Irruption of Tortoise Shell Butterflies
Hastings, and much of Carmel Valley seems awash today in butterflies. Here is an album of photos taken near the Hastings offices. We don't think they are flying in, but are emerging locally from larvae. The caterpillars feed on native shrubs (Ceanothus) and the adults nectar on a wide variety of flowers. The golden orange of the Tortoise shell butterfly (Nymphalis californica) is flashing all over Hastings today. At every bit of moisture (droppings on road, watered lawn areas, etc.) you can find them. Here is a link to a great source on butterflies and moths in North America. Dr. Jerry Powell, author of the Insects of California, reports that the tortoise shell butterfly outbreaks are going on now in Marin Co., with massive defoliation of Ceanothus locally, with most in pupal stage now. Typically they all disperse following such mass emergences. So, this is another one of those ephemeral events in nature. On June 10, 9:00 am at our gate on Carmel Valley Road, Dr. Powell will be leading the 10th annual Hastings Butterfly count and the public are welcome. Call the Hastings office, or see the archived posts on this site for more details.