Erynnis vs Sisters vs Admirals

[Michael Gochfeld]

Ron wrote: 
All this actually proves in Chuck's point that the only sure way for
_everyone_ to know is to have either a voucher specimen or photograph.

And gave as an example the common on Duskywings below: 

I would like to interject that there is a big difference betwee trying 
to be sure of the identification of Erynnis lucilius (Columbine 
Duskywing) and the Admiral-Sister (or many other superficially similar 
species).  Even the reliance on hosts can be uncertain. Harry Pavulaan 
once mentioned that Wild Indigo Duskywings (E. baptisiae) have been 
raised on Columbines. I certainly hope that E. lucilius doesn't use 
Crown Vetch since we assume that ALL duskywings seen around Crown Vetch 
(and there are often hundreds) are E. baptisiae. In my view this is an 
impossible field id (and also photo id), and may not be representative 
of other problem ids. 

The key to what Ron wrote is "everyone". I think that individual's can 
develop field ID skills that leave them with no doubt as Bob Thomas 
indicated.  I was afield once with Art Shapiro and was impressed that he 
id's everyting on the wing in that millisecond before he swung his net. 

And there was a time when even bird identifications weren't accepted 
unless "made over the barrel of a shotgun".

Mike Gochfeld
======================================================
Ron wrote: 

I recently posted a record on the carolina leps site for a new North
Carolina state record of Erynnis lucilius. I would not accept this one 
by the "word" of _anyone_ including myself. Which is why I 1) collected 
the specimen,  2) examined the genitalia, 3) compared it to figures of 
spread specimens in full view butterfly books, and 4) with reared 
individuals in my collection from West Virginia (reared by Tom Allen).  
Now, even with all this, I want to go back and find some more to make 
200% sure. (Of course in Yosmite one can not collect without a permit - 
but pictures are an option.)

RG

 
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