Butterflies of Greenbrook and the Palisades
Each year, from early spring through autumn, visitors to Greenbrook can expect to see quite a variety of butterflies. Since 1975, fifty-nine different species have been identified in the sanctuary. From red admiral caterpillars feeding on the leaves of false nettle to Zabulon skippers nectaring on hoary mountain mint to question marks “just passing through” in migration, butterflies can be observed in various activities and life stages.
Certainly not to be missed are the stunning monarchs passing along the Palisades, often in large numbers, on their miraculous fall migration to the high mountains of central Mexico.
Why not stop in at Greenbrook to see these fascinating butterflies. Who knows what you might find? Just last summer a pair of Sachem skippers was observed right in the parking area, it was the first recorded observation of this species at Greenbrook.
This page is generally updated weekly; last updated on May 21, 2010.
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Size: 2 1/8 to 2 ¾ inches Flight period: Can be seen from early April through October. Host plant: Sweet everlasting, Pearl everlasting, pussytoes Comment: A butterfly of open, sunny spaces, fields, waste areas and meadows. Often seen migrating south in the fall. |
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Size: 3 ½ to 6 1/4 inches Flight period: Mid April through late September Host plant: Wild black cherry, Tulip tree Comment:
One of our largest, most stunning butterflies. Often seen flying through
the forest canopy. A butterfly of forests, woodland edges, parks and
gardens. |
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Size: 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inches Flight period: Late May through October Host plant: False foxglove, Toad flax, plantains Comment:
A very rare visitor to the Palisades. A butterfly of open sunny fields,
meadows, swamp edges, roadsides and scrub areas. |
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