InsectNet forum

Nothing rare or exotic, but attractive nonetheless. The first time I raised this species was when visiting my in-laws. I noticed a female flying near a mountain ash tree (Sorbus sp) in their yard. I was not aware this was used as a host plant. I decided to check the tree anyway and easily located ova and first instar larvae due to their typical feeding pattern. The eggs are laid near the leaf tip and the larvae eat the tips leaving a distinctive central vein intact. Once you have seen it, it is unmistakable. The blue sheen is mesmerizing.

Eclosion.

That's probably the best way to obtain A-grade specimens! Fabulous photos.

The adults are quick; fortunately the males are territorial and tend to return.

I recall that Leroy posted (on the archived site) photos of forms w/ the white extending most of the way to the margin, as well as astyanax x arthemis. Odd, because I'm very close to the hybrid zone, and I've never seen a hybrid. Right place, right time I suppose.

I have never seen a hybrid either. I also found that specimens I raised were larger and had more blue sheen compared to ones I’ve seen in the wild, especially the females.

Wow. That's not only stunning, it's interesting. That begets the question of impact of food on morphology. I wonder too if that specimen is indeed a hybrid of some percentage. Sounds like more rearing is in order.

I would have to check my records for food plant, but I am pretty sure I used quaking aspen. It’s not a hybrid. The eggs are from Sault Ste. Marie. Nothing but L. arthemis arthemis there.

Yes, quaking aspen. You can see it in one of the rearing pictures lol.

Toronto area is basically the line where two subspecies are meeting and I never saw a hybrid between these two.
Perhaps if that occurs must be very rare or it simply isn’t happening.

I have seen pictures of hybrids. They happen but are rare.

Even more interesting, the source location.

If I recall, Leroy's specimens were from Vermont.

L. arthemis astyanax range follows so many other species, northern terminus at the end of the Line of Southern Aggression. Throughout all but far western NY (eg., south of Toronto) and far eastern NY (seaboard) it's arthemis arthemis; and, a good part of Pennsylvania is the same.

I saw L arthemis astyanax in our area this past summer for the first time in my life; but if I drive 1.5 hours west, it's all astyanax.