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Chlosyne cyneas
Black Checkerspot. 3.6 / 4 cm wingspan.
Semi desert.
Thank you Bayucca for the ID and the link. I looked to all the links you sent me and at first they all looked almost the same but then I noticed the differences. It is a detective work.
Nymphalidae, Nymphalinae, Melitaeini, Chlosyne sp. Tricky one! Based on the markings I think it is Chlosyne cyneas, very similar to Chlosyne fulvia. In my eyes Chlosyne fulvia has more yellow stripes, Chlosyne cyneas only a few and in my links (best match) this is the main differences, although they are really very similar. Another again very similar one is Chlosyne leanira, but some of the spots are slightly different and you have to take a very careful look to see these differences (mostly on orange spot almost at the margin of the upper forewing, which is not shown in yours). Besides, these Crescents are VERY variable as well. I am wondering what others say to my suggestion. Please, verify yourself!
Cyneas:
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/images/N...
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...
Fulvia:
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/imagehtm...
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...
Leanira:
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...
http://butterfliesofamerica.com/chlosyne...