26 Aug 2000 LAF 9396 Eremobina claudens (Walker, 1857) IRON Oma Twp. 10 Aug 2000 LAF Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter — March 2001 Page 9 MONA No. Species Name County Locality Datel Date 2 Contr. 9428 Meropleon ambifuscum (Newman, 1948) WOOD Saratoga Twp. 26 Aug 2000 LAF 9430 Seiicanis cinereda J. B. Smith, 1900 Jackson Black River Falls 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9434 Spartiniphaga includens (Walker, 1858) Grant Woodman 23 Jun 2000 LAF 9436 Spartiniphaga panatela (J. B. Smith, 1904) IRON Oma Twp. 3 Jul 2000 LAF 9464 Papaipema cerina (Grote, 1874) CLARK Foster Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9493 Papaipema appassionata (Haney, 1876) ASHLAND Stockton Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 9497 Papaipema necopina (Grote, 1876) CLARK Foster Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9503 Papaipema rigida (Grote, 1877) Clark Foster Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9506 Papaipema sciata Bird, 1908 Clark Foster Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9514 Hydraecia micacea (Esper, 1789) Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 9520 Achatodes zeae (Harris, 1841) BAYFIELD Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 9637 Magusa orbifera (Walker, 1857) CLARK Foster Twp. 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9637 Magusa orbifera (Walker, 1857) Jackson Black River Falls 29 Sep 2000 JCP 9637 Magusa orbifera (Walker, 1857) MARINETTE Dunbar Barrens 29 Sep 2000 RJB 9654 Caradrina meralis (Morrison, 1975) ADAMS Big Flats 26 Aug 2000 LAF 9657 Caradrina multifera (Walker, 1857) Ashland Stockton Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 9657 Caradrina multifera (Walker, 1857) BAYFIELD Raspberry Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 9699 Condica sutor (Guenee, 1852) STATE RECORD, one specimen at sugar bait MANITOWOC Two Rivers 1 Nov 2000 LAF 9886 Lithophane patefacta (Walker, 1858) IRON Oma Twp. 1 Oct 2000 LAF 9886 Lithophane patefacta (Walker, 1858) JACKSON Jackson County Forest 6 Mar 2000 LAF 9888 Lithophane innominata (J. B. Smith, 1893) IRON Oma Twp. 1 Oct 2000 LAF 9891 Lithophane amanda (J. B. Smith, 1900) Door Toft Point SNA 1 Apr 2000 LAF 9892 Lithophane disposita Morrison, 1874 Trempealeau Trempealeau 5 Mar 2000 JCP 9899.1 Lithophane thujae Webster & Thomas, 1999 FOREST Armstrong Creek 30 Sep 2000 RJB 9902 Lithophane baileyi Grote, 1877 IRON Moose Lake Road 1 Oct 2000 LAF 9917 Lithophane fagina Morrison, 1874 DOOR W of Bailey’s Harbor 2 Apr 2000 LAF 9922 Lithophane pexata Grote, 1874 IRON Oma Twp. 1 Oct 2000 . LAF 9925 Lithophane lepida Grote, 1 874 MARINETTE STATE RECORD, one specimen at MV light, det L. A. Ferge Dunbar Barrens 29 Sep 2000 RJB 9939 Eupsilia devia (Grote, 1875) Marinette Dunbar Barrens 30 Sep 2000 RJB 9939 Eupsilia devia (Grote, 1875) TREMPEALEAU Trempealeau 5 Mar 2000 JCP 9944 Metaxaglaea viatica (Grote, 1874) STATE RECORD, one specimen at sugar bait MANITOWOC Two Rivers 5 Nov 2000 LAF 9948 Chaetaglaea cerata Franclemont, 1943 Marinette Dunbar Barrens 30 Sep 2000 RJB 9950 Chaetaglaea sericea (Morrison, 1874) Marinette Dunbar Barrens 29 Sep 2000 RJB 10020 Psaphida thaxteriana (Grote, 1874) Jackson Pray 5 Mar 2000 JCP 10059 Homohadena badistriga (Grote, 1872) Burnett Kohler-Peet Barrens SNA 6 Jul 2000 LAF 10108 Oncocnemis viriditincta J. B. Smith, 1894 ADAMS Big Flats 26 Aug 2000 LAF 10135 Oncocnemis riparia Morrison, 1875 BURNETT Namekagon Barrens 28 Jul 2000 RJB 10266 Sideridis congermana (Morrison, 1874) Douglas Dairyland Twp. 7 Jun 2000 JCP 10266 Sideridis congermana (Morrison, 1874) Jackson Black River Falls 3 Jun 2000 JCP 10294 Melanchra pulverulenta (J. B. Smith, 1888) IRON Manitowish 3 Jul 2000 LAF 10296 Lacanobia nevadae (Grate, 1876) ASHLAND Outer Island 5 Jul 2000 LAF 10296 Lacanobia nevadae (Grote, 1876) Forest Armstrong Creek Bog 30 May 2000 RJB 10302 Trichordestra ragosa (Morrison, 1875) DOUGLAS Wascott & Oakland Twp. 7 Jun 2000 30 Jun 2000 JCP 10302 Trichordestra rugosa (Morrison, 1875) Jackson Jackson County Forest 3 Jun 2000 JCP, LAF 10664 Agrotis subterranea (Fabricius, 1794) STATE RECORD, one specimen at sugar bait MANITOWOC Two Rivers 1 Nov 2000 LAF 10714 Euxoa quebecensis (J. B. Smith, 1900) Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 29 Jun 2000 JCP 10714 Euxoa quebecensis (J. B. Smith, 1900) Bayfield Raspberry Island 5 Jul 2000 LAF 10727 Euxoa pieuritica (Grote, 1876) Ashland Rocky Island 31 Jul 2000 24 Aug 2000 LAF 10730 Euxoa lidia thanatologia (Dyar, 1904) Oneida Sugar Camp 1 Jul 2000 LAF 10731 Euxoa auxiliaris (Grote, 1873) Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 9 Aug 2000 JCP 10731 Euxoa auxiliaris (Grote, 1873) DANE Middleton 19 Oct 2000 LAF 10731 Euxoa auxiliaris (Grate, 1873) GRANT Cassville 23 Jul 2000 JCP 10738 Euxoa mimallonis (Grote, 1873) BAYFIELD Rocky Island 31 Jul 2000 24 Aug 2000 LAF 10831 Euxoa niveilinea (Grote, 1882) WOOD Saratoga Twp. 26 Aug 2000 LAF 10863 Euxoa manrtobana McDunnough, 1925 BURNETT Namekagon Barrens 28 Jul 2000 RJB 10865 Euxoa perpolita (Morrison, 1876) Ashland Stockton Island 24 Aug 2000 LAF 10947 Xestia oblata (Morrison, 1875) Bayfield Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA 29 Jun 2000 JCP 10997 Cerastis fishii (Grate, 1878) VILAS Land O' Lakes Twp. 3 May 2000 JCP 11095 Schinia indiana (J. B. Smith, 1908) Burnett Danbury & Crex Meadows 25 May 2000 SAS 11095 Schinla indiana (J. B. Smith, 1908) not seen 6 June 2000 Jackson Jackson CF & Black River SF 23 May 2000 30 May 2000 SAS 11141 Schinia thoreaui (Grote & Robinson, 1870) WAUSHARA Wedde Creek SFA 24 Jul 2000 LAF 11164 Schinia florida (Guenee, 1852) ASHLAND Stockton & Outer Islands 31 Jul 2000 LAF 11174 Schinia lucens (Morrison, 1875) Green Muralt Prairie & Oliver Prairie 4 Jul 2000 SAS 11174 Schinia lucens (Morrison, 1875) Iowa Thomson Prairie 18 Jul 2000 SAS Wisconsin Entomological Society Address Correction Requested Janice Stiefel , Editor 2125 Grove Rd. Bailey's Harbor, WI 54202 Wisconsin Entomological Societu Newsletter — March 2001 The SECRET of the Color RED by Janice Stiefel When Cortes enter Into Mexico In the year of fifteen nineteen, He noticed something that, heretofore, Had never, ever been seen. It was an exquisite shade of color They called it " brilliant red” TVas used on the soldiers' shields And in their fabric thread. Cortes asked many questions. Searching for their secret dye. Then he discovered bags of powder. Soon after he became a spy. Sending the bags on a boat to Spain Was his eventual and sneaky plan. Ladies would want it for their clothes, As well as each and every man. Catholic Cardinals sought the color, too; For the long robes they wore. Michelangelo used It in paintings Everyone wanted it more and more. V In seventeen hundred, a Dutch scientist Observed with his new microscope That the powdered substance in the bags Contained tiny LEGS— there was hope! Since the dye was always exported From a " secret Mexican farm," It would take some tricky adventurers Using their wily ways and charm. They found fields of large cacti, Called "Prickly Pear" to be exact, Each was covered with tiny insects Like mealybugs, as a matter-of-fact. The Insects were black, red and wingless About the size of a match's head. THEY were the long-sought secret — The marvelous news then spread. Making the dye was quite tedious; Insects had to be captured and dried. Only the females contained the pigment. So the males were tossed aside. Rollers were used by the women. Each bug was actually stone-ground. It took seventy-thousand insect bodies Just to make a single pound. For more than three centuries This tiny insect was in demand, Using it for sausage, medicine and food, Anything red— throughout every land. With eighteen hundred came synthetics To ease the demand a small bit. Today, it's used in make-up and paint, And for photography it has always fit. Thanks to those tiny insects with legs And the Mexican Prickly Pear Our lives are illumined with color — " Brilliant " red for us to use with flair! © 1992 Janice Stiefel / According to the Wisconsin Plant Checklist, there are three species of Prickly Pear Cacti found in Wisconsin, while the tropics play host to many more. The species used for dye purposes was probably the Cochineal Insect Cactus ( Opuntia cochinellifera), which is a native of Mexico, now cultivated in the West Indies and other places, as well.