Observation date: August 02, 2024
Submitted by: ddroberts
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This butterfly was sighted on 7 Mile Creek along the 7 Mile Creek road above FishLake and Johnson's Resevoir on the Fish Lake National Forest in Central Utah. I first saw it sitting on a rock next to the creek and then it flew onto a sprig of sage where I took the video. It was quite docile. I also have a video that would not load on this site. The underside of the wings were striped like a zebra as was the underside of the body. The upper side was totally black except for a thin white edging along the scalloped edges of the wings.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: August 09, 2024
Coordinator notes: I've never seen a black aberration of Limenitis weidemeyerii before. Specimens were destroyed years ago but I had a nearly white aberration of a Monarch and a strange aberration of a Gulf Fritillary both caught in CA. This is definitely a Limenitis weidemeyeri, looks to be a female and this would be subspecies Limenitis w. angustifascia which is found in southern Utah. Another subspecies takes over farther north in the state. Concerning video you have, can always post the link as I can see those. Also you'd send 4 duplicate sightings of this butterfly and I will delete those but accepting this one with the two images. Great sighting! Thanks, JAMES STEEN
