Observation date: July 15, 2024
Date notes: Most unusual fritillary butterfly! The inside upper wings were completely dark. I casually watched the butterfly thinking it was just another Mormon fritillary until I noticed how dark the orange color was and then got more interested. I should have come back and looked for it again. Field just south of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, CO, Deer Creek Trail.
Submitted by: Nabrin
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The inside upper wings were completely dark. I casually watched the butterfly thinking it was just another Mormon fritillary until I noticed how dark the orange color was and then got more interested and captured a couple of photographs of the butterfly in flight.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: July 26, 2024
Coordinator notes: Neat photo frames to record this sighting...This is a Mormon Fritillary its just aberrant meaning the normal genetic pattern of colors did not develop correctly. These tend to be quite valuable to collectors since they are rarely seen and usually no two are alike. Again, neat photo frames...Mike
