In 1995, I reared a natural H. c. gloveri x H. euryalus hybrid or derivative of similar ecorace w/ the adult having coloration reminiscent of a H. kasloensis and larva of comparable size to a female H. gloveri larva but identical to H. c. columbia phenotypic traits - e.g. an enlarged H. c. columbia [with size/dimension contrasted to the nominate larvae of H. c. columbia]. The uniqueness of the larva was as follows: a crown of 6, brick-red, thoracic scoli ringed with black at the base, white yellow-tipped elongated and thick dorsal scoli turned back, all lateral blue white-tipped scoli based with black ring. The larva appeared as a large H. c. columbia. It was discovered feeding on Purshia Tridentata, by a close family friend, and given to me as a child. It was found in the arid hills Southeast of Okanogan, WA. The thoracic scoli was bulbous as per a photo of a larva by Philip Medica and published by Dr. Collins [which shows an H. c. gloveri with all dorsal scoli in deep-red, as a natural introgressant w/ H. euryalus], and likewise feeding on Purshia Tridentata. By comparison of the aforesaid, I would suggest that Antelope Bitterbrush induces the expression of the size and dimensions of crown and lateral thoracic scoli in these larvae, as the scoli seem to resemble the nodular plant stem structures, particularly accentuated here.

My postulation is that North Idaho, as well as Northeastern to Northcentral WA, may have isolates of H. c. columbia x H. c. gloveri strains [as those in Montana] and some influence from populations west to east by H. euryalus. We know that it is possible that the hybrid isolates may be self-sustaining, and enigmatic - per discussions with W. Reynolds. In the former, I would strongly suggest that this would dictate this larva as bearing strong H. c. columbia coloration traits with H. c. gloveri larval dimensions and size of scoli. The resultant adult, in my opinion, may have kaslo phenotypic expressions, and these could be contrasted to the collection of specimens taken by Patrick White and published here by W. Reynolds, or likewise compared to pure H. kasloensis, as the PM coloration is typical H. euryalus.

The resultant female silkmoth perplexed me, when it emerged in March 1996, and at that time I referred to it as a "Glover's Silkmoth." This photo is proof to us of the complexity and enigmatic mystery of blend zones and natural hybrid introgression in Northcentral Washington, and a study which still fascinates me.