Xmas Day Goodies at the NBC, 12/25/25

Merry Christmas.  The National Butterfly Center was officially closed today but Stephanie left the gate open for us hard core papillonistas (That's my new moniker for us butterfly watchers.)  Christmas time averages to about our coldest time of the year in the RGV but sunny and 85F was on tap for today.  Butterflies responded.  My best find was this Northern Faceted Skipper in the ditch on the exact same plumbago where I found one on Nov 29, 26 days ago.  My guess is it's the same bug.

Here's the one from 11/29/25.  It's less worn but that's about the only evidence it's the same indiviual.

Then John Rosford found this scruffy male Chestnut Crescent.  It's been a while since I've seen one.

A huge White Angled Sulphur toyed with us.  I evenutally caught an open winged shot.

Otherwise it was just the same bunch of great butterflies we've been seeing lately.  Like Silver and Pavon emperors.

And Band-celled Sister and Malachites.

Terry and I saw this mid-sized yellow flying floppily.  I yelled "We have to chase that one! " I was hoping for Dina or Salome Yellow.  We chased it a long way and eventually it took a brief rest.  Boisduval's Yellow is pretty uncommon at the NBC.

Mexican Bluewings are hard to come by this winter.

This brightly colored crescent got me thinking about more exotic Anthanassa but it she was cavorting with a male Pale-banded.  So I guess that's what she is.

Well, I guess I should get out and find some more bugs.