Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti

High-elevation montane coniferous forest in the Sacramento Mountains, specifically areas with Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) and associated vegetation. The subspecies occurs in alpine coniferous forest zones at elevations near 9000 feet, within the Lincoln National Forest in Otero County, New Mexico. Protected food plots have been established to maintain larval host plant availability.

Endemic to the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico, specifically within the Lincoln National Forest in Otero County. The subspecies' range is restricted to this single mountain system.

Larvae feed on specific host plants, likely including Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) and other montane herbaceous vegetation. Adult feeding habits have not been documented in the provided source.

• Quercus gambelii - larval hostGambel oak is a primary larval host plant in the high-elevation habitat zone occupied by this subspecies

Subject of active conservation efforts including the establishment of protected food plots. Currently proposed for federal listing as an endangered species. Access to observation sites is restricted and requires coordination with Forest Service personnel; the authors of the source material were required to promise not to collect specimens before being granted access to view the protected food plots.

• Euphydryas aniciaThe nominate species; cloudcrofti was historically treated as part of this broader species but is now recognized as a distinct subspecies endemic to the Sacramento Mountains based on geographic isolation and habitat specificity

• endemic
• endangered
• conservation
• New Mexico
• Sacramento Mountains
• montane
• Gambel oak
• Lincoln National Forest

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