Observation of the week – July 27 to August 2, 2019

User @volunteerles brings us this week’s OOTW – a lovely Banded Hairstreak: https://inaturalist.ca/observations/29645188

Banded Hairstreaks can be hard to see or catch when they’re in flight, as they zig and zag all over the place. But when they’re stopped to feed – especially on milkweed, a favourite nectar plant – they’re easier to get a good look at. That’s how Leslie (aka @volunteerles) happened to see this individual:

“My first banded hairstreak species sighting was made in the meadow on the Todd Barnes Side Trail of the Bruce Trail, near Limehouse. Just an iPhone was used for the photo, as this butterfly was kind enough to stay still, feeding on the milkweed flower for me.”

Like other hairstreaks, adult Banded Hairstreaks seem to spend most of their time up in forest canopies, coming down only one or two times per day to feed. For every hairstreak butterfly that you see at ground level, it is likely that there are many more around up high above your head.

Regarding the location of her sighting, Leslie would like to share that “This meadow is stewarded by the amazing work of the Toronto Bruce Trail Club Biodiversity Team. They have planted native plants to feed and host butterflies and other insects”. And if you feel like staying still, “There are even benches and chairs to stop and let the butterflies come to you.“

If you’re interested in learning more about the Toronto Bruce Trail Club and their Biodiversity Team, you can check out their website here: http://www.torontobrucetrailclub.org/SecureandConserve/TorontoBruceTrailClub.

And did you know that the Bruce Trail Conservancy also has an iNaturalist project? If you are ever out making observations along the trail, consider joining the project and adding to their work. https://inaturalist.ca/projects/the-bruce-trail-conservancy-flora-fungi-and-birds

Posted on August 6, 2019 12:34 PM by lltimms lltimms

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