common ringlet ~ 09/17/11 ~ Wilder Ranch

common ringlet on coyote brush
Coenonympha tullia california on Baccharis pilularis
Asteraceae

It's not unusual for me to see ringlets, nor is it unusual to see coyote brush. However, it is unusual to see coyote brush literally covered in ringlets. These butterflies were skittish and flew away from me as soon as my camera dinged when I turned it on (it makes me wonder about butterfly sensory of sound). The best I could do is capture 5 butterflies in the last picture, but I would guess there were upwards of 50 butterflies on this single bush. Interesting to note, I kept my eye out for every coyote brush after this encounter, and not a single one had a ringlet on it. Art Shapiro states on his website, "The second brood emerges in May-June, enters reproductive diapause and estivates until September-October, when it reemerges to breed." Yep, you read that right. Perhaps in other places animals reduce their activity during harsh winter months, but here in CA the summer can be equally harsh. I guess it's now the season of love for these nondescript smallish butterflies.

common ringlet ~ 05/02/10 ~ Fort Ord

common ringlet
Coenonympha tullia california

Kissing butterflies, anyone? Like Korean wedding ducks, these are apparently doing well. Glassberg made an odd comment, "As the Supreme Court has said about pornography, it is difficult to define, but you'll recognize it when you see it." Huh? These are extremely common here, in fact I think it's the one butterfly I see the most. They flutter and "hop" within about 2 feet off the ground through the grasses.

I have so many flower pics, that I thought I'd break it up with some butterflies...