Observation date: July 20, 2022
Submitted by: Paul Prappas
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I've been on the fence with this ID, wondering if it's not a Small Wood-Nymph, but a Great Basin Wood-Nymph. Not as two toned as on some Great Basin Wood Nymphs, but Wood Nymphs are highly variable. The HW band doesn't seem to have the prominent jagged fingers of a Small Wood Nymph. The HW pattern, with the cloverleaf bulge near the bottom of the HW is consistent for "sthelene" There is some light ground around the central HW band, but that too, is variable.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: August 10, 2022
Coordinator notes: I agree with your uncertainty however, after studying the photo, I'm certain this is the Small Wood-nymph because the spot on the anal angle that should be largest, is tiny (this is very rarely so on sthenele) and a somewhat larger one is above that one. Although sthenele can be small, few are as small as this individual appears to be comparatively to the flower...and you rarely get sthenele at flowers other than rabbitbrush (I've taken females on alfalfa in bloom). Both can run weak in ventral hindwing markings and have light ground color as well in the sighting area and beyond on the Colorado Plateau. Mike
