Zephyr
Polygonia gracilis zephyrus (W. H. Edwards, 1870)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Rare resident
NENHP Rank: Not listed
Range: Subspecies zephyrus is found from southern British Columbia and Alberta south to California, Arizona and New Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the Pine Ridge areas of the panhandle and Cherry county.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various currants, of which western red (Ribes cereum) is likely the only one utilized in Nebraska.
Broods/Flight Times: One flight reported from South Dakota where adults fly from mid July to September, overwinter and fly again the following spring. In Nebraska most records are from June, with several from late July.
Overwintering: As adults.
Habitat: The Zephyr inhabits Pine Ridge habitats where it can be found in canyons along roads, streams and woodland margins.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 2 1/4 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Wildcat Hills SRA, Panorama Point
Similar Species: Other Anglewings (Polygonia sp.)
Notes: As with other Anglewings, adults frequent sap, scat and carrion but will also visit flowers.
Zephry, Matthew Brust
