San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association a California 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

HIKES AND NATURE WALKS IN THE SAN GABRIELS Walks on the Wild Side, Fall-Winter, 2008-9 November 5, 2008 West Fork of the San Gabriel River Narrowleaf Milkweed and Associates Section 4. Other insects we saw Propertius duskywing Photo by Graham. Notice the bent clubbed antennae which tell us that this is a skipper, not another type of butterfly nor a moth. Identified as female Propertius Duskywing by the pattern of white dots on the upperside of the forewing. It prefers oak woodlands. Robert Michael Pyle in Butterflies of Cascadia says, " ... the females [are] particularly reminiscent of big brown moths when they fly." Also notice the long black proboscis (between the two antennae) inserted in the flower. More photos: Propertius Duskywing on Goldenaster, Heterotheca sessiliflora, one of the few plants providing nectar at this time of year. Photo by Graham. West Coast Lady. Photo by Graham. Painted Lady. Photo by Graham. Examine the leading edge of the forewing of each butterfly. On the West Coast Lady the second color bar or large spot in from the tip is light orange, while on the Painted Lady it is white. On the Painted Lady the straight clubbed antennae are very easy to see. Moths have no club on their antennae; most moths have simple thread-like antennae, some have feathery (branched) antennae. Skippers have bent clubbed antennae. (Thanks, Bob, for the correction!) Narrowleaf Milkweed and Associates Introduction Section 1. The Plant Asclepias fascicularis, narrowleaf milkweed Section 2. Insects that feed directly on the milkweed plant Section 3. Insects that feed on the insects that feed on the milkweed Section 4. Other insects we saw "I do not seek. I find." -- Pablo Picasso created November 7, 2008 Back to Index Page The mission of the San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association is to provide support for environmental education, interpretive and heritage programs on the Angeles National Forest. For how you can help, please call the USFS Mt Baldy Visitor Center at 909 982 2829. In partnership with USDA Forest Service