Milbert's tortoiseshell

Description:

Aglais milberti is also known as the fire-rim tortoiseshell and is the only species of the proposed Aglais genus that occurs in North America. I've been looking for this species for some time and this was my first encounter. The wingspan is between 4.2 and 6.3 cm and the forewing's tips are squared off. Easily identified by the orange submarginal band.

Habitat:

Spotted on wildflowers in a moist canyon after recent rainfall in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Over 6000 ft. in elevation and mostly a pine forest.

Notes:

There has been a controversy regarding their actual genus as some consider it to be nymphalis, Host plants: Lilac, thistles, and goldenrod. Adults are said to feed primarily on sap, rotting fruit, and animal dung. They are also seen nectaring on a variety of flowers, including goldenrods, lilacs, Spreading Dogbane, Swamp Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, Common Hawkweed, Black-eyed Susan, Red Clover, and Common Dandelion. The flight period of Milbert's Tortoiseshells, as with all butterflies, varies with region and probably shifts from year to year. Throughout its range, the Milbert's Tortoiseshell is said to have two or possibly three broods, flying from May through October.