Cedar Creek Natural History Area

Insects of Cedar Creek

Order LEPIDOPTERA

ARGYNNINAE (Fritillaries and Silverspots)
Species routinely encountered at woods edge include the Great-spangled Fritillary, Speyeria cybele (Viola) and the Aphrodite, Speyeria aphrodite (Viola).  The Meadow Fritillary, Clossiana bellona (Viola) and the Silver-bordered Fritillary, Clossiana selene (Viola) are two common species of marshy swales. These species were formerly in the genus Boloria. The Variegated Fritillary, Euptoieta claudia (Viola) is an uncommon? visitant to the Area.

MELITAEINAE (Checkerspots and Crescents)
The Silvery Checkerspot, Charidryas nycteis (Asteraceae) is an uncommon inhabitant of open woods. The Gorgone Checkerspot, Charidryas gorgone, also collected.  Harris' Checkerspot, Charidryas harrisii (Salix)  has been collected near here.  These species were formerly in the genus Chlosyne.  The Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos (Aster), is a common species of open woodland.  The Baltimore, Euphydryas phaeton, is an attractive black and orange species of wetlands.  It breeds on Turtlehead (Chelone glabra).

NYMPHALINAE (Anglewings, Tortoise-shells, Mourning-cloaks)
Of the three species of Commas collected at Cedar Creek, the Hop Merchant, Polygonia comma (Ulmus, Urtica) is the most common. The Gray Comma, Polygonia progne (Ulmus, Ribes) and the Question Mark, Polygonia interrogationis (Ulmus) are less frequently encountered.  These three species overwinter as adults. Compton's Tortoise Shell, Nymphalis vau j-album (Betula, Salix, Populus), the Mourning Cloak, Nymphalis antiopa (Ulmus, Populus), and Milbert's Tortoise Shell, Aglais milberti (Urtica), are three common woodland species that overwinter as adults and are seen the first warm days of spring.  Most commonly encountered in old fields are the American Painted Lady, Vanessa virginiensis (Gnaphalium); and in wetter areas the Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta(Urtica).   The Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui (Circium) and the Buckeye, Junonia coenia (=Precis lavinia) are seen only rarely and I suspect are visitants to the Area.

LIMENITIDINAE (Admirals, Viceroy)
The Viceroy, Basilarchia (=Limenitis) archippus (Populus, Salix) is quite common in wooded swamps and marshy areas as is the White Admiral, Basilarchia arthemis (Betula, Populus, Salix). This species occurs abundantly along Cedar Creek.  The Red Spotted Purple, Basilarchia arthemis-astyanax (Betula, Populus) is seen only rarely and I suspect individuals are visitants to the Area.