June 12, 2014 I blogged about trying to figure out if my Mormon Metalmark Complex butterfly is a duryi or mejicanus, or what. Today I saw this metalmark, which re-ignited my challenge. This one looks more like the Sonoran Metalmark (A. mexicanus) of Kaufman's guide. Here's today's individual.
And the page from Kaufman's guide...
A very challenging complex, even as complexes go. To Brian, they're duryi, end of story. The two options are mejicanus (which used to be the name of the Fatal Metalmark) and duryi. Duryi it is.*
Today's ugly fledgling award goes to this Blue Grosbeak.
And the beautiful flower award goes to the anisacanthus.
Gotta give the beargrass honorable mention, even though I searched through all I could find for butterflies and couldn't find any. I would have loved a lifer Sandia Hairstreak, but hasn't happened yet.
* Brian explained to me why it's duryi. The whole mormon metalmark complex is real variable, so I can't go by appearance. All mine are duryi because of their host plant here (krameria). Good to know. Thanks, Brian.
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