Observation date: July 21, 2021
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Almost above treeline in sunny alpine meadow/mountainside, so around 11,500-11,800 ft. I was struck by what seemed to be a rather distinctive bold white diamond shape on the underside of the lower wing, and a few bolder white bars on part of the upper wing which I honestly didn't see in any of the skipper photos I browsed. Morrison's seemed close but I'm very likely wrong. Note these pictures are all of the same individual.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: August 29, 2021
Coordinator notes: This is a female Western Branded Skipper (at high altitude the subspecies is either colorado or sublima pending a name ruling petition). Morrison's skipper is found the lower Front Range of eastern Colorado in May-June but little observed. It is usually one of the rarer skippers found in the state. The South Platte Canyon District around Deckers is a classic place to look for this skipper around Memorial Day. Instead of the "C" shape on the underside of the hindwing like colorado, Morrison's has a distinctly bold straight white streak on that wing disc. Mike
