Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1123302

Melissa Arctic
Oeneis melissa

Observation date: June 29, 2017
Submitted by: Michael Emenaker
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found on Independence Pass, Co at 13000ft blue sky light wind. Only flew when I walked near.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 28, 2017
Coordinator notes: Your ID is correct. A bit of an early date but apparently where the snow was not too deep and it melted off early. Interesting how these butterflies know where those places are so they can get going when spring and summer comes to the high altitude. Mike
Checklist region(s): Pitkin County, United States, Colorado