Sunday Sensory Walk

Join our park naturalists on this slow, leisurely stroll along the paved Wilkins Greenway Trail, ~.4 miles to reach our pollinator garden, where we'll find our most abundant moth & butterfly species thriving. This program is fully accessible, pet & stroller-friendly, & fun for all ages.

Most Abundant Butterflies at Fort Yargo
Because of the park's diverse host plants (like the Black Cherry and Tulip Trees near the lake), these species consistently have the highest numbers:

• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus): As Georgia’s state butterfly, it is arguably the most visible at the park. You’ll see the yellow males and the two different female forms (yellow or "dark morph" mimic) fluttering near the forest edges.

• Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae): Distinctive for its bright orange wings and shimmering silver "teardrop" spots on the underside. They are incredibly prolific, especially where Passion-vine (Maypop) is growing.

• Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos): These small, orange-and-black patterned butterflies are ubiquitous in the open grassy areas near the Yargo disc golf courses and trails.

• Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus): These are very common around the Black Locust trees in the park. Look for a quick-flying, brownish butterfly with a large, bright white/silver patch on its hindwing.

• Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia): Easily identified by the large "eyespots" on their wings, these are highly abundant in the sun-drenched, disturbed soils and meadow areas of the park.


Most Abundant Moths at Fort Yargo
While many are nocturnal, these are the species that dominate the park's biomass, often seen around the park office lights or during daytime walks:

• Luna Moth (Actias luna): While they only live about a week as adults, they are very successful at Fort Yargo due to the abundance of host trees like Sweetgum and Hickory. You’ll find them mostly in late spring and summer.

• Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma americanum): You’ve definitely seen their "tents" in the Black Cherry trees along the shoreline. The adult moths are plain brown but are extremely numerous in the early summer.

• Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe): Often mistaken for a hummingbird, this moth is active during the day. It is very common around the wildflower patches near the park entrances.

• Carolina Sphinx Moth (Manduca sexta): A large, grayish moth that is common throughout the Georgia Piedmont.

• Eight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata): A striking black moth with white spots that is actually active during the day, often found hovering near wood-line flowers.