It seems we have population explosion of West Coast Ladies (or possibly Painted Ladies, but I think they’re the West Coast variant) in the South Bay/Peninsula area. Maybe beyond? Has anyone in the City, the East Bay, or beyond seen more of these charming little 2-3 inch brown-and-orage butterflies than usual?
Here in San Jose, it’s not that the Lady Butterflies are taking over. We don’t see huge clouds of orange-and-brown the way the sulphur butterflies swarm along I-5 in August. But I see them daily in groups of 2 or more, when usually Ladies appear solo. This spring they’re fluttering through the intersections of major roads, which is not normal behavior either.
I haven’t been able to find any information online about the West Coast Lady population boom. So what caused it? An abundance of caterpillar food plants? A dearth of predators? Especially good climate conditions for the most recent brood?
I’d love comments on this one, particularly for my entomologically inclined readers!
The San Jose Mercury News had an article about this year’s larger than usual Painted Lady migration–March 31st issue, in the West Valley section.
I saved the article if you want to read it.
By: garagesaler on April 8, 2009
at 6:59 am