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Come See The Butterflies At Cavalier WMA

Monarchs, viceroy, common buckeye, comma, clouded sulphur, black swallowtail, giant swallowtail, Eastern tiger swallowtail, red-spotted purple, and more!

Comma butterfly on a plant

Comma butterfly.

Giant swallowtail butterfly on milkweed

Giant swallowtail butterfly.

Anytime between mid-June and the end of July is a great time to visit the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to see dozens of species of butterflies.

Swallowtail butterflies puddling on a gravel road.

Swallowtail butterflies puddling on a gravel road.

Clouded sulphur butterfly collecting minerals from the dirt

Clouded sulphur butterfly collecting minerals.

In addition to checking flowers along the roadside, there can be larger numbers found in the road, especially where it’s sandy. These butterflies are “puddling” or obtaining mineral nutrients from the soil.

Learn More:

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Looking to explore a DWR Wildlife Management Area or lake? Considering getting a Restore the Wild membership!

DWR invites you to join us in our mission to ensure wildlife has healthy places to live and thrive.

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The Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase Issue is here!
  • June 19, 2019