Phyciodes?

7/12/10, 1:10 pm, Horseshoe Lake, Santa Clara County; spotted an unfamiliar butterfly, larger
than the Mylitta Crescent, which was abundant at the time; first impression was that it was a
checkerspot.One photo on blackberry before subject flew away fast. I followed and saw it settle on
Sonchus sp; got one more shot before it flew away for good. Successive visits to site have produced
no more sightings of this species.

Estimate of relative abundance of other butterflies this year compared to past years, purely based on impression, not field notes:
Hesperiids and Lycaenids -- good numbers this year; lots of Mylitta's.
Nymphalids mostly normal except checkerspots seem a little sparse; plenty of Lorquin's.
No Painted Ladies, very few WC Ladies seen.
Papilionids, not as many Pales as last year, but last year was above average; fewer Anise around S Bay; plenty of Tigers.