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Chryxus Arctic
Oeneis chryxus (Doubleday, [1849])
Attributes of Oeneis chryxusFamily: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: Satyrs and Wood-Nymphs (Satyrinae) Identification: Upperside is cream to brownish-orange. Forewing has 1-4 small black eyespots near the outer margin; hindwing has 1-2. Male forewing has a dark patch of sex scales. Underside of hindwing has black and white striations, a wide dark median band, veins with white scales, and only 1 black spot near the lower inner margin of the wing. Life history: Caterpillars require 2 years to complete development; hibernating as young caterpillars the first winter, and as mature ones the second winter. Flight: One brood from late May-early June every year; may be biennial because it is more numerous in even-numbered years in the Great Lakes region. Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 1/8 inches (4.5 - 5.4 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Poverty oat-grass (Danthonia spicata). Adult food: Flower nectar. Habitat: Open grassy, rocky, and woodland areas; meadows; alpine tundra. Range: Southern Alaska and Yukon Territory south through the western mountains to New Mexico; east across Canada to Manitoba. Isolated population in eastern Canada, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Oeneis chryxus
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