Photo: Meadowood Recreation Area, Rusty Moran
During the pandemic we’ve had to cancel our regular wildlife surveys but some long-time participants are going out individually on an ad hoc basis to continue collecting data. Judy Gallagher is one of those folks who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species. Here are two observations from her recent survey.
Peck's Skipper is nectaring on Common Milkweed at West Meadowood in southern Fairfax County. Many butterfly caterpillars require a specific plant for food. Peck's Skipper caterpillars feed on native grasses such as Little Bluestem, but have also adapted to feed on Kentucky Bluegrass, a non-native species. They are therefore relatively abundant as they can use lawns, power-line cuts and other disturbed areas as habitat.
Peck’s Skipper, Judy Gallagher
This immature Northern Walkingstick is about 1 1/2 inches long, but will grow to be at least 3 inches long. The mature insect is brown and looks like a twig. Although they are insects, they don't have wings. They eat the leaves of deciduous trees such as Oaks, American Hazel and Black Locust.
Northern Walkingstick, Judy Gallagher