Carolina Butterfly Society (CBS) at Southern 8ths
We were honored to host the Carolina Butterfly Society (CBS) on a sweltering Saturday in mid-August for a six-hour butterfly survey at the Southern 8ths Field Station. Eight dedicated members joined us, bringing with them childlike wonder, extensive knowledge of native butterfly species and their host plants, and the stamina of Energizer bunnies!
The morning began with a visit to the prairies, where mid-summer blooms and sunshine kept both the butterflies and our group busy. The prairies were alive with Rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), mud puddles, and even composting horse manure—each attracting its share of attention.
In the afternoon, we explored the cooler shade of the floodplain forest along Thompson Creek, where we added some less common species to our list, bringing the day’s total to an impressive 40 species—double our previous property count!
Highlights of the day included three county records: the Harvester (Feniseca Tarquinius), Appalachian Eyed Brown (Lethe appalachia), and the Intricate Satyr (Hermeuptychia intricata). . These were the first sightings of these species in Chesterfield County. Since the field station straddles the state line, the Intricate Satyr was also recorded as a county record just over the border in Anson County, N.C. The group was particularly thrilled by a late-day, last-second discovery of the Harvester, a rare butterfly with carnivorous caterpillars that feed on specific aphid species.
Harvester; Appalachian Eyed Brown; and Intricate Satyr.
There was considerable interest from the group when they learned that Southern 8ths Field Station is home to giant river cane (Arundinaria gigantea). With this in mind, the group searched for three butterfly species that host specifically on cane. They successfully found two of the three: the Southern Pearly-eye (Lethe portlandia) and the Creole Pearly-eye (Lethe creola).
Over the course of the day, several CBS members were able to add to their personal “Life Lists.” We hope to welcome them back to Southern 8ths to continue adding to the number of known butterfly species on the property and to collaborate on future research and education projects.
