Polixenes Arctic

Oeneis polixenes is resident to northern Canada and Alaska, and also exists in several separate populations in the Rocky Mountains as far south as New Mexico (Scott 1986). Habitat is tundra, especially moist or wet hummocky areas. Host plants are the sedge species Carex misandra (Cyperaceae) and grass species Festuca mibra. This species is biennial; individuals overwinter as first to third instar larvae the first winter and fourth instar or mature larvae the second winter. There is one flight each year with the approximate flight time mostly late June ? early Aug., June 15-July 31 in the far north arctic (Scott 1986).

Adults occasionally fed on flower nectar. Males both perch and patrol for females (Scott, 1986).

Subspecies brucei is not of concern. The status of boreal populations is unknown.

One yearly flight, peaking in early to late July.

Alaska to Labrador south to Alberta, with isolated populations in New England and the Rocky Mountain States (Scott 1986).

The upperside is an even greyish brown without any markings, although the underside markings are vaguely visible through the translucent wings. Underside mottled with black and grey, and with a distinct median band. Similar to O. bore, but lacks the light shading along the hindwing veins. Alberta populations are subspecies brucei.

Dry, gravelly alpine tundra.

Unknown in Alberta. Elsewhere, eggs are dull white and larvae have longitudinal lines of grey, brown-green and brown, and take two seasons to fully mature. The Polixenes Arctic flies only in odd-numbered years at Baker Lake, NWT and Churchill, MB (Scott 1986), but every year in the Alberta mountains.

No larval hosts are reported for Alberta. The main host at Churchill, MB is Carex misandra, and occasionally Festuca mibra (Parshall in Scott 1986). Adults occasionally nectar.