HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — A butterfly species primarily associated with the South was recently spotted on Scott’s Mountain near Merrill Creek Reservoir, according to the reservoir.
The Little Yellow (Eurema lisa) is a nonresident of New Jersey but occasionally appears in the state, Merrill Creek Reservoir said, citing information from the New Jersey Butterfly Club, a chapter of the North American Butterfly Association.
The butterfly is small, measuring about 1.3 inches and considerably smaller than the Clouded Sulphur Butterfly. The male is bright yellow with numerous small, dark spots and a larger pale rusty-pink spot near the tip of the hind wing. Females are lighter yellow and generally have bolder markings.
The species is considered a regular stray in New Jersey, although most reports come from the state’s southern counties. Small, temporary colonies can become established in areas where its host plants are common.
Those plants include Partridge Pea and Wild Sensitive Plant. While Wild Sensitive Plant is not found at Merrill Creek Reservoir, officials said the property has an abundance of Partridge Pea.
Merrill Creek Reservoir began incorporating native Partridge Pea seed into meadow restorations, pollinator gardens and soil stabilization projects three years ago.
The plant supports pollinators and butterfly larvae, adds nitrogen to the soil and provides seeds as winter food for birds. Small glands at the base of its leaves also produce nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, ants, wasps and lady beetles.
Merrill Creek Reservoir said those predatory insects can protect the plant by consuming harmful insect pests. The reservoir also cited a University of Maryland study suggesting Partridge Pea may serve as a trap crop by drawing pests such as stink bugs and the European corn borer away from corn crops.
Partridge Pea also serves as a larval host plant for the Io Moth, Gray Hairstreak, Sleeping Orange Butterfly, Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly and Common Tan Wave Moth.
Anyone who spots a Little Yellow at Merrill Creek Reservoir is asked to report the location and date of the sighting and send any photographs to jparke@merrillcreek.com.
