Nymphalidae – E.M.O.P.I.C

This is a very bold colored species belonging in the same genus as the more commonly recognized Viceroy. The Limenitis genus as whole are all quite bold and colorful. I never seen this species until I moved out to Colorado and now it has become the most recognizable species I see flying about.

This species ranges throughout the Rocky Mountains here in the U.S and several subspecies are recognized. Larvae can be found feeding on aspen, cottonwood, and willows among others.

Since 2017 I’ve been able to add a few individuals to the collection, all from Colorado. As of right now I only have a handful of species and subspecies of Limenitis and I’m hoping to add some more variants soon.

Below you can see the bold coloration on the underside of the wings, which is my favorite part of this species.

27993464_10215638333492444_7750553528662639932_o

Other online sources:

https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Limenitis-weidemeyerii

https://bugguide.net/node/view/24571

I was always fascinated with this species growing up after seeing some framed specimens. My chance to see one finally came when I was doing research in Arkansas. I was able to see quite a few individuals and managed to collect a few as well. I recently was able to get another individual from south Texas as well.

This is a widespread (though somewhat sporadic) species in the southern states but doesn’t really get noticed much. This is thanks in part to the excellent cryptic coloration of a dead leaf. This species is also known to have summer and winter forms, which unfortunately the collection is missing the winter form.

The collection currently holds a handful of specimens, mostly from Arkansas but also one individual from Texas.

28238051_10215638322172161_5953671733221524564_o