Oeneis macounii
Edwards, 1885
Macoun's Arctic, Canada Arctic
Oeneis macounii is a medium-sized satyrine occurring across North America. have a wingspan of 46–65 mm and exhibit a distinctive with regionally alternating years. The is closely associated with pine forests, particularly jack pine and lodgepole pine systems.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oeneis macounii: /ˈoʊ.niː.ɪs məˈkuː.naɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Oeneis by range and association; the Great Arctic (O. nevadensis) and Chryxus Arctic (O. chryxus) overlap in some areas but differ in habitat preferences and timing.
Images
Habitat
Openings in western jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests; rocky ridges in spruce forest.
Distribution
British Columbia to Quebec, south to Minnesota and Michigan.
Seasonality
on wing early June to early July. pattern: east of southeastern Manitoba, adults fly in even-numbered years; westward, in odd-numbered years.
Diet
Larvae feed on Poaceae (grasses). take nectar.
Life Cycle
One per year; development with cohorts emerging in alternate years in different regions.
Similar Taxa
- Oeneis nevadensisGreat Arctic; similar but differs in and distribution
- Oeneis chryxusChryxus Arctic; similar but differs in preferences and timing
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Rising from the Ashes--Some Day | Bug Squad
- Oh, the Butterflies You'll See at the Bohart During UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day | Bug Squad
- Habitat: Oeneis macounii Edwards
- Population genetic structure and assessment of allochronic divergence in the Macoun’s Arctic (Oeneis macounii) butterfly