What's Flying? - March

Despite the ridiculously cold temperatures predicted for this weekend, this has been another very mild winter, and butterfly numbers have remained high. The variety of species we see depends not only on warm temperatures but also the availability of host plants, and as spring brings a wider variety of plants to the gardens, more butterflies are sure to follow. Here's what we're seeing in Tampa this month:

5 Most Common:

• Gulf Fritillary
• Zebra Longwing
• Long Tailed Skipper
• Cloudless Sulphur
• Monarch

Other Sightings:

• Polydamas Swallowtail
• Blues (Cassius and Ceranus)
• Orange Barred Sulphur
• Large Orange Sulphur
• Duskywings
• Barred Yellow
• Giant Swallowtail
• Common Buckeye
• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
• Spicebush Swallowtail
• Tropical Checkered Skipper
• Red Admiral
• Whites

Notes From the Field:

• With no freezes or even frosts to speak of, the pipevine (Aristolochia) species in our gardens have continued to thrive. This has led to fairly surprising spottings of Polydamas Swallowtails in January and February, and even some larvae found a few weeks ago. This species generally leaves our area for the cooler months, returning in late spring, but this year at least a few butterflies have remained throughout the winter.
• Wooded areas are beginning to be full of Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. This species lays eggs on trees like Wild Cherry and Sweetbay Magnolia, so look for them in areas like parks and forests. Kristen drives home each day along 301 through Hillsborough River State Park, and notes very large numbers of them swooping across the road during her commute.
• According to trackers, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird migration has begun. We'll be watching our Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) for visitors over the next month or two!