Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1332498

Chryxus Arctic
Oeneis chryxus

Observation date: July 12, 2022
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 19, 2022
Coordinator notes: This is the Chryxus Arctic...actually at your location it is probably the Calais Arctic (but there is no choice for this one in the BAMONA list)...the two look very much the same except, Calais usually darker as this one. Chryxus Arctics are most common below 9000 feet while Calais is found above that altitude to well above timberline. Chryxus flies only in even numbered years at lower altitude while Calais has an every-year flight though the immature stages required two or more years to complete due to the high altitude. Bruce's Arctic is smaller, grayer and flies only above timberline where it is locally found (such as above the top of Loveland Pass). I see you have submitted another "Chryxus"...looks like from basically the same location and date. It is also what I consider to be Calais so that one will be rejected under Chryxus as I think I have explained before. Mike
Checklist region(s): United States, Colorado, Summit County