Jerry Ball and I have been doing our usual butterfly searches throughout the summer and have noted Giant Swallowtails as early as May through to the present. The earliest was noted at his farm at Base Line and Heritage Line by Robert Difruscia where he was seeing them regularly. I believe that these had overwintered and that they then bred in the area resulting in the present abundance of them. On last Tuesday, July 31, Jerry Ball and I walked the rail trail between Asphodel 2nd and 3rd Lines and counted ten Giant Swallowtails, all fresh. The same day I had one in my yard in Lakefield. Other unusual butterflies seen this summer were a Little Yellow seen by Jerry some time in June (date unknown), two American Snouts on Scriven Rd found by Jerry and also seen by me, many sightings of Common Buckeyes all over the county, a spread of Little Glassywings to many parts of the county, and an increased number of Harvesters (I have seen three myself this season). Also of note Gray Hairstreaks, which are usually one of the hardest hairstreaks to find, have been quite common.
Location: various (see email)
Observer: Tony Bigg and Jerry Ball
