I saw this Little Wood Satyr butterfly at Fort Hill on Cape Cod. I had never seen one before. It was right off the trail leading out to Cutting Rock.
The Little Wood Satyr is light brown in color with two yellow-rimmed black eyespots on both sides of its forewings. The hindwing has two spots. The Little Wood Satyr prefers habitat that is open, contains deciduous trees along with marshy areas.
Have you ever seen a Little Wood Satyr?
The Climbing Nightshade wildflowers, also known as Bittersweet Nightshade, are just beautiful at Fort Hill in Eastham on Cape Cod. You can see them on the trail near the Cutting Rock or on the trail leading up to the overlook parking lot.
Climbing Nightshade wildflowers are a climbing vine with purple shooting star-shaped flowers of about 1/2″ which grow in clusters at the ends of long stems. Their petals are swept back from a yellow central “beak.”
One of my friends just commented that these plants are extremely toxic. I did some research on the internet and learned:
“The foliage is toxic to many people and should be handled with care. The fruit is said to also be toxic, particularly to children.”
Be careful and not touch this wildflower!
Thanks, Mike, for the “heads up!”
I almost missed this little American Copper butterfly at Fort Hill on Cape Cod. He was pretty camouflaged until he opened his wings for a second and I saw the beautiful orange color and black spots.
American Copper butterflies are small, only about 1″ with orange forewings and about 8 black dots and a black outer edge. When their wings are closed up, they look light grey with fine black dots and blend in very nicely .
Have you ever seen an American Copper butterfly?
The American Copper is one of Massachusetts more common butterflies. During the height of its flight periods it can be found in almost all areas of the state.
I chased this little Common Wood Nymph butterfly around at Fort Hill before he alighted on a leaf and I could take a photograph. I had not seen one here on Cape Cod before.
Common Wood Nymphs are dark brown with a prominent yellow patch on their forewings and 2 black eyespots above and below.
Very pretty little butterfly, don’t you think?
Part of the Red Maple Swamp Trail at Fort Hill in Eastham on Cape Cod has been closed for years, needing many repairs. Well, the repairs to that part are completed and the whole trail is open again!
Next time you are on Cape Cod, put it on your list of To-Do’s. It is so much fun for the whole family!
