Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1302468

Colorado Alpine
Erebia callias

Observation date: July 21, 2021
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This is a truly terrible photo, and may not be i.d.-able, but all of these butterflies of this species were constantly flying around and never landed on a flower and only on a few occasions (including this one) did one actually land, but on the ground. And it didn't stay long. I am inclined to rule out the Colorado Alpine just because in flight they looked very dark/black, and the Colorado Alpine looks too slaty-gray on the underwing to be so black-looking in flight. These were only at/above treeline.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: August 31, 2021
Coordinator notes: Although the Common Alpine can be found at and above timberline also, your observation about the underside being too gray for that alpine is correct. Other common names that have been used are Mead's Alpine (T.L. Mead was first to find this butterfly in 1871) and the Relic Gray Alpine. Mike
Checklist region(s): United States, Colorado, Clear Creek County