Elevation-specialist
Guides
Papilio appalachiensis
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio appalachiensis is a swallowtail butterfly endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It originated through hybrid speciation between Papilio canadensis and Papilio glaucus, and is now recognized as a distinct species with stable populations at higher elevations. Adults are notably larger than both parental species, with wingspans of 86–115 mm. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging in May and females ovipositing during a brief spring flight period.
Stenamma
cryptic leaf-litter ants
Stenamma is a genus of cryptic ants in the family Formicidae, subfamily Myrmicinae. The genus was long thought to be restricted to temperate regions, but extensive Neotropical collections have revealed a major radiation in Middle America with 40 recognized species, 33 of them newly described. Species are notably adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, where they can become the dominant ant genus in leaf-litter samples—contrary to the typical ant pattern of decreasing diversity with elevation.