Observation date: May 26, 2025
Submitted by: jmgesell
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Some individuals showed more typical glaucus characteristics, but some appeared larger (as in this individual), sharing more canadensis characteristics. Is there a name for this seemingly different form yet? I don't believe that pure canadensis is found in PA. This couldn't be called glaucus. Too early for the newly coined solsitius aka "Midsummer Tiger." I read of this new bjorkae species in New England. Could this be an extension of that species (they did discuss NEPA in the original paper). Curious on your thoughts...thanks! -Jeff Gesell
Status: Resident
Verified by: davidwright
Verified date: July 01, 2025
Coordinator notes: Jeff - You correct. This "larger" May specimen is part of the canadensis complex, but not canadensis specifically. I held off getting back to you; I wanted to hear from others who have studied the complex in northern Pennsylvania. I studied them from 1991-2017. Personally I think the spring entity is a distinct species, as is the mid-summer entity. The proper names would be Papilio bjorkae and Papilio soltitius respectively.
