Observation date: September 16, 2022
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I don't feel super confident with commas. To my eyes this doesn't seem to match the Green Comma, as it doesn't have a very distinct dark border. However, it has some resemblance to Satyr, but I'm assuming it's not light enough for Satyr so is probably the Hoary/Zephyr. I see Zephyr is now listed in Bamona as its own species rather than a subspecies of Hoary; if I see any 'Hoary' in CO going forward does that mean it's automatically the Zephyr?
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: October 15, 2022
Coordinator notes: Your final deduction is correct...a Hoary. There is some argument for making the Zephyr a separate species but it is best considered the western subspecies of the Hoary (Polygonia gracilis zephyrus). I think genetics has confirmed this to be true. Mike
