Erebia pawloskii
Ménétriés, 1859
yellow-dotted alpine, Theano Alpine
Erebia pawloskii, known as the yellow-dotted alpine or Theano Alpine, is a small in the Satyrinae of Nymphalidae. It occurs across a broad Holarctic distribution spanning northwestern North America and northern Asia. The inhabits cold, wet environments including tundra and bog . fly during mid-summer, and larvae feed on sedges of the Carex.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erebia pawloskii: /ɛˈrɛ.bi.a pɔˈloʊ.ski.a/
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Identification
The combination of small size (29–38 mm wingspan), yellow-dotted wing pattern, and occurrence in wet tundra and bog distinguishes this from other Erebia in its range. The E. p. alaskensis (Theano Alpine) occurs in Alaska, Yukon, and northern British Columbia. Separation from other alpine butterflies in the requires examination of wing pattern details and genitalia.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan 29–38 mm. The is characterized by yellow dots on the wings, as indicated by its . As a member of the Erebia, it possesses the reduced forelegs typical of Nymphalidae butterflies. Detailed wing pattern and coloration specifics are not described in available sources.
Habitat
Grassy areas in and above wet tundra, as well as bogs. Occupies cold, moist environments at northern latitudes and high elevations.
Distribution
North America: northern British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska. Asia: Sayan Mountains, northern Mongolia, Yakutia, and Kamchatka. Disjunct Holarctic distribution spanning subarctic and regions.
Seasonality
are on wing from July to mid-August. Single-brooded with a restricted period during peak summer.
Diet
Larvae feed on Carex (sedges). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Carex - larval food plant of sedges; specific not identified in sources
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larval stage feeds on Carex. Specific details of site, stage, and voltinism are not documented.
Ecological Role
of sedges and other tundra flora during period. Larval herbivore on Carex. Specific functions are not documented.
Human Relevance
Subject of lepidopterological study due to its Holarctic distribution and subarctic specialization. No documented economic or cultural significance.
Similar Taxa
- Erebia euryaleAlpine Erebia with overlapping range in Eurasia; distinguished by wing pattern and preferences
- Erebia discoidalisNorth American alpine Erebia; requires examination of wing markings and distribution for separation
Misconceptions
The was formerly spelled 'Erebia pawlowskii' but 'Erebia pawloskii' is now the accepted spelling. The E. p. alaskensis has been referred to as 'Theano Alpine', which may cause confusion with the species-level .
More Details
Subspecies
Five recognized: E. p. pawloskii (nominate), E. p. demmia (Colorado), E. p. ethela (Wyoming), E. p. canadensis (Manitoba), and E. p. alaskensis (Alaska, Yukon, northern British Columbia). The latter is sometimes referred to as the Theano Alpine.
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Ménétriés in 1859. Spelling corrected from 'pawlowskii' to 'pawloskii' in modern usage.