July 11-12, 2008 Trip

Greene County Tennessee July 11, 2008. I arrived around 4 o’clock in the afternoon under sunny skies and temperatures in the 80’s. This was about 2 ½ week later than 2007, the Butterfly Weed that had been so common and in full bloom last year was hardly present at all, what few Milkweed were past their peak and just not much in the way of flowers of any kind. Only two Diana were observed and neither was in the best of shape.

Male Diana July 11, 2008, Greene County, Tennessee

From here I drove to Rich Mountain, Madison County, North Carolina. The only butterfly seen on Rich Mountain was a female Diana resting in the middle of the road about 1 ½ mile from the starting point. Other than chips out of the front wing tips quite a perfect specimen, I took several pictures before being able to pick her up. After close examination she was released and flew back into the forest. All mountain roads were loaded with Rhododendrons in full bloom. After leaving here I visited Mill Ridge where I saw only one lone male.


Female Diana resting on Rich Mountain, Madison County, North Carolina, July 11, 2008


Milkweed patch atop Mill Ridge, Madison County, North Carolina

Then on to Hammon Den Road on July 12th but that was a wash out as well as Curtis Creek Road, just no flowers for nectar. The mountain was great from the higher elevations on Curtis Creek.

Higher Elevation on Curtis Creek Road, July 12, 2008


Harry Dale King
July 11-12, 2008