Observation date: August 05, 2021
Submitted by: DeepSkyKelly
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I am curious to know whether this is a Common Sootywing or a Mexican Sootywing. I was able to get shots of both the upper side and lower side of the wings. There was a very striking iridescence on the upper forewings, and a slight bluish cast to the upper hindwings. As a bluish sheen is a characteristic of the Mexican Sootywing, I'm guessing that's what it is.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: August 09, 2021
Coordinator notes: all good thoughts, Kelly, and excellent to get dorsal and ventral sides! Unfortunately, the iridescent blue of Mexican is on the underside, especially on the hindwing, which also has bold, blackened veins. the underside of this guy lacks the blackened veins and the blue sheen, so I'm calling it Common Sootywing. Eventually your methods with produce a Mexican Sootywing. In my experience, look for it in the mud by the bridge behind the VC.
