Observation date: August 31, 2023
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It just strikes me as different than the Northern; pointier forewing than Northern's I've photographed, and also five very distinct spots on the forewing. I'm not skilled enough to determine/know whether the postmedian line "bulges" more than the Northern
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: September 02, 2023
Coordinator notes: These can be difficult to identify, you are not alone. Granted the three species you have in your area may use slightly different habitats but butterflies do wander. We can rule out Southern Pearly Eye immediately as the antennae club is not solid gold - that's the first way to rule out each species and narrow the down. That leaves the Creole & Northern as both have black gold/cream antennae clubs such as this one. Pearly Eyes also can vary in pattern and eyes a bit. Things I visually noticed: Creole has a forewing that is more pointed at the tip, yet the female much less so than the male. So that ruled out a male Creole for me. Also the underside of the male Creole forewing has very small eyes, as upper side has few on forewing as compared to the hindwing - again rules out male Creole. The Northern has NO point at tip of forewing yet this does, again pointing at Creole. The underside stripes tend to be more sharp (Creole) and not as soft and lightly curved in design (Northern) - this looks more Creole. These are a few of my observations using BAMONA, and a few books I have to compare. I'm confident this is a female Creole Pearly Eye. Thank you! JAMES STEEN
