>>Of course, if both ssps, holbrooki and splendida, both occured in the same area, then I would guess they were separate species and if there were some crosses I'd probably call them hybrids

I think we're on the same page for the most part. But re: the above is why I brought up triangulum in Texas. In both Val Verde and Terrell counties in Texas you can find both "celaenops" and "annulata" sympatric, yet clearly they are the same species. I'm sure I could cite more examples as well.

While I don't have a problem with "subs" I don't think it's fool proof either (not black and white), especially given the dynamic nature of species over time. Our classification is simply a snapshot of (proposed) relationships right now. Not only am I interested in how they relate to each other today, but I'm fascinated with the origin of species as well.

Forks

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