The Nature Conservancy: A Rare Find In Delaware

New Milford CT

28 May, 2022

1:30 PM

Description

Press release from The Nature Conservancy: May 22, 2022 The sighting of a Hessels' hairstreak butterfly is the first on a TNC property in 27 years. This spring a Hessels' hairstreak butterfly (Mitoura hesseli) was sighted on a southern Delaware TNC property for the first time in 27 years. The butterfly is very rare on the Delmarva peninsula with decades between confirmed sightings. Dr. Christopher "Kitt" Heckscher of Delaware State University spotted the butterfly as part of his regular biological survey. This tiny green, black and white butterfly has a wingspan of only 1 inch and spends most of its time near the tops of Atlantic white cedar trees, its host plant. "I consider it one of region's most important Lepidoptera conservation targets as the upper Nanticoke is the only known population between New Jersey and southeastern Virginia," said Kitt. The Hessels' hairstreak is on the State of Delaware Endangered Species list. To protect the butterfly TNC will not be disclosing the specific location at which it has been found, but the find is a wonderful example of how vital it is to protect wildlife habitats and open space for rare and endangered species. Miracles do happen sometimes, even if they are 27 years in the making. This press release was produced by The Nature Conservancy. The views expressed here are the author's own.