|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:33:14 GMT
On July 15th I headed up to Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County Colorado to search the "Classic" location for Erebia magdalena. A cohort in Russia is interested in trading with me this fall and asked for this beautiful species.
As expected, E. magdalena were out in good numbers and quite fresh. As collecting this species is quite difficult, and photographing them even harder, I thought I'd post some pictures of the habitat and specimens from my day up in the Colorado high country!
Here are the species I observed or collected this day:
Erebia magdalena
Erebia callias
Erebia epipsodea
Oeneis polixenes
Oeneis melissa
Chlosyne whitneyi
Euphydryas anicia
Speyeria mormonia
Vanessa cardui
Nymphalis milberti
Pieris oleracea
Lycaena cupreus
Plebejus glandon
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:35:34 GMT
Erebia magdalena only lives in rocky talus slopes at and above tree-line in the Rocky Mountains. It is completely black and when fresh, has a purple iridescence. 
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:37:20 GMT
Erebia Magdalena from Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County Colorado 
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:41:48 GMT
Erebia epipsodea is a pretty typical alpine butterfly in Colorado. I find it commonly in aspen forests up to timberline. Loveland Pass has an exceptional aberration lacking the ocelli on the wings. Above: Typical Below: Aberration 
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:43:07 GMT
Erebia callias is a common butterfly found all over the summit of Loveland Pass. 
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:45:11 GMT
Butterflies are amazing, this is the habitat for Oeneis polixenes. One only locates this species on the tops of slopes above timberline. It blends into its environment so well, most people never see them. Even though this is right next to rocky talus slopes where Erebia magdalena is found, they seldom stray into each others habitat.  |
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:46:23 GMT
Oeneis polixenes, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Colorado 
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:48:11 GMT
If you reach the hilltops you can collect the Anicia Checkerspot as well as other hilltopers such as Euchloe species. They mate-locate on hilltops and are rarely seen on the tundra anywhere else.  |
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:49:19 GMT
Euphydryas anicia, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County Colorado  |
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 1:51:02 GMT
My car, front row, far left. That's how high up I was to find Oeneis polixenes!  |
|
|
|
Post by Paul K on Aug 3, 2017 2:26:28 GMT
Wow! I would love to collect there, I've been few times in Canadian Rockies near Banff and I really enjoy those alpines species.
Paul
|
|
|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Aug 3, 2017 3:39:39 GMT
My, that certainly looks to be some challenging collecting of some niche species! Many people could well be "winded" just getting to such heights. I don't think I would be brave enough to chance collecting a specimen of E. magdalena amongst those rocky talus slopes....
That "rock pile" just looks like an ankle-breaking incident waiting to happen. Maybe worse if you heel over and crash whole body on the pile. In fact, you could very well die there just waiting for help that may not hear a distress call. Always advisable I'm sure to have someone with you.
|
|
|
|
Post by neominois on Aug 3, 2017 4:10:12 GMT
My, that certainly looks to be some challenging collecting of some niche species! Many people could well be "winded" just getting to such heights. I don't think I would be brave enough to chance collecting a specimen of E. magdalena amongst those rocky talus slopes.... That "rock pile" just looks like an ankle-breaking incident waiting to happen. Maybe worse if you heel over and crash whole body on the pile. In fact, you could very well die there just waiting for help that may not hear a distress call. Always advisable I'm sure to have someone with you. You are very correct. Collecting these species can be hazardous. To begin with you are at around 13,000 ft in elevation. The talus slopes are dangerous. The best way to collect is to find an area in the rocks where the butterfly is patrolling and stand there and wait for them to come to you. It is impossible to chase after an individual here. I was there all day and only collected 7. They were common, but hard to get to unless you are part mountain goat. |
|
jhyatt
Aurelian
Posts: 224
Country: U.S.A.
|
Post by jhyatt on Aug 3, 2017 12:40:55 GMT
Another consideration in those elevations is the weather - seems to me that whenever I collect in the mountains above about 10,000' the mornings are clear but the clouds build up around noon and are very often followed by insanely strong thunderstorms. Best to not get too awfully far from the car when noon comes!
Lovely photos, Neominois.
jh
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul K on Aug 3, 2017 14:03:25 GMT
Quick reminder that at this elevation there is 30 to 40% less oxygen in the air which means it is more difficult for lowland person to chase butterflies at this condition.
|
|
