Post by trehopr1 on Feb 16, 2020 7:41:31 GMT
Recently, on the other forum a thread was started discussing the wide amount of color variation present in Colias croceus on the Island of Faial in the Azores. A marvelous drawer was shown and the variation was indeed "dramatic". Something which I was not aware of for that species.
However, for quite some years I have been very much aware of the more subtle (and yet still lovely variation) present here in the U.S. species which we know as the Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme). Below, the 2 photo's illustrate some of the color variation amongst albino "form" females and males of the species as well.
This photo at least attempts to convey subtle variation and (color tones) present in albino/white females.
The top specimen is a quite large example of an overall "cream-white" background color with a spray of yellow overlay on HW.
The middle specimen is a very much more bold "whitewash-white" overall...
The bottom specimen offers up a "bluish-white" overall tone with just a "hint" of yellow highlights at trailing edge of FW.
There are of coarse examples which may be more aberrant or with spots of larger size or bolder color but, I am looking more at the overall color tone variation present in this remarkable white form female. I especially focus my efforts on this form whilst "in the field" where possible !
Next, is a small group of males illustrating some very richly colored males as compared with yet others virtually lacking any orange coloration at all ! The common name Orange Sulphur may apply generally but, not all specimens are what they appear.
Here, in this photo I attempt to convey some of the color "gradation" present in this most ubiquitous of Eastern North American sulphurs.
The top 2 specimens show the typical boldly colored "orange-yellow" males present largely in most populations. Size and boldness of the HW spots varies...
The 3rd specimen down shows us a male which is considerably more "yellow" than it is orange.
Finally, the bottom specimen just barely skates by with any "orange" coloration present at all.
Of Note: though I do not have it in the photograph at this time; I do possess a male which I collected 4 or 5 years back which is absolutely a "solid" yellow with no orange present whatsoever !! Simply marvelous and the only version of it that I have ever come across...
The next photo up gives you something of an idea of the depth and richness present in the color of these gaily colored denizens of field expanses.
Though very common (at times) in late summer; late July through end September. This lovely and marvelous species is worth looking into. Fresh examples, are very bold in coloration and even have a "pinkish" pearl essence present on the FW; thus overlaying the orange.
Lastly, in my discussion here I also wish to show size variance present in this species. It is much more evident in C. eurytheme as compared with the smaller and very "light yellow" colored C. philodice (our Common Sulphur). Below, I am only showing males however, females of both color forms can be equally as striking in size difference.
Of Note: the 1st photo of the albino females does show this as well !
This photo shows what a healthy and bountiful food supply can get you ! Nice looking and "enhanced" examples...
These were both caught in the same field. The example on top is the typical sized male. The example below shows a male of extraordinary size = Red Admiral
Yes, even within common species of creatures one only has to look more closely (and collect a series) to notice subtle, wonderful, differences and variations enough to captivate the imagination at every turn !
* I do hope you have enjoyed this evenings topic. I try my very best to present information firsthand of observances I've made of Insects encountered by me in the field. And while, I wish I could be writing more about something "exotic and exciting" like Agrias or Morpho's or something grand like that; I simply don't have the option available to me... So, I tend to write about that which I see and or encounter --- and is local to my region of this planet.
Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere is a good time for collection curation, a good read, and the broadening of one's mind. I hope that articles such as this which are produced by me (and a few others) serve not so much as a "scientific" treatise on the given topic but, more-so as an enjoyable and informative narrative on something that has intrigued me as I wander through this fascinating science which is Entomology.
However, for quite some years I have been very much aware of the more subtle (and yet still lovely variation) present here in the U.S. species which we know as the Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme). Below, the 2 photo's illustrate some of the color variation amongst albino "form" females and males of the species as well.
This photo at least attempts to convey subtle variation and (color tones) present in albino/white females.
The top specimen is a quite large example of an overall "cream-white" background color with a spray of yellow overlay on HW.
The middle specimen is a very much more bold "whitewash-white" overall...
The bottom specimen offers up a "bluish-white" overall tone with just a "hint" of yellow highlights at trailing edge of FW.
There are of coarse examples which may be more aberrant or with spots of larger size or bolder color but, I am looking more at the overall color tone variation present in this remarkable white form female. I especially focus my efforts on this form whilst "in the field" where possible !
Next, is a small group of males illustrating some very richly colored males as compared with yet others virtually lacking any orange coloration at all ! The common name Orange Sulphur may apply generally but, not all specimens are what they appear.
Here, in this photo I attempt to convey some of the color "gradation" present in this most ubiquitous of Eastern North American sulphurs.
The top 2 specimens show the typical boldly colored "orange-yellow" males present largely in most populations. Size and boldness of the HW spots varies...
The 3rd specimen down shows us a male which is considerably more "yellow" than it is orange.
Finally, the bottom specimen just barely skates by with any "orange" coloration present at all.
Of Note: though I do not have it in the photograph at this time; I do possess a male which I collected 4 or 5 years back which is absolutely a "solid" yellow with no orange present whatsoever !! Simply marvelous and the only version of it that I have ever come across...
The next photo up gives you something of an idea of the depth and richness present in the color of these gaily colored denizens of field expanses.
Though very common (at times) in late summer; late July through end September. This lovely and marvelous species is worth looking into. Fresh examples, are very bold in coloration and even have a "pinkish" pearl essence present on the FW; thus overlaying the orange.
Lastly, in my discussion here I also wish to show size variance present in this species. It is much more evident in C. eurytheme as compared with the smaller and very "light yellow" colored C. philodice (our Common Sulphur). Below, I am only showing males however, females of both color forms can be equally as striking in size difference.
Of Note: the 1st photo of the albino females does show this as well !
This photo shows what a healthy and bountiful food supply can get you ! Nice looking and "enhanced" examples...
These were both caught in the same field. The example on top is the typical sized male. The example below shows a male of extraordinary size = Red Admiral
Yes, even within common species of creatures one only has to look more closely (and collect a series) to notice subtle, wonderful, differences and variations enough to captivate the imagination at every turn !
* I do hope you have enjoyed this evenings topic. I try my very best to present information firsthand of observances I've made of Insects encountered by me in the field. And while, I wish I could be writing more about something "exotic and exciting" like Agrias or Morpho's or something grand like that; I simply don't have the option available to me... So, I tend to write about that which I see and or encounter --- and is local to my region of this planet.
Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere is a good time for collection curation, a good read, and the broadening of one's mind. I hope that articles such as this which are produced by me (and a few others) serve not so much as a "scientific" treatise on the given topic but, more-so as an enjoyable and informative narrative on something that has intrigued me as I wander through this fascinating science which is Entomology.