Observation date: June 20, 2022
Submitted by: Christian.Nunes
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This represents only the 2nd or 3rd known locality of Soapberry Hairstreak in CO. Large groves of Western Soapberry were noted during a visit to this private ranch in May. Andy Warren and I returned on June 19-20 to sample moths and look for Soapberry Hairstreaks, etc. We found the hairstreaks almost immediately on the afternoon of the 19th, but the weather and late hour were not ideal and we only had fleeting looks at a handful of hairstreaks in the treetops. The next morning, we found some trees that were situated at the base of the rim-rock with their crowns poking over cliff tops. This allowed us to patiently wait for the hairstreaks to become active. This individual allowed close approach and photographs. Andy collected a small handful.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: February 15, 2023
Coordinator notes: One of the odd butterflies found only on the Colorado "Southern Slope" (see BOC Part 4, p. 63). Genetics shows Phaeostrymon is a subgenus of Satyrium so we have Satyrium (Phaeostrymon) alcestis. Mike
