“Butterflies our Summer Jewels” 

Summer is not complete without the graceful movement of butterflies across our landscape. The public notoriety of the Monarch (lower right) and its epic journey can’t be denied. Shown are several other butterflies that have interesting behaviors and life histories. The Harvester (left hand large image) is seen here depositing her eggs into a cluster of Alder Wooley Aphids. The Harvester is our only carnivorous butterfly whose larva will hatch and devour the unsuspecting aphids. Adult Harvesters feed on the sweet secretions called “honeydew” of other aphid species. The Silver–bordered Fritillary (top right) is an uncommon inhabitant of our wetland edges while the Silvery Blue (middle right) is a recent immigrant unassociated with global warming arriving from the north and west along our interstate road system which provided its favorite food plant “Vetch” along the sunny corridors.

Dave Small, a lifelong Massachusetts resident, is president of the 280 member Athol Bird and Nature Club and is currently Director of the Millers River Environmental Center in Athol. Dave shares his passion for Birds, Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies, Reptiles and Amphibians through workshops, lectures and field trips around New England.

We appreciate the cooperation of our neighbors: Mount Grace Land Trust, Northfield Bird Club, Northfield Mountain Recreation Center, Ware River Nature Club, Hampshire Bird Club for sharing their events with our members

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