We will host a trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Saturday, June 17, to see what is flying about. A recent trip found many queens and swallowtails around the blooming tenaza trees. Some skippers, sulphurs, blues, and other species were found, as well as some nice dragonflies at the lake.
We will begin our walk at 7:30 AM at the visitor center. It will be getting warm quickly, so we want to head out early and promptly. Knowing our group, we'll probably stop for anything that flies, crawls, slithers, hops, or runs across our path. BTA is always a great place to see birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
We invite anyone who visits BTA that morning to join us -- so we may have some newbies with questions. That's the way most of us began!
Please advised that admission to BTA is $19 for non-members. We will not ask for a donation to CAZBA this time.
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On Saturday July 15th, Marianne Jensen and Laura Miller will be leading a walk at Aspen Corner off Snowbowl Road in Flagstaff. This is always a rewarding place to look for butterflies as you have a few environments including, Aspen stands, meadows and a tank. If you like to photograph other arthropods, there are always lots of interesting species.
*Butterflies: we will look for higher elevation species like Northwestern (Atlantis) Fritillary, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Pine White (pictured), Boisduval's Blue, Melissa Blue, Arachne Checkerspot, Weidemeyer's Admiral, Hoary Comma, Garita Skipperling, Taxiles Skipper, Snow's Skipper...
*Beautiful Day flying Moths: Police Car Moth (*Gnophaela vermiculata*), Ctenucha Moth (Ctenucha virginica), and Red Lichen Moth (Lycomorpha fulgens)
*Interesting Flies: Robber Fly, Orange Tachinid Fly and Yellow-belted Tachinid Fly
Detailed directions on where to meet will be given at time of reservation through Ticketleap: cazba.ticketleap.com/cazba---aspen-corner-fieldtrip/
Wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers. We will not be hiking long distances, but the footing can be poor and we will be at high elevations. As always, bring a wide-brimmed hat, water, and lunch. We are into the start of the monsoon season, so be prepared for this. If the clouds and rain come early, we may have to eat lunch in the car.
A $5 donation per person to benefit CAzBA will be appreciated.
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