Observation date: August 23, 2024
Submitted by: Dogoszhi
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: First observed at the top end of this partial hike of La Luz Trail, where the trail reaches the lowermost tall trees. I believe that both images are of the same individual, but not 100 percent sure of that. At the time of the initial sighting, it was sunny, warm, and lightly breezy. During the subsequent two hours of the return part of the hike, I saw at least a half-dozen more individuals of this species, from the initial sighting location back down along the trail, almost to the trailhead. All seemed to be nectaring on wild buckwheat (at least two species flowering along the trail at this time).
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: August 24, 2024
Coordinator notes: wow! terrific notes! that wild buckwheat is more than just a source of nectar - it also is probably the larval host. do you know what species it is? If so, can you modify this sighting report to include it? if not, please reply to my personal email: sjcary1@outlook.com. thank you! And, may I please include that ventral shot in BONM? please advise. and thank you! Today is 8/28, and thank you for replying to my inquiry. You shared uncropped photos that persuade us both that the wild buckwheat is Eriogonum wrightii. This is the principal host for A. mejicanus in southern NM. it also hosts Rita Blue (Euphilotes rita), which was discovered in the Sandias for the first time just last year (I think). It makes sense that both of these butterflies and their larval host plant would be found together at what is the northern limit of their geographic range. Very cool!
