Description

Uhler’s Arctic (Oeneis uhleri) is a medium-sized butterfly with mottled brown and gray wings, featuring faint eyespots and a camouflaged pattern that blends into its tundra and rocky alpine habitat, commonly found in mountainous regions of western North America. There was a small population in western Minnesota, but it may not exist any longer. As such, I haven’t seen it in the state so the images here are of Colorado populations.

Range

Was once found in the far western counties including Clay County, but may be extirpated.

Similar Species

None.

Host Plants

main larval host plants: Bluegrass (Poa spp.), Fescue (Festuca spp.), Sedges (Carex spp.), Wiregrass (Juncus spp.)

Flight

Overwinters in chrysalis, and can emerge as early as May and as late as July

Additional Resources

Bugguide

iNaturalist

BAMONA