Observation date: July 03, 2022
Submitted by: jamesvonloh
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: A second bloom of bladderpod mustard flowers along the Bar Canyon Trail of the Organ Mountains attracted this individual to nectar. Bladderpod mustards initially flowered in early-to-mid April, providing nectar for several species and many individual butterflies. Due to sufficient monsoon rainfall in June, a second, more pronounced set of flowers were produced. However, likely due to the prolonged drought, there are few individual butterflies present; on this hike I observed only one dainty sulphur and this southern dogface taking nectar from the flowers. Interestingly, I believe that butterfly species diversity is in the moderate range and increasing almost daily, even though population size numbers are in the sparse range. This afternoon was warm, under full sun, and moderately windy.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: July 13, 2022
Coordinator notes: that's my assessment, too. plants (at least some) seem able respond more quickly to precipitation. butterflies (most) less able. some may be diapausing as eggs or larvae and need more time to develop before showing their colors.
