Limenitis

[spm23 at cornell.edu]

Limenitis arthemis - White Admiral or "Banded Purple"
Limenitis astyanax - Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arizonensis - Arizona Red-spotted Purple


Well,  it's that time again.  As many of you may know, I am working on 
the phylogeography of the Limenitis arthemis-Limenitis astyanax species 
complex.  You may also realize that this polytypic butterfly has a 
geographic range extending from Alaska across all of southern Canada and 
then down into the eastern US.  In addition, a separate population this 
butterfly, Limenitis arthemis arizonensis occurs in Arizona, New Mexico 
and parts of western Texas.  So, as you may have guessed by know, I am 
requesting specimens.

I have fairly good sampling from the southeastern US but I would love 
more samples from just about anywhere.  I am PARTICULARLY interested in 
specimens from any region in Canada or northern New England...Vermont, 
New Hampshire, MA, CT, RI, Maine, etc.  Finally, I am would also love 
additional samples from the southwest.  

The flight period of these butterflies is quite variable...not surprising 
given its large range...so please keep your eyes open during the next few 
weeks, especially in the northern parts of the US and Canada.

If you can provide me with specimens, I need the following:  3 or more 
individuals/population.  Either, dry in glassine envelopes or stored in 
100% ethanal (preferred).  If you are willing to collect but don't have 
access to 100% ethanol, I'll send you some.  Just put the leps in your 
freezer until I can mail you the vials.  

I realize that many of you are inundated with request for specimens, 
etc. but I would be eternally grateful for any help with this project.  
Thank you in advance for your help and a special thanks to those who've 
contributed to this project in the past.  I'm getting there but without 
the help of dedicated professionals and amateurs alike, I would have no 
hope of sampling from this huge range alone.  Thanks, again.

-Sincerely,

Sean P. Mullen
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853

 
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