Yesterday, I let you know the first Baptisia plant had been located. Now the question, does the Frost Elfins have enough Baptisia to sustain them?
So this photo shows that some of the Wild Indigo (Baptisia) dead plants was in the blackberries and shrubs. In fact the plant is known to tumble after it has dries out for the season. Just to be clear, it does not always grow next to shrubby things. Oh and the other question you are probably curious about by now, were there enough plants for the Frosted Elfins? Hence, I plotted all my photos of the plants. The Baptisia covered around 12 acres! Thus the Frosted Elfins should have enough plants if they are here. Fingers crossed! This Variegated Fritillary (Eupitoieta claudia) was out and about!A bluet! However this one is the less common bluet. How can you tell them apart?First, you need a loupe or really sharp eyes! Next look in the throat. The Rose Bluet (Houstonia rosea) has hairs. So the more common bluet in our area is Houstonia pusilla. It does not have the hairs. These annuals will be gone by early April.
To sum it up, we found the host plants for the Frosted Elfins. Furthermore there is a good chance of finding the butterfly at this location. We will keep looking for more Baptisia on the Caddo NG this spring. Tomorrow will be the last post of this visit to the Caddo NG. Furthermore the post will be about something rarely seen!
I did not know about the bluet hairs. I will keep an eye out. Fingers crossed for elfins!
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Happy news about the scope of the Baptisia at that location! Ready for more good news!
Me too!😊