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 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Oeneis |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | O. p. katahdin
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Oeneis polixenes katahdin (Newcomb, 1901)
| |
Description
editThe arctic Katahdin butterfly is a yellowish-brown color with semi translucent wings.[1] An adult can measure about 2-4 inches.[2]
Habitat
editThe 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
editThese butterflies usually have a 2 year life cycle.[1]
Threats
editThe 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
edit- ^ a b c d e 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
- ^ a b 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
- ^ 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