Checkerspot-E. San Diego Co.

[Mark Walker]

Well, actually the checkerspot is Euphydryas chalcedona ssp. quino or some
race with distinctive coloration, depending on your viewpoint.  In Emmel and
Emmel, it is described as the former, aka the Quino Checkerspot.  It has
more extensive red coloration than does E. c. chalcedona, but not as much as
other desert forms of this species (nor is it as red as E. editha).  All of
these checkerspots are stunning, in my opinion.

I haven't seen any Chlosyne [Thessalia] leanira yet this season.

Wanda:  Don't know if I'll make it tonight.  P.P. is over an hour a way with
no traffic.

Mark Walker.

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	wanda [SMTP:be496 at lafn.org]
> Sent:	Wednesday, March 17, 1999 8:40 AM
> To:	MWalker at gensym.com; ewh1 at juno.com
> Cc:	Leps internet; Dameron, Wanda
> Subject:	Checkerspot-E. San Diego Co.
> 
> Dear Mark & Eric,
> 
> 	The subject bug is quite likely the Wright's ssp. of Leanira
> Checkerspot, Euphydryas leanira wrighti, found along desert edges.  
> 
> 	The endangered Quino ssp. of Edith's Checkerspot, E. editha quino is
> a
> synonym for and replaces Wright's Edith's Checkerspot, E. editha
> wrighti--found more coastally.
> 
> 	Refer to John Emmel's section on Nomenclature Revisions in
> "Searching
> for Butterflies in Southern California."   You might like to check out
> http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabala/index.htm  under "hotspots" for the
> latest Anza-Borrego area list.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Wanda Dameron
> Flutterby Press
> Los Angeles, Calif.
> be496 at lafn.org
> 
> 
> Mark Walker wrote:
> > 
> > Eric,
> > 
> > The classification of this checkerspot has been confounded by the use of
> the
> > name "Quino".  The butterfly is a sub-species (or race) of chalcedona,
> and
> > is principally found in the arid eastern foothills of the Laguna
> mountains.
> > It is not a sub-species of E. editha.
> > 
> > I understand that the common name "Quino Checkerspot" has been used for
> the
> > sub-species of E. editha that flies in the coastal foothills of Orange
> and
> > San Diego Co. (and is currently listed, I believe).  That is not what I
> saw
> > in the desert last Friday.  Too bad!
> > 
> > Mark Walker
> > Mission Viejo, CA
> > 
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: eric w hein [SMTP:ewh1 at juno.com]
> > > Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 1999 11:40 PM
> > > To:   MWalker at gensym.com
> > > Subject:      RE: Eastern San Diego Co.
> > >
> > > Hi Mark:
> > >
> > > I'm really curious about your observation of Quino checkerspot
> > > butterflies near Shelter Valley, San Diego County.  Can you tell me
> some
> > > more about the exact location where you saw the 12 individuals, say on
> a
> > > Thomas Brothers guide?   Not to question your identification skills,
> but
> > > are you sure the specimens were Quino checkerspot and not Chalcedon
> > > checkerspot.  This would be a new eastern location for Quino.  I'd
> love
> > > to learn more.  For example, did you observe any dot seed plantain
> > > (Plantago erecta), the Quino's larval food plant?
> > >
> > > Any information would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > Eric Hein
> > > ___________________________________________________________________
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