Observation date: July 09, 2022
Submitted by: topper72
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Sunny, no clouds, no breeze, temp. in mid 70s F. One individual spotted along the sidewalk briefly nectaring on one of a handful of clusters of yellow flowers in a large field. First thought was Common Checkered, but too dark over all. Next thought was P. xanthus, but last year they were not this late and were at higher elevation. Then the light buff area on the shoulders of the FW jumped out at me. Ah, the descriptors in Glassberg for P. scriptura dorsal are there- buffy area at shoulders=check, reduced spots on HW=check, dark vein ends on HW margin don't reach the edge=check. A new species for this observer. Spent the next hour trying to find it again hoping for a ventral shot, but to no avail. Only 2 other butterflies observed (Reakirt's Blue).
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: July 13, 2022
Coordinator notes: this is indeed Small C-S, and a new species for Los Alamos County! terrific!
