Conservation Assessment of Two Endemic Butterflies (White
Mountain Arctic, Oeneis melissa semidea, and White Mountain
Fritillary, Boloria titania montinus) in the Presidential Range Alpine
Zone, White Mountains, New Hampshire














White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria titania montinus) White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea)
14 August 2003, Mt. Washington 12 July 2002, Mt. Washington




Prepared By:


Kent P. McFarland
Conservation Biology Department
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
27023 Church Hill Road
Woodstock, Vermont 05091
kmcfarland@vinsweb.org


Submitted To:

USDA Forest Service
White Mountain National Forest
719 North Main Street
Laconia, New Hampshire 03246

FINAL REPORT

20 October 2003

Table of Contents


Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 1
Nomenclature and Taxonomy....................................................................................................................... 1
Description of Species .................................................................................................................................. 2
Life History................................................................................................................................................... 3
Habitat Distribution and Abundance............................................................................................................. 5
Population Biology and Viability ................................................................................................................. 6
Potential Threats ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Monitoring .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................................... 10
Literature Cited ........................................................................................................................................... 11


Tables and Figures

Table 1. Mean value (mm) and 95% confidence interval of forewing measurements of White Mountain
Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) from the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New
Hampshire (from Anthony 1970)........................................................................................................ 15
Table 2. Measurements (mm) of White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) from the Presidential
Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (from Scudder 1889).......................................... 15
Table 3. Historic data gathered from published and unpublished sources, Yale Peabody Museum, and
UNH entomology collection. .............................................................................................................. 16
Table 4. Transect data collected in 2002-03 in the Presidential Range, NH............................................... 30
Table 5. Locations of O. m. semidea and B. t. montinus observations during 2002 – 03 in the Presidential
Range, NH........................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 6. Linear distance and area estimated to be directly impacted by hiking trails in selected alpine
vegetation communities of the Presidential Range, New Hampshire. To determine impacted area,
average trail width was estimated to be 2 meters................................................................................ 36
Table 7. Weather summary from Mt. Washington Weather Center (from
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/index.php accessed 1 Oct. 2003).................................... 36

Figure 1. Current distribution of the major alpine plant communities in the Presidential Range, White
Mountains, NH (vegetation data provided by Appalachian Mountain Club). White Mountain Arctic
(Oeneis melissa semidea) populations are concentrated in and around sedge meadow communities
where their host plant is abundant. White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria titania montinus) are
concentrated in heath-shrub-rush, cushion-tussock, herbaceous snowbank and streamside plant
communities. ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 2. The Cow Pasture on Mt. Washington near mile 7 of the auto road, a typical sedge meadow and
habitat of O. m. semidea. .................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 3. Snowbank community on Mt. Clay with high density of flowering Alpine Goldenrod, typical
habitat for B.t. montinus. .................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 4. (blue dots) of O. m. semidea observed in 2002. .......................................................................... 39
Figure 5. Locations (blue dots) of B. t. montinus observed in 2002 – 03. .................................................. 40

1
Introduction

The White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) and the White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria
titania montinus) are subspecies endemic to the alpine zone of the Presidential Range in the White
Mountains of New Hampshire. They are not known outside of the ~1,130 hectare alpine zone.
These two populations are glacial relicts – organisms that were more widespread at the end of the
last glaciation but which have since become isolated because of the loss of appropriate habitat in
intervening areas as the climate has warmed. Macrofossil and pollen assemblages from lake sediment
cores indicate that the White Mountain region was deglaciated prior to 13,000 years ago (Spear 1981).
From 13,000 to 11,750 before present (B.P.) the highest elevations were barren with tundra vegetation
covering the lower slopes and valleys and mean annual temperatures 5-10°C colder than today. Salix,
Juniperus and Betula invaded the alpine zone and tundra gave way to woodlands around 10,300 B.P.
From 10,300 to 9,000 BP temperatures increased to modern levels or slightly above and subalpine forests
were established, effectively isolating the alpine vegetation from the retreating tundra vegetation to the
north. During this period these two butterfly populations were effectively isolated from other populations
that retreated northward, and they remain isolated to this day.
This conservation assessment is an effort to gather all known information regarding these two
butterfly subspecies. A literature search yielded only one published study on these subspecies (see
Anthony 1970). Information was augmented from studies of congeners and other populations, as well as
unpublished observations of lepidopterists queried on the leps e-mail listserve
(http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl/).
Additional information was added to this report following field observations in 2002 and 2003.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Common Name(s): White Mountain Arctic, White Mountain Arctic, Melissa Arctic, Mottled Arctic,
Norna Arctic, Mountain Butterfly, Brown Mountain Butterfly.
Scientific Name: Oeneis melissa semidea
Author and Publication Date: Say, 1828
Etymology: Genus is named after Oeneus, King of Calydon, an ancient city in western Greece. He is
believed to be first man to have grown grapes. Melissa is “honeybee” in Greek, while the subspecies
name is a combination of the Greek semi, meaning “half” and Latin dea, meaning “goddess”.
Discussion: First described by Say from specimens sent to him by Dr. Pickering and Mr. Nuttall of
Boston (Scudder 1889).
In British Columbia, Norbert Kondla and Cris Guppy have been examining the taxonomy of the
Oeneis melissa complex, but were missing specimens of O. m. semidea for their analysis (N. Kondla pers.
comm.).
There are seven North American subspecies: O. m. melissa from Newfoundland and Labrador
coast; O. m. semplei from Quebec, interior Labrador and Hudson Bay; O. m. assimilis in Northwest
Territories; O. m. gibsoni from Alaska, Yukon and extreme northern British Columbia; O. m. beanii from
Alberta and British Columbia; O. m. lucilla from central Rocky Mountains, and O. m. semidea in the
White Mountains, New Hampshire.

Common Name(s): White Mountain Fritillary (subspecies name), Arctic Fritillary, Purple Lesser
Fritillary, Purple Bog Fritillary, Purple Arctic Fritillary, Purplish Fritillary, Dappled Fritillary
Scientific Name: Boloria titania montinus
Author and Publication Date: Scudder, 1863

2
Etymology: Genus is named after Mt. Bolor in Asia. The species is named after the Titans, sons and
daughters of the god Uranus in Greek mythology. Subspecies name means montane, presumably from its
type locality on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire.
Discussion: This taxon has been cited as B. chariclea, B. titania and recently, B. montinus (NABA
2001). Currently, it is most widely accepted as being B. titania montinus, but no one has completed
necessary studies to confirm or refute this alignment.
Higgins (1975) illustrated the differences in the male genitalia between European B. chariclea
and B. titania. (Shepard 1998) compared the same male genitalia of the B. chariclea/titania complex in
North America and found them to be most like B. chariclea and not B. titania. Based on this morphology
he concluded that all North American forms of this complex must be one species, B. chariclea, with B.
titania limited to the Eurasian continent.
Many taxonomists now disagree with this finding and continue to believe that there are two
species in North America (J. Kruse pers. comm.). Lepidopterists in Alaska consistently note two
biologically distinct species flying together without any evidence of intergradations (Layberry et al. 1998,
Shepard 1998, N. Kondla, pers. comm., J. Kruse pers. comm.). In interior Alaska, where they are often
found in the same bogs, B. chariclea is biennial, flying in May-June. However, B. titania is annual and
flies in mid-July to August (Layberry et al. 1998, Shepard 1998, J. Kruse pers. comm.).
Since Shepard (1998) has shown that B. titania is an Old World species, and others give evidence
that there remain two distinct species in this complex, the North American Butterfly Association Naming
Committee (NABA 2001) concluded that B. titania needed both a new scientific and a new common
name. They reported that the oldest available scientific name for populations called B. titania was B.
montinus (Scudder. 1863. Argynnis. Proc. Essex Inst., 3: 166, type locality – White Mountains, New
Hampshire) (NABA 2001). Populations in North America previously referred to as B. titania became B.
montinus, and far northern North American populations remained B. chariclea (NABA 2001). With this
change, the population in the White Mountains formerly considered to be B. titania montinus becomes B.
montinus montinus. The committee renamed the species Purplish Fritillary because a number of
populations have been previously classified as such, and many do have a purplish cast. It is widely
believed that the decision to reclassify these populations by NABA was premature and without scientific
merit.
Until further scientific work has been completed and published on this complex, the White
Mountain population should probably remain B. titania montinus. Dr. Jim Kruse of University of Alaska
Museum is currently studying this complex. A road killed specimen from the Mt. Washington Auto Road
from 2003 was provided to him for molecular analysis.

Description of Species
Descriptions rely heavily on the following sources: Glassberg (1999), Layberry et al. (1998),
Opler and Krizek (1984), and Scott (1986). Extremely detailed descriptions can be found in Scudder
(1889).

White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea)
Detailed color plate of each life history stage can be found in Edward (1879-1897).

Eggs: Pale yellow-white or gray-white and longer than they are broad.
Larvae: Striped, varying from dusky-green to red-brown, or red-brown with green sides. Stripes
1 and 2 have black interruptions, 3 gray-green, 4 blackish, 5 gray-green, and 6 dusky green. The mature
caterpillar has a yellow-brown or dull green-brown head with black bands or spots and 6 separate lateral
black and narrow dark-green stripes. All Oeneis species have six dark body stripes and six head stripes.

3
Pupa: Dull yellow-brown (lighter and more yellow on abdomen) with black head and black
wing veins.
Adult: Uniformly gray-brown dorsally. Wings are translucent with fringes often checkered. The
underside of the hind wing has a mottled blackish base and grayish outer area. Median band is lacking or
faint with white outlines. Color and pattern are very cryptic, matching the gray, lichen-covered rocks
where they often perch. Often there is a faint hint of a small spot comprised of a group of black scales
between veins R5 and M1 in the submarginal area of the forewing apex; this is usually distinguishable on
both the dorsal and ventral wing surfaces. The frequency of occurrence of a spot is higher in females than
in males (Anthony 1970).
Forewing measurements are generally larger for females than males (Table 1 and 2) (Anthony
1970, Scudder 1889). Length of proboscis, as measured by Scudder (1889), was 8 mm.

White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria titania montinus)
Eggs: Whitish or pale yellow.
Larvae: Gray with black dorsal and lateral stripes and orange spines. First subdorsal pair longer
and yellow. Head is black. This description is probably not from B.t. montinus, but rather from another
form.
Pupa: Undescribed.
Adult: Many populations are tinged purple on underwing, but B. t. montinus mostly lacking and
tending to be more red. Wings are orange-brown with dark markings. White horizontal lines along the
forewing margin. Underside of hindwing margin has thin, flat white spots topped with brown. Median
band is pale yellow-brown with a wavy black line. On the upper hindwing there are inwardly pointing
triangles with flat bottoms along the submargin.
Male and female forewing length is 1.9 – 2.2cm (Opler and Krizek 1984). Length of proboscis,
as measured by Scudder (1889), was 7.5mm.

Life History

White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea)
Univoltine. From late June to late July (confirmed dates: 27 June to 31 July). Adults are only
active on bright sunny days with wind below 40 mph and temperature above 45° F (Anthony 1970). They
rarely fly more than 0.5 m above ground, but if disturbed they may be carried by the wind for several
hundred meters downslope (Opler and Krizek 1984). Males tend to fly farther than females, probably
actively searching for females (Anthony 1970). Females remain in areas where sedges are dominant.
Males perch and patrol hill tops and ridgelines during most of the day. Scott (1986) writes that adults
rarely nectar. However, Scudder (1889) notes that they often nectar Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and
Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria groenlandica) as well as Vaccinium species. I found them nectaring
Mountain Sandwort in 2002. There may be some environmental and ecological barriers stopping or
slowing movements (hence gene flow) between populations within the Presidential Range (Anthony
1970).
Eggs are laid near base of sedges or in the litter around them (Scudder 1889). Most eggs
apparently laid by last week of July (Scudder 1889). Eggs hatch in 9-14 days, usually during the first
week of August (Scudder 1889). The only known host plant in the White Mountains is Bigelow’s Sedge
(Carex bigelowii) (Scudder 1889), but C. rupestris reported from western Canada (Layberry et al. 1998,
Scott 1986). Larvae will eat grasses and sedges in the lab (Scott 1986). Larvae feed at night on sedge
leaves and rest under stones during the day (Scudder 1889). Full grown larvae have been found from 20
July to 2 August (Scudder 1889).

4
Pupation occurs under moss, rocks or soil (Scudder 1889). Scudder (1889) reports that one
person searched for 10-12 hours raising movable surface stones along the edges of fellfield areas and
found two live pupae and nine others either infected with parasites or empty shells from the previous year.
All of them were found imbedded between 0.5 – 1.5 inches below the surface. They were not attached to
anything, but lay in horizontal oval cells. Areas chosen by larvae for diurnal concealment are probably
the same places chosen for pupation; a level, damp and cool protected spot (Scudder 1889).
Two years are required for development (Scudder 1889, Scott 1986). The first winter is passed in
second or third instar and the second winter as mature larvae (fifth instar) (Scott 1986). Scudder (1889)
found a larva on 31 May. It changed to chrysalis on 2 June in captivity and emerged on 19 June, but
development was probably faster due to warm conditions in captivity. He reported live chrysalis being
found between 10 June and early July. Despite biennial development, adults fly every year.

White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria titania montinus)
Univoltine. Adults fly from mid-July to mid September (confirmed dates: 12 July – 15
September). Males patrol for females during warm hours, while females rest or bask in the vegetation
(Seidl 2002). Females fly close to the ground and walk or test by drumming potential host plants with
abdomen (Seidl 2002). During field observations in 2002-03, adults observed nectaring predominantly
Alpine Goldenrod (Solidago cutleri), but also Purple-stemmed Aster (Aster puniceus) and Meadowsweet
(Spiraea latifolia).
I observed a pair copulating while perched on Alpine Goldenrod on 15 August 2003. Another
male was present, but flushed upon approach. Females found with well developed eggs on 2 August and
as late as 15 September (Scudder 1889). Eggs laid singly on underside of leaves in midsummer and the
newly hatched first-instar larvae hibernate before completing development during the following summer
(Opler and Krizek 1984, Scott 1986, Seidl 2002). It is unknown if the first instar larvae feed in the wild,
but they will feed in the laboratory (Seidl 2002).
Larvae from other populations are polyphagous, feeding on four chemically distinct plant familes:
Polygonaceae, Salicaceae, Ericaceae, Violaceae (Scott 1986, Seidl 2002). Caterpillar host plants in
eastern Canada are Dwarf Willows (Salix arctica and S. herbacea), Alpine Smartweed (Polygonum
viviparum), Violets (Viola sp.) and Low Sweet Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) (Layberry et al.
1998, Opler and Krizek 1984, Scott 1986). In the lab individuals from the northern Cascades of
Washington readily fed on Polygonum (preference for ovipositing), Salix and Viola, while Vaccinium was
refused (K. Wolfe, pers. comm.). In Asia B. titania is known to feed on plants in the families Rosaceae
and Ranunculaceae (K. Wolfe, pers. comm.).
There are no specific reports of host plants for B. t. montinus. However, possible host plants that
grow in the alpine zone in Presidential Range are: willows (Salix herbacea, S. uva-ursi, S. argyrocarpa,
S. planifolia), Alpine Smartweed or Bistort, Alpine Marsh Violet (Viola palustris) and V. adunca, Alpine
Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), Dwarf Bilberry (V. caespitosum), Velvet Leaf Bilberry (V.
myrtilloides), Low Sweet Blueberry, Mountain Cranberry (V. vitis-idaea), and Small Cranberry (V.
oxycoccos) (Bliss 1963). Scudder (1889) reported that they often are seen around Dwarf Willow (Salix
herbacea), but that despite searching no eggs were found. On one occasion he observed a female on
Mountain Avens (Geum peckii) and was sure she laid eggs, but upon examination he found no eggs. He
felt that Violaceae was a more likely host. A female (which later dissection showed to have ripe eggs)
was kept for several days on a live violet plant on the summit, at treeline and at the base of Mt.
Washington and never laid any eggs. Scudder tried this with several other individuals to no avail.
In other regions, larvae eat leaves of host plants and have no nest (Scott 1986). Larvae likely
pupate in the leaf litter (Seidl 2002). In Colorado, adults eclose after larvae complete five instars, with
males earlier than females (Seidl 2002).

5

Habitat Distribution and Abundance

White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea)
Rangewide- See discussion under Taxonomy.
Regionwide- The entire range of O. m. semidea is limited to the alpine zone of the Presidential
Range in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, generally above 1,500 m elevation (Figure 1). Its
presence is dependent upon quantity of host plants (sedges). Populations tend to be locally abundant
around sedge meadows (Figure 2), with few individuals found between them. Alpine sedge meadows
cover approximately 80 hectares (ha) or 7% of the alpine zone (Kimball and Weihrauch 2000) (Appendix
A). Among alpine plant communities, sedge meadows are found on moderate slopes in the highest
elevations (range = 1,345 – 1,901 m) with an aspect tending to be oriented to the northwest (Bliss 1963,
Kimball and Weihrauch 2000, Sperduto and Cogbill 1999). These meadows are largely dominated by
Bigelow’s Sedge and Highland Rush (Juncus trifidus), with other potentially common species being
Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria groelandica), Mountain Cranberry, Alpine Bilberry and Three-toothed
Cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata) (Kimball and Weihrauch 2000). Adults are most often reported from
the following sedge meadows listed north to south: Monticello Lawn on Mt. Jefferson, area surrounding
Gulf Tanks along the Mt. Washington Cog Railway between the summits of Mt. Washington and Mt.
Clay, the Cow Pasture (relatively flat area at mile 7 on the auto road) (Figure 2), and Bigelow Lawn
(directly south of Mt. Washington summit) (Figure 1, Tables 3, 4 and 5). The most northern record was
from Mt. Adams and the most southern was from Bigelow Lawn. Anthony (1970) reported that the
Alpine Garden on the west side of Mt. Washington was formerly considered to be a good area to collect
individuals, but it was devoid of the butterfly in 1969. However, a report by H. Pavulaan in 1984
indicated that it can be present in relatively large numbers in this area. I visited the area in 2002 and
found none despite extensively searching for them.
There are several small alpine vegetation areas relatively near the Presidential Range, including
Mt. Moosilaukee, Franconia Ridge, and the Mahoosuc Range. Although there are no confirmed reports
of O. m. semidea from these sites, there is one tantalizing record. In 1984, H. Pavulaan (pers. comm.)
noted that he and a friend observed several O. m. semidea on Mt. Washington. The next day they visited
Mt. Lincoln on Franconia Ridge, and separated for about an hour. Later that day, his friend reported to
him that he observed at close range two of the same butterflies that they observed on Mt. Washington the
previous day. Pavulaan, however, did not see any and noted that his friend may have misidentified the
two individuals, as he apparently was not an experienced observer. Additionally, Anothony (1970)
captured 13 females on Mt. Washington and released them on the summit of Mt. Moosilaukee. Given the
relatively close proximity of these smaller alpine sites to the Presidential Range and the fact that
Bigelow’s Sedge occurs on all of these sites, further studies aimed at clarifying the species’ restricted
range seem warranted. I visited Mt. Moosilaukee on 10 July 2003. Despite extensive searches I found no
individuals. The summit had relatively small amounts of Bigelow’s Sedge and was dominated by
Highland Rush.
Observations in 2002 in the Presidential Range found individuals from as far south as Mt.
Monroe, an expected but previously unreported southernmost site, to as far north as Mt. Jefferson (Figure
4). Individuals were found in all areas from which the species was previously reported to be abundant,
with the exception of the Alpine Garden area. It remains uncertain if O. m. semidea occurs on the more
northerly Mt. Madison, where there are several sedge meadows.

6
White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria titania montinus)
Rangewide- See discussion under Taxonomy.
Regionwide- The entire range of B. t. montinus is apparently limited to the alpine zone in the
Presidential Range in the White Mountains, New Hampshire above approximately 1,220m elevation in
wet alpine meadows, wet springs around rock outcroppings, alpine streamside communities and
snowbank communities (Figure 3). Popular areas to find the butterfly are Cragway Spring area on the Mt.
Washington Auto Road and the Alpine Garden.
Historic data were gathered from published and unpublished sources, Yale Peabody Museum, and
UNH entomology collection (Table 3). Specimens have been collected throughout the Presidential Range
– from Mt. Pierce at the southern end of the Presidential Range to Mt. Madison at the northern terminus.
Historic data with indicated elevations range from 1,220 – 1,645 m.
One dubious record outside of the Presidential Range was reported by Scudder (1889),“It has
been seen by Dr. Minot on the top of Black Mountain in Thornton, NH.” In a later publication, Scudder
(1895) wrote, “It has been reported as seen on Black Mountain near Thornton, NH, which is wooded to
the summit; but an actual capture would be necessary to establish such a fact.” Three peaks are named
“Black Mountain” in the AMC White Mountain Guide (1998), and none appear to be high enough:
Benton Range – 2,830 ft, Jackson – 3,304 ft, and Sandwich Range – 2,732 ft. This record is probably
incorrect. The only other known record outside the Presidential Range alpine zone was a specimen
collected by D.J. Lennox on 27 August 1966 in Jefferson Notch at 2,950 ft elevation and deposited in the
UNH collection.
Field work in 2002-03 found individuals from Mt. Pierce in southern Presidential Range to Mt.
Jefferson (Figure 5). Searches on Mt. Adams failed to locate any individuals, however weather
conditions were marginal. A previously unreported location where I observed large numbers was Mt.
Clay. Searches south of Mt. Pierce to the summit of Mt. Jackson yielded no individuals and no potential
habitat. I found adults at significantly higher elevations than previously reported. Along the auto road at
1,875 m elevation I observed individuals nectaring Alpine Goldenrod. Although this is 230m higher than
previously recorded, it may simply be due to the presence of flowering Alpine Goldenrod which only
occurs along the auto road at that elevation.

Population Biology and Viability

White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea)
The New Hampshire Natural Heritage global ranking is G5T2 – species is globally secure, but
subspecies population imperiled because of rarity (generally 6 to 20 occurrences) or other factors
demonstrably make it very vulnerable to extinction. Statewide ranking is S2 – state population imperiled
because of rarity (generally 6 to 20 occurrences) or other factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable to
extinction.
Scudder (1889) gives some historic perspective on the population, “…in its season this butterfly
is exceedingly abundant.” He also reports that Oakes (a botanist at that time) found them “abundant” in
June 1826 and Morrison (unknown observer) called them “very abundant” in first week of July 1874.
Anthony (1970) studied the extent of isolation between colonies in the alpine zone of the
Presidential Range by examining phenotypic evidence. He gave the following summary of his work:

…samples from four areas [see Appendix A of this report for locations]
of the range were taken in an effort to determine the population structure of the
butterfly. Statistical treatment of five characters yielded no conclusive evidence
for either total isolation or lack of isolation between the populations inhabiting
the four areas, but field observations combined with the statistics derived from

7
the frequency of the occurrence of a spot on the forewing of the butterfly indicate
that at least partial barriers probably exist between the sampling areas.
Movement of individuals between any of the areas was not seen while in the field.
Movement by action of the prevailing wind from the west is discussed and cited
as probably the major contributor to the breakdown of any spatial or
environmental barriers which do exist.

He conducted mark-recapture sampling in the Cow Pasture from 27 June – 7 July 1969, marking
51 individuals, but never recapturing any. From 8 July – 15 July he collected 5 males and 14 females at
Monticello Lawn, 31 males and 11 females around Gulf Tanks, 58 males and 23 females in the Cow
pasture, and 17 males and 10 females at Bigelow Lawn. Anthony also reported that the Alpine Garden on
the west side of Mt. Washington was formerly considered to be a good area to collect individuals;
however it was devoid of the butterfly in 1969. However, a report by H. Pavulaan in 1984, indicates that
it can be present in relatively large numbers in this area. I visited the area in 2002 and found none despite
searching extensively for them.
Other more recent reports include “great numbers” in the Cow Pasture area along the auto road on
8 July 1979 by A. Grkovich, over 100 in Alpine Garden on 13 July 1984 by H. Pavulaan, and ~30
individuals observed by M. Pelikan on northeast and east side of summit cone on 27 June 1995.
Transects walked in 2002 yielded from 0 in the Alpine Garden to 15 per 1,000 m in Monticello
Lawn (Table 4). Expansive areas can be searched without finding a single adult until an area is reached
where the species is very abundant. These areas tend to be a large boulder or rock outcrop near expansive
sedge meadows. Males appeared to rest on the leeward side of the rocks and chased other individuals
upon approach, sometimes into high spiral flights. This hilltopping or lek behavior has been observed
and studied in the congeneric arctic Oeneis chryxus (Knapton 1985, Daily et al. 1992, Clayton and Petr
1992).

White Mountain Fritillary (Boloria montinus montinus)
The New Hampshire Natural Heritage global ranking is G5T2 – species is globally secure, but
subspecies population imperiled because of rarity (generally 6 to 20 occurrences) or other factors
demonstrably make it very vulnerable to extinction. Statewide ranking is S2 – state population imperiled
because of rarity (generally 6 to 20 occurrences) or other factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable to
extinction.
Scudder (1889) offers the earliest comments on the population status:
“Probably no wandering collector has often seen more than eight or ten of these butterflies in a day’s
scramble among the mountains, but if sought early in July they might be found in greater abundance; on
a single occasion only I have seen as many as four at one time; they are most common about the steep
heads of the great ravines…” He also wrote, “The butterflies, never very abundant…” and, “…as it
would seem as if some special device were needed to maintain this apparently nearly extinct species in
such a desolate region.”
Later, Scudder (1897) wrote, “The [Boloria] indeed seems really doomed to destruction. In the
scanty numbers that one may find upon the mountain slopes, one sees the sign of their early departure;
for, in the many years that I have searched for them with special pains, I have never seen more that a
dozen or two specimens in a single day.”
I found similar numbers while walking transects in 2002-03 (Tables 4 and 5). However, I
considered the species to be locally common and probably not “doomed to destruction” in the near future.
Highest densities were found at Cragway Spring, with abundant Alpine Goldenrod, Purple-stemmed
Aster and Meadowsweet, and Wamsutta Trail, which also has high densities of Alpine Goldenrod. In
fact, a map of Alpine Goldenrod would probably overlap exactly with occurrences of adult B. t. montinus
because of the species’ intense affinity for nectaring this plant.

8
Potential Threats
Global climate change - Global climate change may exert profound, long-term impacts on alpine
plant communities through displacement by lower-elevation species (National Assessment Synthesis
Team 2000). The northeastern United States warmed by 0.74° F and precipitation increased by 4% from
1895-1999 (New England Regional Assessment Group 2001). New Hampshire warmed by 1.8° F (1.0° F
summer) with a decrease of 2.5% precipitation during this period.
Two models used in the northeastern United States assessment indicate varying degrees of temperature
and precipitation increases (New England Regional Assessment Group 2001). The Hadley Model
projects a warming of 6° F for annual minimum temperature and a 30% increase in precipitation, while
the Canadian Model projects a 10° F increase with a 10% increase in precipitation, with periodic extreme
drought, over the next century. Either of these scenarios would produce greater climatic variation than
any experienced in the last 10,000 years. Additionally, there is some evidence that the frequency of
extreme weather events is increasing.
It appears that some species are responding to recent climatic warming by shifting ranges poleward
and upward in elevation (Parmesan et al. 1999, Pounds et al. 1999, Thomas and Lennon 1999, Parmesan
1996, Grabherr et al. 1994). Populations at the edge of a species’ range are often living near the limits of
the species’ physiological tolerances and are more likely to suffer from extreme weather events
(Parmesan et al. 2000). For example, Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) population extinctions
have been associated with extreme climatic events such as drought, early loss of snowpack, late snow,
and cold temperatures (Singer and Thomas 1996, Ehrlich et al. 1980, Thomas et al. 1996). Parmesan
(1996) reported a range shift northward and increased elevation of Edith’s Checkerspot during this
century due to increased number of population extinctions at the southern boundary and lower elevations
coupled with population stability or increase at northern and higher elevations of its range.
Both O. m. semidea and B. t. montinus are reliant on specific host plants to complete their life cycle.
These host plants occur only at high elevations in this region. There are no data available documenting
effects of recent climate change on host plant abundance or range shifts for these species. Research in the
alpine zone of the Swiss Alps found that plant ranges had increased by 1-4 m elevation over the last 70-90
years while the mean annual temperature had increased by 0.7° C (Grabherr et al. 1994).
Interactions between insect herbivores, host plants and elevated CO2 has been reviewed by Seidl
(2002). Most plants experience nitrogen dilution and increases in allelochemicals when grown in
elevated CO2 conditions. Consequently, some herbivores are able to increase consumption to attempt to
capture more nitrogen and are undeterred by higher allelochemical concentrations, but often experience a
decline in growth rate.
Atmospheric pollution - Decline of high elevation forests in northeastern U.S. during 1960s and
1970s has been well documented (Johnson and Siccama 1984, Eager and Adams 1992). Atmospheric
deposition of acidic ions from industrial sulfur and nitrogen oxides is strongly, although not conclusively,
implicated as a causal factor in red spruce decline (DeHayes et al. 1999, Johnson et al. 1992, NAPAP
1992). Despite declining trends in atmospheric sulfate concentrations resulting from mandates of 1990
Clean Air Act amendments, acidity of precipitation in northeastern North America does not appear to be
decreasing (Scherbatskoy et al. 1999).
Heavy metal toxicity from airborne pollutants has also been implicated as a contributing cause of high
elevation forest decline in northeastern U.S., particularly in the Adirondack and Green Mts. (Gawel et al.
1996). However, several recent studies indicate that lead concentrations in the forest floor are rapidly
decreasing (Friedland et al. 1992, Miller and Friedland 1994, Wang and Benoit 1997).
Atmospheric deposition of airborne mercury is 2-5 times higher in montane forests of Mt. Mansfield,
Vermont than in surrounding low elevation areas (Lawson 1999). Methylation rates and possible uptake
in the food chain of terrestrial montane species has been documented for Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus
bicknelli), which feeds primarily on lepidoptera larvae (Rimmer et al. 2001).

9
There have been few studies examining the direct effects of atmospheric pollution on butterfly
populations. Weiss (1999) found that Bay Checkerspot butterfly (Euphydrias editha bayensis)
populations, which are confined to nitrogen poor serpentine soils, crashed in areas where nitrogen
deposition from smog, coupled with cessation of cattle grazing, allowed invasive grasses to out-compete
native forbs used as host plants. Kozlov (1996) censused two butterflies (Clossiana euphrosyne and
Vacciniina optilete) and three day-active moths (Rheumaptera subhastata, Ematurga atomaria, and
Sympistis heliophila) in 5 different pollution zones in northwestern Russia. Densities of the monitored
species increased by a factor of 1.5 to 5 in early stages of pollution-induced forest damage, but declined
with increasing pollution. Since the host plants of the monitored species, except that of C. euphrosyne,
were found in all localities surveyed, the decline could be attributed to the SO2 toxicity rather than to the
lack of larval food.
UV-B light increase – The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and the concurrent increase
in damaging ultraviolet-B radiation reaching the earth’s surface has been a growing concern over the last
several decades. Loss of stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone depleting
compounds has led to increased solar UV-B in alpine areas (Blumthaler and Ambach 1990). There have
been many studies detailing the effects of UV-B light on herptiles and plants, but very few concerning
lepidoptera. Most studies have examined insect herbivory, UV-B and host plant interactions (Seidl 2002).
UV-B light can have indirect, negative effects on herbivore success. Carroll et al. (1997) found that
UV-B is an important concern for Parsnip Webworms (Depressaria pastinacella) larvae because it
activates toxic properties of the furanocoumarins, chemicals found in large quantities in the host plants.
However, carotenoids sequestered from the plants may prevent UV-B from damaging the insect either by
absorbing the UV-B or by lessening the toxic effects of furanocoumarins. Alternatively, growth rates of
larval Cabbage White buttefly (Pieris rapae) fed Arabidopsis thaliana grown under elevated UV-B
conditions were unaffected despite high flavanoid levels in the host plant (Grant-Petersson and Renwick
1996).
Recreation and development – Prevention of development or trampling of habitat has been cited
as a management need for these butterflies (Opler et al. 1995), as well as for alpine vegetation in general
(Sperduto and Cogbill 1999). I used GIS alpine vegetation maps provided by the Appalachian Mountain
Club (Kimball and Weihrauch 2000) and a GIS trail map obtained from the White Mountain National
Forest (L. Prout pers. comm.) to estimate the total linear distance of trails through alpine habitat (Table
2). Additionally, buildings and roads impact approximately 3 ha of area in the alpine zone. The
estimated percentage of impacted area by hiking trails was surprisingly small (Table 2). However, the
width of two meters for impact area may be an underestimate in some places.
Collecting- An examination of collections at UNH and Peabody, published literature, and queries
to the Yale lep list serve yielded approximately 380 O. m. semidea and 80 B. t. montinus specimens
known to have been collected over more than a 100-year period. During a one-week period in 1969,
Anthony (1970) reported collecting 115 specimens of O. m. semidea in his four study areas (see Figure 1
for study areas) and another collector taking 30 more in the Cow Pasture study area. Scudder (1889)
reportedly collected over 100 one year. Although such intensive collecting may have been detrimental in
the short term, current populations in these areas appear within reported historic levels. Recent collecting
probably amounts to fewer than 10 individuals of each species each year. This is probably insignificant to
the population dynamics of these two species. Continued light collecting by amateur and professional
lepidopterists will probably yield no damage to the overall population.

Monitoring
There has been no systematic monitoring conducted for these two species to my knowledge.
During my field observations in 2002-03, I evaluated the potential for future monitoring of these species.
Such an effort, while valuable for the data it would provide, promises to be challenging.

10
Logistics of working in the alpine zone are generally difficult. Access to sites along the auto road
for surveys is easy, but other sites can require long hikes. Weather is extremely limiting. I was
disappointed many times when I arrived and found that despite excellent weather elsewhere, the alpine
zone was very windy, cold and in the clouds (Table 7).
Expansive areas can be searched for O. m. semidea without finding a single adult until an area is
reached where the species is very abundant. These areas tend to be a large boulder or rock outcrop near
expansive sedge meadows. Males appeared to rest on the leeward side of the rocks and chased other
individuals upon approach, sometimes into high spiral flights. This hilltopping or lek behavior has been
observed and studied in the congener arctic Oeneis chryxus (Knapton 1985, Daily et al. 1992, Clayton and
Petr 1992). This could create problems for some traditional monitoring schemes such as Pollard transects
(see Pollard and Yates 1993).
Capture-recapture techniques have strong statistical underpinnings (e.g., Lebreten et al. 1992) and
have been successfully used for O. chryxus (Knapton 1985, Daily et al. 1992, Clayton and Petr 1992) and
B. acrocnema (Ellingson 2003). However, Anthony (1970) attempted it with O. m. semidea with poor
results. He captured and marked 51 individuals in the Cow Pasture area from 27 June – 7 July and had no
subsequent recaptures. He commented that “…a number of factors related to the marking technique itself
were becoming serious problems…”, although it is not clear exactly what these problems were.
While there is a large body of literature regarding butterfly population monitoring, many are
plagued by statistical problems. Ellingson (2003) examined potentially robust methods with the
endangered B. acrocnema in Colorado. He employed distance sampling (Buckland et al. 1993; see
http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance/) from line transects to estimate daily abundance and found
substantial observer-induced variation in detection probabilities. This suggests that at least for that
species at that location, ordinary Pollard transects would be significantly biased. He also used capture-
recapture to estimate apparent survival. Total annual recruitment was then estimated by combining line
transect and capture-recapture data in models of intra-annual population dynamics.
A minimum monitoring scheme would feature at least 20 randomly located transects throughout
the alpine zone; these should be surveyed with the distance sampling method at least every 5 days through
the flight periods of both species (A. Ellingson pers. comm.). Thus, to adequately monitor both species,
each transect would need to be completed approximately 21 times over the course of 15 weeks. Given
constraints of access, terrain and alpine weather, this would likely be very difficult to achieve.

Acknowledgements

Unpublished data were generously shared by Robert Dirig, Julia Feder, Alex Grkovic, Harry
Pavulaan, Matt Pelikan, Amy Seidl, and Mark Walker. I am grateful to Dr. Larry Gall and Dr. Jane
O’Donnell for providing specimen data from the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale and Dr.
Donald Chandler for helping us with access to the University of New Hampshire Insect Collection.
Kenneth D. Kimball and Doug Weihrauch kindly provided GIS data of the vegetation types in the alpine
zone. Alex Grkovic, Norbert Kondla and Dr. Jim Kruse provided useful discussions on taxonomy. Dr.
Kruse reviewed the taxonomy section for Boloria titania montinus. Aaron Ellingson provided useful
discussions about butterfly monitoring. Brian Bennett kindly provided access to the Mt. Washington
Auto Road. Funding for this report was provided by the USDA Forest Service - White Mountain
National Forest, the Conservation and Research Foundation, and the Trustees and Members of the
Vermont Institute of Natural Science.

11
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15
Table 1. Mean value (mm) and 95% confidence interval of forewing measurements of White Mountain
Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) from the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
(from Anthony 1970).
base to
end R4
base of
M1 to end
R4
width of discal
cell from base
M3 to base R3
end of 2A to
end of R4
Monticello Lawn
male (n=5) 23.9 ±0.99 10.4 ±0.37 3.0 ±0.18 14.6 ±0.28
female (n=9) 24.4 ±0.82 10.9 ±1.5 3.0 ±1.34 14.5 ±0.34
Gulf Tanks
male (n=30) 23.0 ±0.39 10.1 ±0.02 2.9 ±0.09 14.1 ±0.29
female (n=7) 24.3 ±0.83 11.1 ±0.73 3.0 ±0.25 14.6 ±0.50
Cow Pasture
male (n=34) 23.2 ±1.04 9.8 ±0.59 2.9 ±0.19 13.9 ±0.95
female (n=12) 24.4 ±0.57 10.9 ±0.31 3.0 ±0.09 14.4 ±0.31
Bigelow Lawn
male (n=20) 23.4 ±0.42 10.4 ±0.38 3.0 ±0.09 14.2 ±0.34
female (n=9) 24.9 ±0.97 11.3 ±0.46 3.1 ±0.19 14.8 ±0.59






Table 2. Measurements (mm) of White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) from the Presidential
Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (from Scudder 1889).
Males (n=30) Females (n=24)
Minimum Mean Maximum Minimum Mean Maximum
Forewing 21.5 23 23.75 21.5 23.5 24.5
Antennae 8.5 9.5 9.5 8.6 9.6 10
Hind tibiae
and tarsi
6.25 7 7.25 6.5 7.6 7.25
Fore tibiae
and tarsi
2 2.4 2.5 2 2.25 2.1

16
Table 3. Historic data gathered from published and unpublished sources, Yale Peabody Museum, and UNH entomology collection.
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 01-Aug-1870 f
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 01-Aug-1870 f
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 01-Aug-1870 f
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 01-Aug-1870 f
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 m
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection
Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1872 f
Mt. Washington
C.P. Whitney
Montshire Collection

Boloria titania
montinus
12-Jul-
1880's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder
first specimens noted. From Scudder 1889.

Boloria titania
montinus
21-Jul-
1880's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder
From Scudder 1889

Boloria titania
montinus 2-Aug-1880's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder
had well developed eggs. From Scudder 1889

Boloria titania
montinus
11-Aug-
1800's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder
good condition. From Scudder 1889

Boloria titania
montinus
14-Aug-
1800's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder 2-3 dozen
14 collected, 4 females full of eggs. In
"tolerably fresh condition". From Scudder 1889

17
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments

Boloria titania
montinus
15-Sep-
1800's
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder 1
searched several hours. Worn female with 15
eggs.From Scudder 1889.
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 28-Jul-1900

Fisk

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1900
Summits
Fisk
26-31 July 1900
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1933
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Jul-1936 m
Mt. Washington

Montshire Collection
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 f
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 m
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 m
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 m
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 f
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 18-Aug-1936 f
Mt. Adams
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 14-Aug-1938 m
Mt. Jefferson
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 21-Aug-1938 f
Mt. Madison
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1939 m
Mt. Madison
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1939 f
Mt. Madison
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1939 f
Mt. Madison
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1939 m
Mt. Madison
DJ Lennox

18
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 16-Aug-1948 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 f
Mt. Washington
David Boufford

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 f
Mt. Washington
David Boufford

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH Boloria titania 22-Aug-1950 m Mt. Washington DJ Lennox

19
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
montinus
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Aug-1950 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1951 f
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1951 m
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1951 f
Mt. Washington
David Boufford

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 11-Aug-1951 m
Mt. Washington
David Boufford

Peabody
Boloria titania
montinus 15-Aug-1954 m
Mt. Washington - Cragway
Spring P. Ritterbush
pinned collection
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 07-Aug-1965 m

DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 07-Aug-1965 f

DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 06-Aug-1966 m
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 06-Aug-1966 m
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 06-Aug-1966 m
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 06-Aug-1966 f
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 14-Aug-1966
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 14-Aug-1966 f
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 14-Aug-1966 f
Mt. Washington


UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 27-Aug-1966
Jefferson Notch
DJ Lennox
approx 2950ft elev. from coordinates for
record. Specimen in poor shape.
UNH Boloria titania 22-Jul-1971 Mt. Jefferson David Boufford 1670 m

20
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
montinus
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Jul-1971

Ron Commeau

UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
5000
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
1500m
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
1500m
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
1500m
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
5000ft
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 22-Jul-1974
Mt. Washington
WJ Morse
4000
UNH
Boloria titania
montinus 17-Jul-1975
Mt. Washington
R M Reeves
5400
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 04-Aug-1980 mf
Mt. Washington - Nelson
Crag A. Grkovich
fresh males and females
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 28-Jul-1990 f
Mt. Washington - on plateau
below peak leading to AMC
lake of clouds hut (~5,400 ft
elev.) A. Grkovich
slightly worn
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 28-Jul-1990 f
Mt. Washington - on plateau
below peak leading to AMC
lake of clouds hut (~5,400 ft
elev.) A. Grkovich
slightly worn
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 14-Aug-1991 mf
Mt. Washington - Nelson
Crag, Alpine Garden, and
just below treeline between
Nelson Crag and Alpine
Garden A. Grkovich
fresh males and females
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 03-Aug-1993
Mt. Washington
J. Glassberg
in Butterflies Through Binoculars: The East
personal collection Boloria titania 08-Aug-2000 m Mt. Washington - Nelson A. Grkovich 1 1 immaculate male

21
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
montinus Crag
personal collection
Boloria titania
montinus 08-Aug-2001 mf
Mt. Washington - Nelson
Crag and along Wamsutta
Trail (4500-5000 ft elev.) A. Grkovich "large numbers"
good to fresh males and fresh females in large
numbers

Oeneis melissa
semidea June 1826
Mt. Washington
Oakes abundant
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-4-1869
Mt. Washington
Sanborn
"earliest date that year" from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-8-1859
Mt. Washington - 1 mile
from summit near trail from
the Glen S.H. Scudder 1
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-8-1859
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder >40
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 6-26-1874
Mt. Washington
Dimmock
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-1-1874
Mt. Washington
Morrison
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-4-1874
Mt. Washington
Dimmock
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 7-6-1874
Mt. Washington
Dimmock
from Scudder 1889

Oeneis melissa
semidea 6-6-1886
Mt. Washington
Hayward and
Scudder
from Scudder 1889. Saw 3 lepidoptera, but
unable to fully confirm identity, but each
thought was semidea.
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 01-Jul-1913 m
Mt. Washington
C.W. Johnson
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1926 f
Mt. Washington C.L. and P.S.
Remington
pinned collection
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 17-Jul-1929
Mt. Washington
G.S. Walley
5000 ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 22-Jul-1929
Mt. Washington
G.S. Walley
5000 ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 22-Jul-1929
Mt. Washington
G.S. Walley
5000 ft
Peabody Oeneis melissa 09-Jul-1934 m Mt. Jefferson D.J. Lennox pinned collection

22
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
semidea
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 09-Jul-1934 m
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 09-Jul-1934 f
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 09-Jul-1934 f
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 10-Jul-1934 m
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 10-Jul-1934 f
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox
pinned collection
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 10-Jul-1934
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox

Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1936 m
Mt. Washington
P.S. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1936 m
Mt. Washington
P.S. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1936 m
Mt. Washington
P.S. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1936 f
Mt. Washington
P.S. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 07-Jul-1936 f
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1937 m
Mt. Washington

pinned collection
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 01-Jul-1939
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 04-Jul-1939
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 04-Jul-1939
Mt. Washington
DJ Lennox

Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection

23
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 m
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-1940 f
Mt. Washington presented by
Starretts
pinned collection
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 04-Jul-1945
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

Peabody Oeneis melissa 12-Jul-1950 m Mt. Washington C.L. Remington pinned collection

24
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
semidea
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 12-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 f
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74636
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74635
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74624
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74631
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74632

25
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74629
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74634
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74627
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74630
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74633
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74626
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74625
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 m
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74637
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1950 f
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74623
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 18-Jul-1950 f
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
pinned collection
Peabody
Oeneis melissa
semidea 18-Jul-1950
Mt. Washington
C.L. Remington
papered job lot no. 84P-00. YPM no. 74628.
Box has note that says there is suppose to be
17 males and 3 females in it.
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 08-Jul-1952
Mt. Jefferson
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 08-Jul-1952
Mt. Jefferson
DJ Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 18-Jul-1958
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 18-Jul-1958
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox


Oeneis melissa
semidea 7/13/1959
Mt. Washington
S.H. Scudder 59
from Scudder 1889
UNH Oeneis melissa 17-Jul-1965 Mt. Washington AH Mason 6000

26
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
semidea
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 17-Jul-1965
Mt. Washington
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 17-Jul-1965
Mt. Washington
AH Mason
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 17-Jul-1965
Mt. Washington
AH Mason
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 m
Mt. Washington

papered
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 m
Mt. Washington

papered
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 f
Mt. Washington

papered
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 m
Mt. Washington

papered
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 f
Mt. Washington

papered
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1968 f
Mt. Washington

papered

Oeneis melissa
semidea 27-Jun-1969
Mt. Washington- Cow
Pasture C.S. Anthony
51 from 27 Jun and
7 July
between 27 Jun and 7 July marked 51
individuals here and never recaptured any.

Oeneis melissa
semidea 08-Jul-1969
Monticello Lawn, Gulf
Tanks, Cow Pasture,
Bigelow Lawn C.S. Anthony
115 from 8 Jul - 15
July
collected 115 between 8 Jul and 15 July. 13
females kept alive and later released on Mt.
Mooselauke. Field work ended 2 August.

Oeneis melissa
semidea 08-Jul-1969
Mt. Washinton - Cow
Pasture D. Lennox 30 on 8 and 15 Jul
Collect 30 on this date and 15 July.

Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1969
Mt. Washinton - Cow
Pasture D. Lennox 30 on 8 and 15 Jul
Collect 30 on this date and 8 July.
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 15-Jul-1969
Jefferson, NH
D.J. Lennox

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 21-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 21-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000

27
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
R. Commeau
5800ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
R. Commeau
5800ft
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
D. E. Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
R. Commeau
5800
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
Ron Commeau
papered.
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
Ron Commeau
papered.
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
Ron Commeau
papered.
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington David E.
Boufford
6000
UNH Oeneis melissa 31-Jul-1971 Mt. Washington David Boufford 6000. very good condition

28
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments
semidea
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 31-Jul-1971
Mt. Washington
David Boufford
6000
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 11-Jul-1977
Mt. Washington
WJ Morse
5500
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 11-Jul-1977
Mt. Washington
WJ Morse
5500
personal collection
Oeneis melissa
semidea 08-Jul-1979 mf
Mt. Washington - auto road
from just about Nelson Crag
(4,800ft) and higher A. Grkovich "in great numbers"
in great numbers all along road
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 23-Jul-1981
Mt. Washington

papered.. 5200

Oeneis melissa
semidea 13-Jul-1984
Mt. Washington- Alpine
Garden
H. Pavulaan >100
Air temp 55F, 35 mph winds reported at
summit, overcast with breaks of sunshine. I
found O. melissa semidea (over 100
approximated). These were usually sitting in
protected places between boulders and
immediately took flight when approached. I
came clo
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 04-Jul-1991

C.F. Goodhue

UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 04-Jul-1991
Mt. Washington
C.F. Goodhue


Oeneis melissa
semidea 27-Jun-1995
Mt. Washington - NE and E
sides of summit cone. M. Pelikan ~30
Observed approx. 30 individuals.

Oeneis melissa
semidea 11-Jul-1995
Mt. Washington
J. Glassberg
in Butterflies Through Binoculars: The East
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea 28-Jul-1996
Mt. Washington

29
Voucher Location Species Date Sex Location Observer Numbers
Reported
Comments

Oeneis melissa
semidea 28-Jun-1998
Mt. Washington - close to
where trail meets cog
railway about 500-800 ft
below summit on west side,
and rest of ascent M. Walker 7
weather at 1200=40F. wind 3mph. short blasts
of sun at 1400. 1530 when reached summit.
Saw one sunning at cog area and then 6 on
ascent. most low to ground flying or resting.
some would rise up and away.

Oeneis melissa
semidea 19-Jul-2001
Mt. Adams - Lowe’s Path-
just above grey knob on the
NNW side of Mt. Adams
J. Feder 2
Weather conditions: sunny 1100 20.8C 1330
25 c 1630 16.8c wind 1m high 1100 6.5 mph
1330 5 mph 1630 3 mph ground level wind
1100 <2 SSW 1330 <2 SSW 1630 3
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea August
Mt. Washington

"August" on tag
UNH
Oeneis melissa
semidea August

C.F. Goodhue
"August" on tag

30

Table 4. Transect data collected in 2002-03 in the Presidential Range, NH.
Transect Date Start
Time
End
Time
Total
Time
Distance
(m)
No. of Boloria
titania
montinus
No. Oeneis
melissa
semidea
Individuals /
1000m
comments
1 7/12/2002 12:30 12:40 0:10 0.425 0 0 0.0
searched entire area of sedge meadow. 0.425 acres.
4,500ft elev.
2 7/12/2002 13:05 13:27 0:22 375 0 2 5.3
cow pasture
3 7/12/2002 13:29 13:34 0:05 220 0 1 4.5
cow pasture
4 7/12/2002 14:36 15:41 1:05 1697 0 0 0.0
alpine trail and 75m length of stream halfway on trail
5 7/12/2002 15:41 16:30 0:49 1510 0 0 0.0
Nelson Crag trail from jct. Alpine garden to summit.
7 7/21/2002 13:00 15:20 2:20 2294 0 7 3.1
summit to Lake of Clouds mostly off trail
8 7/21/2002 15:30 17:00 1:30 2228 0 3 1.3
lake clouds around and over Monroe
9 7/21/2002 17:10 17:35 0:25 1030 0 4 3.9
Camel Trail
10 7/22/2002 9:45 11:00 1:15 735 0 11 15.0
Monticello Lawn
11 7/22/2002 11:00 12:00 1:00 2300 0 0 0.0
from Monticello Lawn to Clay loop via Gulfside trail
12 7/22/2002 12:00 12:50 0:50 1250 0 3 2.4
from Clay loop up Gulfside trail to great gulf trail, to
tanks near Nelson Crag trail, then up to summit.
13 7/31/2002 12:00 13:45 1:45 1450 6 0 4.1
Cragway Spring
14 7/31/2002 15:05 16:00 0:55 1500 0 0 0.0
alpine garden
15 8/13/2003 14:00 15:45 1:45 615 12 0 19.5
Cragway spring

31
Transect Date Start
Time
End
Time
Total
Time
Distance
(m)
No. of Boloria
titania
montinus
No. Oeneis
melissa
semidea
Individuals /
1000m
comments

16 8/14/2003 9:00 10:00 1:00 2670 4 0 1.5
Alpine Garden trail
17 7/26/2003 9:55 10:10 0:15 600 0 0 0.0
Israel Trail - Mt. Madison. Filtered sun, 58F, NW wind
20-30mph
18 8/15/2003 9:30 10:20 0:50 1130 11 0 9.7
up road from pulloff to Wamsutta trail, down trail to
cutoff for winter rd., down winter rd and then back up to
car
19 8/15/2003 12:00 14:00 2:00 3875 23 0 5.9
Gulfside trail, Mt. Clay loop, Gulfside to east side of Mt.
Jefferson
20 8/15/2003 14:20 14:50 0:30 1540 4 0 2.6
west side of Mt. Clay on Gulfside trail

32

Table 5. Locations of O. m. semidea and B. t. montinus observations during 2002 – 03 in the Presidential Range, NH.
Transect
Number
Date Time No. of
Oeneis
melissa
semidea
No. of
Boloria
titania
montinus
Latitude Longitude Habitat indicated
on AMC GIS
coverage
Habitat
description on
site
Elev.
(ft)
Comments
2 7/12/2002 13:13 1 44.27808 71.29452 sedge meadow sedge meadow 5700 photos
2 7/12/2002 13:22 1 44.27782 71.29515 sedge meadow sedge meadow 5750
3 7/12/2002 13:30 1 44.27789 71.29526 fellfield
fellfield with
sedge 5750
basking
7 7/21/2002 13:16 1 44.27124 71.30596 sedge meadow sedge meadow 6150 sunning on flat rock
7 7/21/2002 13:26 1 44.27041 71.3072 sedge meadow sedge meadow 6050 sunning on flat rock
7 7/21/2002 13:33 1 44.2703 71.30685 sedge meadow sedge meadow 6050
sunning on flat rock. Butterfly wp2 flew by it and
it chased it breifly, then landed on flat rock.
Captured in net and released. Very tattered.
7 7/21/2002 14:02 1 44.26826 71.30999
fellfield/sedge
meadow sedge meadow 5600
flew across sedge meadow for 30m then circled
back and landed on ridge above dry spring
7 7/21/2002 14:07 1 44.26801 71.31043 heath-shrub-rush rock 5550
flushed off dark lichen and then landed back on
dark lichen patch
7 7/21/2002 15:08 1 44.26236 71.3123 sedge meadow sedge meadow 5350
sunning on flat rock. Very tattered, missing one
hind wing.
7 7/21/2002 15:08 1 44.26257 71.3234 fellfield sedge meadow 5350 good condition
8 7/21/2002 16:26 1 44.2546 71.32267 fellfield rock ridge 5300 fairly good condition, no tatters. Photos
8 7/21/2002 16:39 1 44.2549 71.32132 fellfield rock ridge 5370
sunning on summit Mt. Monroe. Flushed and
flew with wind east over valley and out of sight.
8 7/21/2002 16:50 1 44.25587 71.32052 heath-shrub-rush rock ridge 5250 sunning on flat rock on ridge.
9 7/21/2002 17:19 1 44.2589 71.30993
krummholtz-birch-
alder rock ridge 5350
flushed off flat rock
9 7/21/2002 17:30 1 44.25896 71.3048 fellfield fellfield-sedge 5400 flushed off flat rock
9 7/21/2002 17:31 1 44.25877 71.30469 fellfield fellfield-sedge 5400 flushed off flat rock. Very fresh.
9 7/21/2002 17:33 1 44.25887 71.30445 fellfield fellfield-sedge 5400 flushed off flat rock. Very fresh.

33
Transect
Number
Date Time No. of
Oeneis
melissa
semidea
No. of
Boloria
titania
montinus
Latitude Longitude Habitat indicated
on AMC GIS
coverage
Habitat
description on
site
Elev.
(ft)
Comments
10 7/22/2002 9:55 7 44.30077 71.31265 sedge meadow rock ridge 5300
on small col. 2 chasing each other into wind low.
3 in whirl together for 15 sec. Then break off and
sun. all on east side out of wind. All in good
condition.
10 7/22/2002 10:15 1 44.30082 71.31437 sedge meadow sedge meadow 5400 photo
10 7/22/2002 10:18 1 44.30021 71.3142 fellfield rock ridge 5350
east side of rock col sunning. Good condtion.
Photos.
10 7/22/2002 10:53 1 44.29919 71.31555 fellfield rock ridge 5350 east side of rock col sunning.
10 7/22/2002 10:57 1 44.29891 71.31575 fellfield rock ridge 5350 flushed from rocks
12 7/22/2002 12:09 1 44.2768 71.3104 sedge meadow sedge meadow 5500 flushed
12 7/22/2002 12:16 1 44.27692 71.3102 sedge meadow trail 5500 flushed from Mtn. Sandwort
12 7/22/2002 12:22 1 44.27645 71.3102 sedge meadow trail 5600 sunning along trail
13 7/31/2002 12:20 1 44.27949 71.27696 krummholtz heath-krummholtz 4620 flushed
13 7/31/2002 12:50 1 44.28052 71.27528 fellfield heath 4625 flushed
13 7/31/2002 13:15 1 44.27896 71.27486 krummholtz heath-krummholtz 4510 on vaccinium spp. Flushed and flew fast.
13 7/31/2002 13:20 1 44.27883 71.27482 krummholtz krummholtz 4510 flushed off fir and flew to another patch of fir
13 7/31/2002 13:38 1 44.27972 71.27403 krummholtz trail-krummholtz 4530
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod along trail. Flushed
and went to fir patch.
13 7/31/2002 13:42 1 44.27942 71.27415 krummholtz trail 4550 nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod along trail.
15 8/13/2003 14:00 2 44.28214 71.27736 roadside roadside-spring 4800 nectaring goldenrod and steeplebush. Photos
15 8/13/2003 14:10 7 44.28148 71.27728 roadside roadside-spring 4750
nectaring goldenrod, steeplebush and purple-
stemmed aster.
15 8/13/2003 14:30 2 44.28043 71.27459 heath-shrub-rush 4550 flying fast.
16 8/14/2003 9:30 1 44.26633 71.29439 heath-shrub-rush trail-krummholtz 5150 flushed from behind black spruce out of wind
16 8/14/2003 9:36 1 44.26562 71.29484 krummholtz heath-trail 5150 sunning on laborador tea
16 8/14/2003 9:41 1 44.2648 71.29647 krummholtz
spring-
krummholtz 5150
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
16 8/14/2003 9:48 1 44.26421 71.29749 krummholtz trail 5100 sunning on dirt trail

34
Transect
Number
Date Time No. of
Oeneis
melissa
semidea
No. of
Boloria
titania
montinus
Latitude Longitude Habitat indicated
on AMC GIS
coverage
Habitat
description on
site
Elev.
(ft)
Comments
8/14/2003 11:30 1 44.24243 71.34544 fellfield trail-krummholtz 4450
fly down trail out of wind during short sunny
break
8/14/2003 12:07 1 44.23339 71.35143 no data trail-krummholtz 4200
flying ~2m high along trail in 2.5m high patch of
fir.
18 8/15/2003 9:30 1 44.28492 71.28298 fellfield roadside 5100 sunning along road on dirt
18 8/15/2003 9:45 1 44.2838 71.28662 road road 5350
road kill. Collected and sent to Alaska for DNA
analysis.
18 8/15/2003 9:47 1 44.28336 71.28851 fellfield trail 5250 sunning on rock on trail
18 8/15/2003 9:49 1 44.28334 71.28846 fellfield trail 5250 nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
18 8/15/2003 9:55 1 44.28404 71.28794 fellfield trail 5150 sunning on trail
18 8/15/2003 10:00 2 44.28453 71.28768 heath-scrub-rush trail 5125 nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
18 8/15/2003 10:03 3 44.28507 71.28674 sedge meadow trail 5100
On Mtn. Goldenrod. 2 mating, one other flushed
away.
18 8/15/2003 10:09 1 44.28522 71.28646 sedge meadow trail 5050 nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
8/15/2003 10:40 1 44.27012 71.30135 fellfield sedge-goldenrod 6150 ragged. Nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
8/15/2003 10:49 2 44.26979 71.30128 fellfield sedge-goldenrod 6100 nectaring and patroling Mtn. Goldenrod
19 8/15/2003 12:15 1 44.27933 71.31369 cushion tussock 5400 patroling and nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
19 8/15/2003 12:17 1 44.27985 71.31382 krummholtz trail 5400 sunning
19 8/15/2003 12:22 1 44.28007 71.31405 fellfield
snowbank
community 5400
patrolling and landing on birch and Vaccinium
uliginosum. Watched for egg laying, but none
seen.
19 8/15/2003 12:30 1 44.28024 71.31453 fellfield 5500 blown far east by wind
19 8/15/2003 12:37 3 44.28183 71.31564 heath shrub-rush
snowbank
community 5550
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod and patrolling
19 8/15/2003 12:47 1 44.28412 71.31593 cushion-tussock 5450 flying into fairly strong wind
19 8/15/2003 12:49 2 44.28445 71.31548 fellfield
snowbank
community 5450
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod in small snowbank
community. Short chase then one back to
nectaring and one continue patrol
19 8/15/2003 13:01 1 44.28739 71.31471 heath shrub-rush
snowbank
community 5400
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod

35
Transect
Number
Date Time No. of
Oeneis
melissa
semidea
No. of
Boloria
titania
montinus
Latitude Longitude Habitat indicated
on AMC GIS
coverage
Habitat
description on
site
Elev.
(ft)
Comments
19 8/15/2003 13:04 2 44.28759 71.3147 fellfield
snowbank
community 5400
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
19 8/15/2003 13:07 5 44.28781 71.31456 heath shrub-rush
snowbank
community 5400
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod
19 8/15/2003 13:27 1 44.29517 71.31698 krummholtz trail 4950 sunning on dirt on trail
19 8/15/2003 13:46 1 44.29607 71.31694 krummholtz trail 5100 sunning on dirt on trail
19 8/15/2003 13:46 1 44.30237 71.31369 sedge meadow trail 5400 sunning on rock
19 8/15/2003 13:50 2 44.30315 71.31303 krummholtz trail 5400 sunning and dabbing at dirt
20 8/15/2003 14:21 1 44.29112 71.31699 krummholtz trail 5050 sunning on trail
20 8/15/2003 14:24 1 44.29069 71.31712 krummholtz trail 5050 dabbing mud on trail
20 8/15/2003 14:28 1 44.28914 71.31737 krummholtz trail 5150
20 8/15/2003 14:35 1 44.28669 71.3177 heath shrub-rush trail 5300 sunning and dabbing wet dirt on trail
20 8/15/2003 15:00 1 44.2767 71.31054 sedge meadow
snowbank
community 5500
nectaring Mtn. Goldenrod

11-Aug-
2002 plentiful 44.28148 71.27728 4800
Reported by Alex Grkovich. Fresh
individuals.Nelson Crag trail

11-Aug-
2002 2
4800-
5300
Reported by Alex Grkovich. Road from Nelson
Crag trail to Wamsutta Trail

12-Jul-
2003 1 44.28153 71.29233 5400
Reported by Alex Grkovich. Specimen in good
condition. Weather bad and became worse and
saw no others

21-Jun-
2003 1 44.27767 71.29451 5750
Reported by T. Dodd

21-Jun-
2003 5
5300-
5500
Reported by T. Dodd. Alpine Garden trail from
Toll Rd.

04-Jul-
2002 1+
Reported by R. Dirig. Mt. Washington

36
Table 6. Linear distance and area estimated to be directly impacted by hiking trails in selected alpine
vegetation communities of the Presidential Range, New Hampshire. To determine impacted area, average
trail width was estimated to be 2 meters.
Vegetation Community Linear Trail
Distance (m)
Impacted
Area (Ha)
Total Area
(Ha)
Percent
Impacted
Sedge meadow 4654.475832 0.931 80 1.2
Herbaceous snowbank 140.3604 0.028 3 0.9
Cushion-tussock 6706.261416 1.341 94 1.4
Heath-shrub-rush 4589.218152 0.918 115 0.8
Total 16090.3158 3.218 292 1.1





Table 7. Weather summary from Mt. Washington Weather Center (from
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/index.php accessed 1 Oct. 2003).
Month/Year No. Clear
Days
No. Partly
Cloudy Days
% Possible
Sunshine
June 2002 1 11 31
June 2003 2 10 43
July 2002 0 7 20
July 2003 0 5 24
August 2002 5 14 45
August 2003 0 6 20

37
Figure 1. Current distribution of the major alpine plant communities in the Presidential Range, White Mountains, NH
(vegetation data provided by Appalachian Mountain Club). White Mountain Arctic (Oeneis melissa semidea) populations
are concentrated in and around sedge meadow communities where their host plant is abundant. White Mountain Fritillary
(Boloria titania montinus) are concentrated in heath-shrub-rush, cushion-tussock, herbaceous snowbank and streamside
plant communities.
Alpine Plant Communities
Alpine Plant Communities
Krummholz
Birch-Alder
Heath Shrub-Rush
Cushion-Tussock
Sedge Meadow
Herbaceous Snowbank
Fellfield
Other
Water
Roads-Buildings
Cliff
No Data
Alpine/subalpineSurface Hydrology
General areas sampled by Anthony (1970)
Railroad
Hiking Trails

Figure 2. The Cow Pasture on Mt. Washington near mile 7 of the auto road, a typical sedge meadow and habitat of O. m.
semidea.

















Figure 3. Snowbank community on Mt. Clay with high density of flowering Alpine Goldenrod, typical habitat for B.t.
montinus.


























38

39
Figure 4. (blue dots) of O. m. semidea observed in 2002.



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Figure 5. Locations (blue dots) of B. t. montinus observed in 2002 – 03.

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