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Photos © Kim Hosen
Adults, Top and lower left -
Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville, VA; August 2009
Caterpillars, Top - Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville, VA; July 2011 |
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Silvery Checkerspot
Chlosyne nycteis
1 3/8 to 2 inches
(bigger than a Pearl Crescent)
In winter, it's tough times for butterflies. A few survive as adults, tucked away in nooks and crannies. Others overwinter as eggs or chrysalis.
Some, such as the Silvery Checkerspot, are caterpillars hibernating at the base of old flowers waiting for spring... and a good reason for us to also wait for spring before cleaning up the garden.
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