Observation date: July 13, 2021
Submitted by: Rgilson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 26, 2021
Coordinator notes: This is the Altacordillera Arctic - related to the Chryxus Arctic as so identified but actually represent two species in Colorado. The Chryxus Arctic flies mostly below 10,000 feet and only in even-numbered years. Altacordillera (Oeneis calais altacordillera) flies generally higher and in both even-numbered and odd-numbered years (because the life cycle takes two or three years to complete at high altitude). The BAMONA website only lists chryxus. This will eventually change. If you have interested in knowing more on this, google Papilio (New Series) or go to www.mountainscholar.org and search the same title, #12 (p. 14-28). You can find Oeneis melissa above timberline on the top of rocky ridges, hills-knolls or summits. Mike
