Observation date: May 31, 2025
Submitted by: DeepSkyKelly
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It took me a while, but I think I'm convinced this is Boisduval's. However, I want to point out the additional cell spot toward the base of the ventral forewing that is absent in Boisduval's, but present in Arctic Blues and at first had me thinking it could be a stray Arctic. A defining characteristic that leans to Boisduval's is the ventral hindwing post-median spots being separated from the sub-median spots, so the extra forewing spot could fall within a range of variation, maybe a characteristic of our Raton-Mesa population, but I still find it surprising and noteworthy. I'm including a range of photographs (including one very out-of-focus that still manages to be helpful) that I believe cover the range of characteristics.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: May 31, 2025
Coordinator notes: I agree with your analysis. Its persistent perch on the lupine (host for Boisduval's, but not arctic) also is telling. there were 3 of these in the CAVO collection, so it is nice to see it is still there!
