Butterflies of Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreational Area, Monmouth County, New Jersey

DIRECTIONS: Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 117, Route 36. Go east on Route 36 for about 14 miles, and take exit to Sandy Hook just after you cross the bridge.

HABITAT: Over 1,600 acres of coastal peninsula with holly forest, Red Cedar, deciduous woods, fields, and dunes.

BUTTERFLY LIST:

Abbreviations are:
A, abundant, likely to see more than 20 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
C, common, likely to see 4-20 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
U, uncommon, likely to see 0-3 individuals per visit to the right spot at the right time
R, rare, unlikely to see any individuals even at the right spots at the right time
S, stray, vagrant, not seen most years

E, early in month
M, middle of month
L, late in month

Numbers refer to months. For example, the second species, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, is uncommon to common from middle of April through September.

BEST TIME AND SPOTS TO VISIT: Early spring and early fall are best. Most productive areas include the dune trail by the Visitor Center (parking area E), fields around the north end, especially by the parking areas G and K, the ³garden², and the fields around the boy scout camp area (parking area L).

SPECIALTIES: Henry's Elfin, Falcate Orangetip, Juniper Hairstreak, all three hackberry specialists, Sachem, Fiery Skipper and Cloudless Sulphur.

NOTES: Restrooms available. Visitor Center has maps and info. Entrance fee in summer.