Phyciodes cf. mylitta - Phyciodes

Almost Too Good to Be True

to have the two of you take such an interest in this submission; BugGuide's amazing. Thank you.

I'll move to Phyciodes. If you don't think the submission is worth keeping, let me know and I can frass but I think its worth keeping at least for your comments.

… David Moll, 25 March, 2008 - 8:55pm

it's fun

I enjoy looking through the photos on BugGuide, and learn more than I contribute by far. Interestingly, this would be the only photo of the underside posted so farm for P. mylitta. There are several of the upper side though. So, at least for now, I think it's definitely worth keeping it.

… David J. Ferguson, 26 March, 2008 - 10:50am

Phyciodes myllita

is common in that part of the world, but I don't think P. pallida is found that far south. The two are difficult to tell apart, and I doubt it can be done based on a photo of the lower hind wing. Pretty sure it's not P. pulchella, for one thing the antenna clubs are usually dark on that species. P. myllita flies from spring till frost in that part of the world.

… David J. Ferguson, 25 March, 2008 - 2:25pm

mylitta

I agree. I ended up leaning more towards mylitta or ssp mylitta thebais the more I looked into this one, although pallida has been recorded from Yavapai and Coconino counties which keeps that little shadow of uncertainty in my mind. Thanks for the help.

… J.D. Roberts, 25 March, 2008 - 3:51pm

Yes, Phyciodes

I'd say it's possibly a paler than usual Pale Crescent, Phyciodes pallidus, or maybe a slightly worn Field Crescent, Phyciodes pulchella. It's a little more difficult to tell without seeing more of the ventral side of the FW. But the flight time would suggest pulchella over pallidus. I'm not really certain though. It could also be a worn P. mylitta or the subspecies P. mylitta thebais.

I'm not as familiar with western Leps so I hope I haven't just confused you.

… J.D. Roberts, 19 March, 2008 - 6:03pm

Thanks J. D.

We're thinking along the same lines (except I was back in pratensis).... I guess its a little late for P. cocyta.

… David Moll, 21 March, 2008 - 12:56am