Oeneis chryxus valerata
Burdick, 1958
Chryxus Arctic
Oeneis chryxus valerata is a of the Chryxus Arctic , a member of the Oeneis commonly known as the Arctics. This subspecies occurs in the western United States and Canada. Like other Oeneis , it inhabits high-elevation mountain areas. The species is known to rest with wings closed, a trait that distinguishes it from many other butterfly groups.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oeneis chryxus valerata: /ˈiːnaɪs ˈkrɪksəs vælɛˈrɑːtə/
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Habitat
High-elevation mountain areas, typically in alpine or subalpine zones. One observation records the at over 8,000 feet elevation in Teller County, Colorado.
Distribution
Western North America. Documented in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada, with observations in Colorado in the United States.
Behavior
Rests with wings closed, a characteristic posture of the Oeneis.
Similar Taxa
- Oeneis nevadensisAnother Arctic found in high-elevation of western North America; both belong to the same with similar closed-wing resting posture.
More Details
Predation
Has been documented as prey of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), which captured a specimen at over 8,000 feet elevation in Colorado.