Oeneis polixenes
Fabricius, 1775
Polixenes Arctic, Norique Alpin
Oeneis polixenes is a in the Satyrinae with a circumpolar distribution across northern North America and Eurasia. It is one of several 'Arctic' butterfly in the Oeneis, adapted to cold, high-latitude environments. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation, with multiple described across its range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oeneis polixenes: /ˈoʊ.niː.ɪs pəˈlɪk.səˌniːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Arctic by the combination of dark grey-brown wings with orange marginal patches and the darker grey medial area on the hindwing upperside. Similar species include Oeneis rosovi (Philip's Arctic), Oeneis bore (White-veined Arctic), and Oeneis melissa (Melissa Arctic), which differ in wing pattern details and distribution.
Habitat
Northern tundra and taiga ; high mountain areas in southern parts of range. Associated with open, cold environments including alpine fell-fields and rocky summits.
Distribution
Circumpolar: northern North America from coastal Newfoundland to Yukon; Arctic Urals, Kamchatka, Yakutia, Chukchi Peninsula, and northern Siberia. In North America, occurs across northern Canada with disjunct in Maine (Mt. Katahdin).
Similar Taxa
- Oeneis rosoviPhilip's Arctic; similar and distribution but differs in wing pattern details
- Oeneis boreWhite-veined Arctic; distinguished by white venation on wings
- Oeneis melissaMelissa Arctic; differs in wing pattern and geographic distribution
More Details
Subspecies
Ten recognized, showing extensive geographic variation: O. p. polixenes (Labrador, Quebec), O. p. subhyalina (Arctic Canada), O. p. katahdin (Maine), O. p. peartiae (Baffin), O. p. yukonensis (southwestern Yukon), O. p. luteus (Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska), O. p. woodi (Arctic coast of Yukon, Alaska), O. p. beringiana (eastern Chukot Region), O. p. antonovae (northern Siberia: Gyda Peninsula, Taimyr Peninsula, Wrangel Island)
Taxonomic Note
Some sources list Oeneis polixenes as a synonym of Oeneis bore, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or merger in some classifications. The is treated as valid in most North American literature.