From the Earth to the Sky

  Baltimore Checkerspot Euphydras phaeton Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis Summer Azure Celastrina neglecta Appalachian Brown Lethe appalachia Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa Monarch Danaus plexippus Black Swallowtail Papillo polyxenes Common Wood Nymph Cercyonis pegala Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papillo glaucus Common Checkered skipper Burnsius communis Red Spotted Purple Limentis arthemis puddling Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Summer 2026 has been a pretty mediocre summer for insects in my experience.  The extreme heat, rain and poor air quality due to forest fires up north have added to the mix.  This time of year I love to get out in the heat and humidity to check out the butterflies and dragonflies as well as damselflies when I can.  I am continuing to do an ebird checklist daily, though I often refer to them as 'bugcrawls"  I participate in a few NABA butterfly counts per year, Pinery PP, Rondeau PP, Sydenham Nature r...