Observation date: June 24, 2012
Submitted by: nlg1976
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I found approximately 75 DEAD Aphrodite Fritillary butterflies in the Virginia Dale area very near the High Park fire currently burning west of Ft.Collins, Co. They were all in a concentrated area that spanned 60-70 feet long, five feet in width. Highway 287 ran parallel and was at least 10 feet away. I believe my findings are a direct affect from the High Park fire and thought it may be useful information concerning this subject. I have visited this exact location numerous times for over 8 years and have never witnessed anything like this. Based on the condition of the majority, I believe that these butterflies have been dead for less than a week. The fire was visible and approximately three football fields away from sighting. Thank You for looking at my submission.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 21, 2012
Coordinator notes: There are several different species of butterflies in your photographs. The one close up of the Fritillary you show is definately the Coronis Fritillary, not the Aphrodite Fritillary. I find this very interesting and would suggest you take individual pictures of those that look different and submit each as individuals for identification. I cannot verify multiple species on a single submission page. You may be quite correct in your assessment of what has happend to these. It could be due to smoke inhalation from the proximity of the fire!
