Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1345154

Chryxus Arctic
Oeneis chryxus

Observation date: July 07, 2016
Submitted by: Cheri Phillips
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: October 03, 2022
Coordinator notes: Your suggested ID is technically correct for current taxonomy but the high altitude population of these arctics represent a separate species (Oeneis calais) which is not fully accepted by the powers that be...similar but different in several characters and mate location behavior. The Chryxus Arctic flies in even years (as your sighting here) but at altitudes generally below 10,000 ft. (Guanelia Pass summit is 11,600+ feet). The Calais Arctics (O. calais) fly in both even and odd numbered years. Mike
Checklist region(s): United States, Colorado, Clear Creek County