Range:
This species is a resident of parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and
some Pacific islands. It migrates
into the U.S., primarily into the southern portions of California, Arizona,
and Texas. It has been documented in Idaho, in Blaine County; this was probably
a rare occurrence.
Habitat:
It can typically be found in open areas, such as fields and
open woodlands.
Diet:
Caterpillar:
The caterpillar feeds on passion flower (Passiflora foetida), turnera
(Turnera ulmifolia), and morning glories (Ipomoea maritima).
Adult:
Butterflies drink flower nectar.
Ecology:
There are many generations of caterpillars each year. Adults
in the U.S. generally fly
from April through Novemeber. Butterflies exhibit a fast and jerky flight near
the ground.
Reproduction:
Males actively patrol
in search of receptive females. Females lay eggs singly on host plants
.
Conservation:
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Global Rank: | G5; populations are widespread, abundant, and secure. |
Opler, P. A. and A. B.Wright. 1999. A Field Guide to the Western Butterflies. Second Edition. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York, USA, 540 pp.
Pyle, R. M. 1981. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, New York, USA, 924 pp.
Scott, J. A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, USA, 583 pp.
Stanford, R. E. and P. A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western U.S.A. Butterflies (Including Adjacent Parts of Canada and Mexico). Published by authors, Denver, Colorado, USA, 275 pp.