Observation date: June 16, 2024
Submitted by: Cassie M
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Observed this butterfly at the Gunnison Point overlook at the south rim visitor center of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Weather was clear, sunny, warm, light breeze, about 70 degrees.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 04, 2024
Coordinator notes: Newly emerged male of the Leanira Checkerspot...subspecies is flavodorsalis (or alma). We have fulvia in Colorado also...in western Colorado it is only south of the San Juan Mtns. and it is fairly widespread but local throughout southern and eastern Colorado (east of the CD). Genetics evidently separates the two butterflies as distinct species-level taxa. The post basal spots on the hindwing on the individual in your photo are very prominent (more so than average)...fulvia lacks these markings or at best they are only very weakly presented. Mike
