*P. clodius/smintheus*

[Robert L. Chehey]

Also, at least in Idaho, there is a certain visual "transparency" that
clodius has and smintheus doesn't.

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Robert L. Chehey
MAILTO:cheheyr at micron.net
Boise, ID, USA, USDA Zones 6a, 6b. Heat zone 7
Cold, Mediterranean Shrub-steppe
and frondose riparian forest
N43º38.67'  W116º13.68' Altitude: 816M
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-----Original Message-----
From: owner-leps-l at lists.yale.edu [mailto:owner-leps-l at lists.yale.edu]On
Behalf Of Chris J. Durden
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 10:24 AM
To: leps-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: RE: *P. clodius/smintheus*


Remembering encounters years ago on the back-side of Mt. Timpanogos, I
agree there is a very different feel to *clodius* when compared to
*smintheus*. I think it goes along with the different subgenus.
  There was an article recently in the New York Times about the physics of
the crinking of candy wrappers at concerts. I think that field would
provide clues to the differences in wing properties of *Parnassius*. *P.
clodius* seems more flexible and resilient, as does *P. mnemosyne*. *P.
smintheus* seems more brittle and crackly, as does *P. apollo*. The
sphragis has different qualities in these two groups of species and may be
related chemically to the properties of the wings.
........Chris Durden


At 03:19  18/07/00 -0700, you wrote:
>Indeed there is something visibly different about the flight/appearance of
>Parnassius clodius in comparison to P. smintheus. Recognized it the very
>first time I experienced this species at the type locality of altaurus in
>Idaho many years ago.  But have never been able to put it into words; so if
>anyone else with field experience with the two species can craft some words
>that describe the difference, that would be wonderful.
>
 >