mesene's Identifications

Subspecies based on ranges described in Emmel, T., 1969. Also, more recently, a range map was published by Calhoun, J., Journal of Lepidopterists' Society, 70(1): 20-46, March 2016. Despite Wikipedia listing Texas as the range of similar-looking subspecies C. pegala alope, this is apparently incorrect. That subspecies is not even found west of the Mississippi River.

Four adult Callophrys polios obscurus specimens were collected on 05/12/19 at the exact location shown on this map; all were placed in a large mesh enclosure with flower (assorted species) and Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi; obtained from the Gardens on Spring Creek plant sale on 05/11/19) cuttings. Seven ova were located on the bearberry cuttings on 05/15/19. One ovum hatched on 05/21/19, and another on 05/22/19; the remaining five ova were infertile, and thus never hatched. On 05/24/19, the caterpillar that hatched on 05/22/19 became deceased, leaving only the 05/21/19 caterpillar remaining. The remaining caterpillar was successfully reared to pupa, entering 2nd instar on 05/28/19, 3rd instar on 06/06/19 and 4th instar on 06/12/19. It began preparing to form a prepupa on 06/22/19, and then pupated on 06/26/19. The imago will not emerge from the pupa this year. The pupa will be returned on 07/26/19 to the location where the four adult specimens were originally found. Pictured here are (in order of the pictures): 2nd instar caterpillar, one of the four adult specimens, one of the seven ova, 1st instar caterpillar, 3rd instar caterpillar, 4th instar caterpillar, exoskeleton remains from 4th (final) molt, and pupa (two different angles).