Phyciodes batesii

[Michael Gochfeld]

I imagine that a lot of people would like to know about Phyciodes batesii
from the "east". New York  and other populations have dwindled and
disappeared for reasons that are obscure.

So good luck.  It's nice to have an evolutionary mosaic that reminds us of
the fragility of the species concept ( or perhaps of our methods).

M. Gochfeld

Niklas Wahlberg wrote:

> Dear all,
>    I am currently working on a molecular phylogeny (using mitochondrial
> DNA sequences) of the genus Phyciodes and have found that the species
> group tharos-batesii-cocyta-pulchella/campestris/pratensis is rather
> messy (though in a very interesting way!). I am however in a deep and
> dire need of more specimens of Phyciodes batesii (tawny crescent). I
> have three individuals at the moment, of which one is more closely
> related to P. tharos, one is more closely related to P. cocyta and one
> is more closely related to P. pulchella... I particularly need specimens
> from the eastern parts of North America, but individuals from the
> western parts of its range are also more than welcome.
>   Since I will not be able to access my e-mail for most of July, I will
> briefly give the sampling procedure here to any interested in helping me
> out. Collect up to 5 individuals from one area. If more than one area
> (separated by several km or miles) can be sampled, great! The
> butterflies can be killed in any manner deemed appropriate. They should
> then be allowed to dry as quickly as possible. Once they are dry they
> can be sent to me by normal airmail, preferably in a small box, so as to
> avoid them being crushed. Anybody who is interested in helping please
> contact me by e-mail, and I will reply with the details at latest in
> August.
>   Many many thanks for your attention!
>
> Cheers,
> Niklas
>
> --
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
>    Niklas Wahlberg
>    Metapopulation Research Group
>    Department of Ecology and Systematics
>    Division of Population Biology
>    PO Box 17 (Arkadiankatu 7)
>    00014 University of Helsinki
>    Finland
>    p. +358-9-191 28778, fax +358-9-191 28701
>
>  Check out our web-site:
>   http://www.helsinki.fi/science/metapop/