Arctic Katahdin butterfly

The arctic Katahdin butterfly (Oeneis polixenes katahdin) is a subspecies of the polixenes arctic (Oeneis polixenes). This particular butterfly is considered endangered because it only appears on Mount Katahdin in the State of Maine, and its small population fluctuates every year.[1]

Arctic Katahdin butterfly
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Nymphalidae
Genus:
Oeneis
Species:
O. polixenes
Subspecies:
O. p. katahdin
Trinomial name
Oeneis polixenes katahdin

Description

The arctic Katahdin butterfly is a yellowish-brown color with semi translucent wings.[1] An adult can measure about 2-4 inches.[2]

Habitat

The arctic Katahdin butterfly, like other arctic butterflies, prefers tundra conditions[3] However, this particular type of butterfly resides in only one area of the world, the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine’s Baxter State Park.[1][2]

Life span

These butterflies usually have a 2 year life cycle.[1]

Threats

The arctic Katahdin butterfly is listed in Maine as an endangered species. The main threat to these butterflies are humans. It is currently illegal to collect the arctic Katahdin butterfly.[1]

References
  1. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. (2003). Katahdin Arctic (Oeneis polixenes katahdin). Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/endangered/pdfs/katahdinarctic_110_111.pdf
  2. Ballenger, Brian. (n.d.) Katahdin Arctic Butterfly (Oneis polixnes katahdin). Retrieved April 17, 2018, from http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/ccorbin/Biodiversity/Ballenger/Katahdin%20Arctic%20Butterfly%20website.htm
  3. Butterflies and Moths of North America. (2016, June 28). Polixenes Arctic Oeneis polixenes (Fabricius, 1775). Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Oeneis-polixenes
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